A chemical peel is a medical treatment designed to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Chemical peels work by removing the outer layers of skin that have been damaged from exposure to sunlight, smoking, age and other adverse influences. The procedure is primarily cosmetic, but may also be used to reduce the risk from precancerous growths, to soften acne scars or to control acne.
Types
There are three primary chemicals used in facial peels. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are relatively mild and are often used to give the face a smoother, more vibrant appearance. AHAs are derived from fruit or are synthetically produced and include glycolic and lactic acid.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for medium-depth peels to remove fine surface wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation problems. It can be applied in a range of concentrations, and is often used in multiple sessions. The results of a TCA peel are not as significant or as long lasting that as a phenol peel.
Phenol is the most powerful chemical applied in facial peels. It is used for deep facial wrinkles, skin damaged by sun or precancerous growths.
Considerations
While, in some states, a medical degree is not required for a person to apply chemical peels, it is good to seek out a qualified and licensed plastic surgeon to do the procedure. Look for a practitioner who is well trained and experienced in offering chemical peels. This will ensure that your medical care is more effective and comprehensive.
Consultation
Your doctor will meet with you to discuss the procedure and your expectations. A medical history will be taken and your face will be examined. In some cases, a pretreatment with a medication, called Retin A, will be required to thin the skin's surface layer. A bleaching agent, such as hydraquinone, may also be used before the procedure.
During the Procedure
The procedure will usually be performed in the surgeon's office, or an outpatient surgical facility. Anesthesia for chemical peels isn't required. AHA peels produce little discomfort, and TCA and phenol act as anesthetics themselves.
Your face will first be cleansed. Then the doctor will apply the chemical. For AHA peels, the procedure will usually take only 10 minutes. TCA peels usually take about 15 minutes. You will then be monitored for a time to ensure the peel is working and that you are tolerating the procedure well. Once the peel is complete you will be sent home. Phenol peels are more involved. The treatment usually takes one or two hours for a full facial peel. A single treatment is usually sufficient.
After the Procedure
AHA peels usually result in some flaking, scaling and redness. These are temporary and will resolve over time. Because TCA and phenol peels are more significant, you may experience stinging and throbbing sensations. Your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever. You will need to be driven home and assisted for a couple of days. In these methods, your skin will become swollen and a crust will form. These will usually go away in about a week. In phenol peels, your skin will be red and gradually fade to pink, during the first two weeks. It is important, in all of these treatments, to apply a sun block when going outside immediately after treatment.
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