Facial scars can be a lasting reminder of an injury or an outbreak of acne. While makeup may cover scars temporarily, a facial peel can reduce the appearance of your scar permanently. Doctors perform facial peels, also called chemical peels, in their offices. Recovery time depends on the type of peel your doctor recommends.
Identification
The top layers of skin separate and peel off after the chemical peel solution penetrates the face. Smoother, undamaged skin emerges under the peeled skin. Because facial peeling only removes the top layers of the skin, it is not effective in treating deep scars.
Scars Treated
Facial peels are helpful in treating small, depressed scars and larger scars that are not too deep. The procedure is not effective in treating ice-pick scars, depressed fibrotic scars and keloids, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Ice-pick scars are small, deep scars that may develop if you have had severe acne. Fibrotic scars are deep and have steep sides, while keloids are lumpy, raised scars that may grow beyond the original site of a wound.
Types of Peels
Alpha hydroxy acid produces the mildest type of peel and are used if you need only light peeling. Doctors use trichloroacetic acid for medium peels and phenol for deep peels. Your doctor will determine the best type of peel for you based on your skin color, skin type and age. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether a phenol peel is appropriate for you because this type of peel may lighten the treated area. If you undergo an alpha hydroxy acid or trichloroacetic acid peel, you may require more than one treatment for maximum effectiveness.
Peel Procedure
Cleansing your skin is the first step in the chemical peel process. After cleansing, your doctor applies the peel preparation to your skin. The chemicals remain on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes if your doctor uses a alpha hydroxy acid or trichloroacetic acid peel. Treatment of the entire face with a phenol peel can last for one to two hours. You may feel a stinging or hot sensation during your peel.
Recovery
After an alpha hydroxy acid peel, you may notice that your skin looks red and flaky, but you won't experience significant pain. A trichloroacetic acid peel can be moderately painful and may require a recovery period of one week or longer before you can return to your normal routine. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine can help control pain and swelling following a trichloroacetic acid or phenol peel. Your face may be so swollen after a phenol peel that it may be difficult to see for a day or two. You can usually return to your normal routine and work in two weeks. Your doctor may prescribe a special ointment for your face after a facial peel and may apply surgical tape to protect treated areas.
Crusts will form on your skin after a trichloroacetic acid or phenol peel. When the crusts flake off, you will notice smoother skin and a less obvious scar. The American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery reports that your skin will remain lighter for a long time after surgery, but that condition will usually subside when the skin's pigment level has been restored.
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