Chemical Peels in San Francisco, CA

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About Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a technique that uses topical chemicals to peel away the top layer of old skin to reveal a new, fresh layer of skin. The result is rejuvenated, more youthful skin, similar to the results of a microdermabrasion treatment. While chemical peels are typically used on the face, they can also be administered to other parts of the body, including the neck, chest, and décolletage. Depending on the use of the chemical peel, varying levels of strength can be administered. Chemical peels are commonly used as a safe treatment for skin afflictions such as wrinkles, discoloration, acne, texture or pigmentation irregularities, or other related conditions. It is regarded as a successful way to achieve softer, smoother skin for better skin health and tone. Talk to one of the skin care professionals at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco to learn more about the benefits of chemical peels.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are several types of chemical peels offered by our office. The strength used will be determined based on the skin condition of the patient, as well as the aesthetic goals and desired downtime. Our office offers the following peels:

  • Superficial/Light Peel: This is the mildest chemical peel. It is performed in a matter of minutes with only about three to five days downtime of peeling. During this peel, only the most superficial layer of skin is removed, which causes the skin to immediately look smoother, more even toned, and brighter. These peels are usually comprised of alpha hydroxyl or beta hydroxyl acid, along with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid. Usually, multiple treatments are recommended to get the best possible results.
  • Medium Depth Peel: This peel goes deeper than a light peel and therefore, provides more dramatic results. This particular peel is usually derived from Trichloroacetic acid (known as TCA), a type of acid that penetrates deeper into the skin. A medium depth peel is used to treat hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and sun damage. Since the peel goes deeper, a patient can expect a longer recovery period and should plan ahead since the face can be swollen, itchy and red for about ten days following the treatment.

Regardless of the peel used, the overall procedure is similar. The skin will be cleansed thoroughly and a licensed esthetician will apply the chemical solution to your face. This process takes just a few minutes and a handheld fan is used to help decrease discomfort. During a light peel, the skin will tingle during treatment while a medium peel will produce a bit more discomfort. The differences between the peels are the type of solution used, the number of steps taken during the actual procedure, as well as the amount of solution that is applied.

I found Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology via Yelp. I made my first appointment and had to wait for a month and a half to get in which was over a year ago. I had been to so many Dermatologists, Cosmetologists, clowns, rip offs you name it, this wait was so worth!! I had melasma due to my pregnancy, very bad acne scars. When I saw Dr Austin, I bombarded her with all my bad experiences and kept asking for a chemical peel, sounds so funny now:-) She brought me back to earth and came up with a plan and took her time to explain me about my issues first and then the steps of her plan. Within a few months, my melasma was almost gone. We are still working on my acne scars but they ve almost disappeared as well. Dr. Austin is the BEST dermatologist I have ever come across by far!! She fixed all my medical skin issues and my confidence as a result. In the meantime, I moved to South bay and have been driving an hour an a half to Sf to see her!! Also, I started doing Botox and fillers with her (I am 42). This place is worth every penny! Do yourself a favor and go see Dr. Austin if you have skin issues! She is an amazing sorcerer!

S.O. Yelp

A miracle in San Francisco!! I moved from the East Coast, and so was fairly spoiled with some of the best cosmetic dermatologists in the U.S. However, now my concern is what on earth I will do WITHOUT Dr. He if he ever leaves the Bay Area. I can't say enough how lucky we are to have someone with that kind of natural artistry with filler here. He both incredibly knowledgeable and patient-focused, tailoring treatments and regimens to fit needs/budget and responding to last-minute skin care "emergencies" or concerns. If you are considering Botox, Filler, laser treatments, or peels and are in the Bay Area, I would DEFINITELY give BACD a call.

?.M. Yelp

I’ve been seeing Dr.He for two treatments now (acne scarring and mild rosacea which I didn’t know I had until he pointed it out) and I am very happy with the results so far. Dr.He is very professional, caring, funny, and knows his stuff! It’s hard finding a good dermatologist and after years of searching I’ve found mine. Highly recommend Dr.He!! Treatments: laser, chemical peels, and soon Botox.

K.C. Yelp

I highly recommend Dr. Steven He. I have had melasma and Nevi of Ota from on my cheeks and temples for the past 15 years. I’ve tried treatments from other dermatologists, including hydroxychloroquine cream, with no improvement. I’ve also met with other laser treatment centers, who presented cookie cutter treatments. However, I’ve seen friends and family get rebound hyperpigmentation on their face from aggressive dose of laser therapy. For Asian skin, sometimes the dose of laser and strength of chemical peels have to be adjusted due to skin sensitivity. As an Asian female physician, I was cautious about who to trust. I chose Dr. He because I heard he has lots of experience with Asian American patients. I started seeing him a few months ago, and I am extremely confident in his skills. He is thoughtful about his approach and tailors his treatment plan to the individual patient. I have had 5 treatments, starting with chemical peels to remove superficial melasma, and now transitioned to laser treatments for the darker spots. The spots have significantly lightened. I recently saw my family, who had been hounding me for years about my spots, and they could not even notice the spots! I am extremely satisfied with Dr. He’s care. He is a knowledgeable, conscientious, effective physician.

W.T. Yelp

This was my third facial peel with Megan. She’s always professional and makes the process fun. Check in today very pleasant!

K.K. Google

24

Total Reviews

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Average Rating

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Other Considerations

A soothing ointment will be applied to the skin after the treatment. In the days that follow, the skin will begin to naturally flake and peel away. Patients should avoid picking at the skin or trying to speed up the peeling process in any way because this can result in scarring. Patients should also avoid sun exposure and keep their skin protected at all times.

Reveal Better Skin

In order to achieve a more flawless, brighter and overall better-looking appearance, there are a number of options available to a patient. Choosing the right treatment is dependent upon your skin as well as your personal goals. Chemical peels are ideal for sun-damaged skin, pigmentation, scarring, and other skin irregularities. We invite you to call our office today to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a candidate for a chemical peel treatment.

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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.