PCA Chem Peel
What is
PCA Chemical Peel?
PCA chemical peels are light to
moderate chemical peels that can exfoliate, tighten, smooth,
and improve the texture and appearance of the facial skin
and some other body areas. PCA chemical peels contain AHAs,
or alphahydroxy acids, which are the gentlest and lightest
chemical peels available. There are different types of PCA
chemical peels that are designed to address specific skin
conditions. PCA chemical peels can be very effective at
treating facial blemishes and acne, uneven skin
pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and damage caused by the sun,
aging, and other sources of skin imperfections.
Chemical peels are one of the top five
non-surgical procedures that are sought by Americans each
year. In 2003, more than 722,000 people under went chemical
peel treatments in the United States; a 46 percent increase
from the previous year. Chemical peels are so popular
because they can delivery satisfying results with little
risk of complications. The average cost of a chemical peel
treatment is $800, though the cost can vary greatly
depending on the type of chemical peel performed, who
performs the treatment, and a variety of other factors.
Because PCA chemical peels are usually done for cosmetic
purposes, health insurance does not usually cover this type
of treatment.
In addition to AHAs, PCA chemical peels
also include other chemicals that are formulated to treat
specific skin needs. Some PCA chemical peel shave
hydroquinone constituents which are good for treating sun
damage, pigment discolorations, and acne. For patients who
are sensitive to hydroquinone, there are PCA chemical peels
that do not have this chemical that are useful for
unclogging pores, treating acne, and rejuvenating the skin.
Some formulations of PCA chemical peels have both
hydroquinone and resorcinol. These PCA chemical peels are
the most potent and are good for more extreme skin
imperfections. Patients with active or cystic acne, extreme
sun damage, and asphyxiated skin are usually the best
candidates for these PCA chemical peels.
When a person seeks PCA chemical peels,
it is important to find a professional who is trained and
experienced at skin resurfacing techniques. Some states do
not require that a person hold a medical degree to
administer PCA chemical peels. A good cosmetic surgeon is
often the most qualified person who can administer PCA
chemical peels. A surgeon can evaluate your skin, medical
history, and other pertinent information in order to
determine if PCA chemical peels are the best option for you.
When PCA chemical peels are
administered they usually do not require anesthesia, though
a sedative may be helpful during treatment. The process
usually takes less than an hour and there is generally
little downtime after PCA chemical peels. It is normal for
patients to experience some temporary redness, flaking,
scaling, and/or dryness which usually resolves as the skin
adjusts to PCA chemical peels. In order to achieve the
desired results, a patient will often need a series of PCA
chemical peels. A doctor can discuss this and other specific
needs with patients on an individual basis. PCA chemical
peels are a safe and effective way to treat skin
imperfections and enhance the vibrancy and youthfulness of
the skin.
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