Chemical Peel

The skin is the largest organ in our body, and is made up of millions of cells that protect us from the environment. Every day thousands of cells die, flake off, and are replaced by new cells from beneath the skin. As we age, this process begins to slow down. With aging, our skin may become dull, have dark blotches, fine lines, and other signs of sun-damage.

Dermatologists are constantly researching new and effective ways to reverse the effects of premature wrinkling from sun-damage and from facial muscle contraction. Men and women can now benefit from procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, dermabrasion, and collagen, Restylane, and Botox injections. Today, new techniques and technologies in chemical peeling offer safe and effective ways to improve the texture of the skin.

1. What skin conditions can a chemical peel improve?

2. Am I a good candidate for a peel?

3. What are the risks of a chemical peel?

4. What is a pre-op evaluation?

5. How is it done?

6. How is the recovery?

7. Types of Chemical Peels

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1. What skin conditions can a chemical peel improve?

Chemical peeling is a process where a chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin causes cell layers to peel away. The skin that is lost during the peel will be replaced during the healing process with a fresh, new skin surface. Chemical peels can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkling

• Age Spots

• Uneven Pigmentation

• Shallow Acne Scars

• Sun-damaged Skin

• Freckling

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2. Am I a good candidate for a peel?

Chemical peels can enhance the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms on people of all ages. While chemical peeling is available to almost everyone, skin type and coloring are important considerations. The best candidates are usually those with fair, thin skin that has a tendency toward fine wrinkling or scarring on the face. Deeper chemical peels are usually not recommended for people with highly pigmented skin, such as those with African- American, Asian, and Mediterranean background.

The chemical peeling procedure will not prevent aging. However, chemical peels can erase, fade, or reduce fine facial wrinkles and remove other surface imperfections. Before your procedure, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your Dermatologist. Remember, skin improvement, not perfection, should be your goal.

There are now several different types of chemical peels. The type used should depend on your particular condition. For certain types of scars and pits, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing may be preferable to a chemical peel. You should discuss your condition in detail to determine what type of chemical peel is right for you, if any.

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3. What are the risks of a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are normally a safe and popular way to treat facial wrinkling and fine scarring. While complications are extremely rare, some of the risks are hypopigmentation (lighting of skin), hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin), reactivation of the "cold sore" virus, and scarring. You should have realistic expectations and realize that the ultimate results may not be apparent for up to a year. Chemical peels can offer softer, smoother skin to those who never thought it was possible.

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4. What is a pre-op evaluation?

During your consultation, you will want to discuss the level of skin improvement you hope to achieve. This will determine if a certain type of peel can accomplish your goal. An examination to thoroughly assess your skin type and areas of concern will be made, and your general health and medical history may also be addressed. Your physician should then discuss the recommended type of peel and expected outcome for your unique problem. If you are taking certain medications or are a smoker, you may be asked to stop at least two weeks before and after the procedure.

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5. How is it done?

Most peels, no matter the type, are performed in nearly the same way. Your physician will first thoroughly cleanse your skin and then carefully apply a chemical to the appropriate areas. This can be the full face or just a portion of your face, such as around the mouth for those with fine, vertical lines, the forehead for horizontal wrinkles, or on the cheeks for fine wrinkles and age spots.

After the chemical is applied, you will feel a light burning sensation that will subside and you will experience a temporary throbbing sensation. The nurse may apply an ointment, bandage mask, or nothing at all, depending on the depth of the peel. The peel removes the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh, new surface skin.

The entire procedure usually takes from 15 minutes to an hour, depending upon the extent and type of peel used. Although you'll be mobile immediately following a full phenol or TCA peel, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, and to help around the house for a day or two. With glycolic acid or BETA peels, this is not necessary.

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6. How is the recovery?

The general reaction to a chemical peel is similar to a sunburn and usually results in mild to severe redness. Generally, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time. A glycolic acid or a BETA peel usually results in some redness that day, followed by slight flaking of the skin for a few days. There will be little to no swelling and there is no need to take off work. Patients usually just come in on their lunch breaks and go right back to work.

Medium (TCA) and deep (phenol) peels can result in swelling and blisters that lead to crusting, followed by peeling that can last up to a few weeks. These peels can require dressings that are left in place for 2-5 days. The new skin may first have the color of a severe sunburn, but will gradually fade to pink over a few weeks. Cosmetics can usually be applied after 1-2 weeks. Following a chemical peel, your new skin will be tighter, smoother and slightly lighter than it was before surgery.

Following any skin peel, it is important that you avoid any exposure to the sun. Your new skin will be very sensitive and susceptible to injury. You should always apply a wide spectrum (UVA and UVB blocking) sun block of at least SPF 15 ten minutes before you are exposed to direct sun light.

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7. Types of Chemical Peels

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