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Chemical Peel

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose.

Details: The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.

It is a way to minimize the effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkling over the forehead, about the eyelids and cheeks, and around the mouth.

A chemical peel can be effective treatment for superficial acne, and skin problems associated with chicken pox and pigmentation problems.

Procedure:The chemical peel procedure involves a chemical solution that actually burns away the uppermost layer of the skin. The solution is applied only to problem areas, except for a full face peel, where it is applied everywhere but the eyes, brows and lips. For many patients (especially smokers), only the mouth is treated.

You can feel a slight burning sensation as the solution is applied but it goes away quickly as the chemical itself acts like an anesthetic

Length: Depending on the size being treated. Usually an hour or longer.
Anesthesia: Anesthesia isn't required for phenol or TCA peels because the chemical solution acts as an anesthetic. However, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable.
In/Outpatient: Chemical peel is usually an inpatient procedure.

Side-Effects / Risks:All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.

Recovery: After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.

After a phenol or TCA peel, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing you may feel. If tape was used to cover your face, it will be removed after a day or two. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow your doctor's specific post-operative instructions. A TCA peel may also cause significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used. New skin: within 5 to 10 days.

If you've had a phenol peel, your face may become quite swollen. Your eyes may even be swollen shut temporarily. You will need someone to help care for you for a day or two. You may also be limited to a liquid diet and advised not to talk very much during the first few days of recovery. Formation of new skin: 7 to 21 days. Normal activities resume: 2 to 4 weeks. Full healing and fading of redness: 3 to 6 months.

Results: Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.

The results of a TCA peel are usually not as long-lasting as those of phenol peel. However, your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.

If you're planning a phenol peel, you can expect dramatic improvement in the surface of your skin - fewer fine wrinkles, fewer blemishes and more even-toned skin. Your results will be long-lasting, although not immune to the effects of aging and sun exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Which type of chemical will yield the longest lasting results?

A. The Phenol peel is usually provides the most long lasting results.

Q. Which chemical peel is the mildest?

A. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel.

Q. How many chemical peel treatments are required?

A. This varies with the type of peel:

1. phenol peel: one treatment (new wrinkles may form as skin ages)
2. AHA: Often more than one treatment is necessary.
3. TCA:Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result.