Procedure Time 15 min - 2 hrs
Recovery Time Days to Months
What is Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
Skin resurfacing is a powerful technique designed to refresh and rejuvenate the skin, addressing imperfections and reducing wrinkles. At Shire Facial Plastic Surgery in Chattanooga, we offer treatments that help reveal a smoother, more radiant layer of skin. Of the available methods, chemical peels are among the most popular for skin resurfacing, known for their ability to significantly improve skin texture and reduce visible skin concerns.
Resurfacing is a natural process where the damaged top layer of skin is removed and replaced with fresh, new skin, resulting in a tighter, more youthful appearance.
Before and After Photos
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels in Chattanooga are performed by applying a specific chemical solution to the skin, causing the outer layer to shed. The fresh, smoother skin underneath has fewer wrinkles and imperfections. Dr. Shire personally oversees and performs all chemical peels, ensuring precise and tailored care for each patient. Chemical peels vary in strength, depending on the type of chemical used and the depth they penetrate into the skin.
Chemical peels are classified into three categories:
Light Chemical Peels
Light, or superficial peels, use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) to target the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis. These include glycolic acids, retinols, resorcinol, and kojic acid. Light chemical peels are perfect for individuals seeking:
- Reduction of fine wrinkles
- Acne treatment
- Improved skin texture
- Minimal downtime
Intermediate Chemical Peels
Intermediate peels, such as glycolic or trichloroacetic acids (TCA 20-35%), penetrate deeper into the skin. These peels provide:
- Deeper wrinkle treatment
- Correction of moderate skin discoloration
- Suitable for all skin types with moderate recovery time
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels, including phenol-croton oil-based peels, are the gold standard. Dr. Shire, an expert in chemical peels, personally performs all procedures. These peels use phenol-croton based solutions to penetrate multiple layers of the skin and are ideal for:
- Severe wrinkle treatment
- Addressing age spots or shallow scars
- Long-lasting results
- Treating brown spots and hyperpigmentation
- Managing recurrent pre-cancerous skin lesions
Deep peels are done under mild sedation anesthesia. Although painless postoperatively, they take 10-20 days to fully peel, revealing new, smooth, and clear skin. The peeling and re-epithelization can take 10-20 days, the red phase, where the new skin is healing, may last many months.
Why Lasers Are Not Recommended
Dr. Shire no longer recommends laser resurfacing (CO2 lasers) due to their higher risk of scarring, hypopigmentation (skin whitening), long-term texture changes, and increased pain and infection rates. Additionally, lasers take longer to heal compared to chemical peels.
Am I a Good Candidate?
At Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, we understand the desire to rejuvenate and refresh your skin. A skin resurfacing chemical peel in Chattanooga can effectively address a variety of skin concerns, but not everyone may be an ideal candidate for this treatment. Below are the qualifications for ideal candidates and situations where individuals may not qualify.
Ideal Candidates:
You may be a good fit for a chemical peel if:
- If you have fine lines and wrinkles: A chemical peel can help smooth subtle signs of aging and rejuvenate your skin.
- You have sun-damaged skin: Chemical peels improve discoloration and rough texture caused by sun exposure.
- You have acne or acne scars: Peels can reduce breakouts and diminish the appearance of acne scars.
- You have an uneven skin tone: If hyperpigmentation, freckles, or age spots are concerns, chemical peels may help even your skin tone.
Who May Not Be an Ideal Candidate:
You may not qualify for a skin resurfacing chemical peel if:
- You have severe or cystic acne: Chemical peels may worsen these conditions.
- You have very sensitive skin: Some individuals may have adverse reactions to the chemicals used in the peel.
- You have a history of skin disorders: Conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis could be aggravated by the treatment.
It’s essential to consult with Shire Facial Plastic Surgery to ensure skin resurfacing is right for you. A personalized consultation will help determine the best approach tailored to your skin's unique needs.
Why Choose Shire Facial Plastic Surgery for Skin Resurfacing in Chattanooga?
When it comes to enhancing and revitalizing your skin's appearance, choosing the right practice is essential. At Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, we go beyond being just another clinic-we represent a legacy of excellence built on decades of expertise. Dr. Shire is also a national and international authority on Deep Chemical Peeling. Having done thousands of peels in his practice, he is also an author of articles, books and a noted lecturer on Chemical Peels. Located in Chattanooga, our state-of-the-art facility provides a serene and welcoming environment for your comfort.
What truly sets us apart are our credentials and an unwavering dedication to patient care. Led by Dr. James Shire, a renowned expert in facial plastic surgery, our team stays at the forefront of aesthetic advancements, consistently adopting the latest techniques and technologies. By entrusting your skin resurfacing journey to Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, you choose unmatched quality, a personalized approach, and results that speak for themselves.
How Much Does Skin Resurfacing in Chattanooga Cost?
The cost of skin resurfacing, particularly for procedures like chemical peels, can vary depending on several factors. Primarily, the depth and type of peel selected will influence the total cost, as different levels of peels are priced differently. Additional factors that may affect the overall expense include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgeon’s fees
- Facility costs
- Location
For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, a consultation at Shire Facial Plastic Surgery is essential. While cost is an important consideration, always prioritize the quality, expertise, and safety of the procedure to ensure optimal results.
What To Expect During a Consultation for Skin Resurfacing
Embarking on a skin resurfacing journey at Shire Facial Plastic Surgery in Chattanooga is an exciting step toward revitalizing your skin. From consultation to recovery, our process is designed to meet your individual skin needs and aesthetic goals.
Consultation
At your initial consultation, Dr. Shire will carefully assess your skin and listen to your concerns. This thorough evaluation allows us to understand your aesthetic goals and craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your skin type and expectations. It's the perfect opportunity to ask questions, understand the procedure details, and align your goals with potential outcomes.
Procedure
Light Chemical Peels
A mild acid solution is gently applied to exfoliate the outermost skin layer, shedding dead skin cells. It's like a refreshing cleanse, ideal for addressing mild discoloration or roughness. This peel is repeatable, offering ongoing results.
Intermediate Chemical Peels
This peel penetrates deeper into the outer and middle layers of the skin. You may feel a tingling sensation, addressing age spots, fine wrinkles, and moderate unevenness. It initiates a skin transformation, revealing smoother, rejuvenated skin.
Deep Chemical Peels
For more pronounced skin issues, a deep peel penetrates the middle to deeper layers. You may be given anesthesia or sedation for comfort. This peel treats moderate lines, scars, or even certain growths, offering long-lasting results after a single treatment.
Recovery
Light Chemical Peels
After a light peel, expect minor redness resembling a mild sunburn, which fades within a day or two. With moisturizing, you can quickly return to your routine, showing off refreshed skin.
Intermediate Chemical Peels
Following an intermediate peel, your skin may swell or sting slightly. Over the week, expect peeling and flaking as your skin renews itself.
Deep Chemical Peels
Recovery from a deep peel requires patience. Expect marked redness and swelling, with peeling occurring within one to two weeks. The red to pink phase may last for many months, so it's vital to avoid sun exposure and follow all post-care instructions, including using prescribed creams and ointments.
Risks
While chemical peels are generally safe, potential risks include scarring, infection, hypopigmentation, or an adverse reaction to the agents used. Following after-care instructions carefully helps minimize these risks and ensures a smooth recovery.
Schedule a Consultation with Shire Facial Plastic Surgery Today
A skin resurfacing treatment offers more than just a chemical peel-it has the potential to transform your skin and elevate your confidence. Whether you're looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, address sun-damaged skin, combat acne, or achieve a more even skin tone, this could be the ideal procedure for you.
Ready to start your journey toward rejuvenated skin with skin resurfacing in Chattanooga? The team at Shire Facial Plastic Surgery is here to guide you every step of the way.
