Facial peels, also called chemical peels, are used to improve the appearance of the skin on your face. When chemicals are applied to the skin, the top layers begin to peel away, revealing smoother skin with fewer wrinkles. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that chemical peels only be performed by a physician who has training and experience in skin resurfacing.
Effects
Facial peels can improve your appearance by reducing fine lines, large pores, mild scars, freckles, age spots, acne, blotchy skin or minor sun damage. While the procedure will improve the appearance of your face, results will not be drastic and it will not appear as if you have had a face lift.
Types
Doctors can choose from several types of chemicals to use in facial peels. Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) are used to treat acne, uneven skin tone, fine wrinkles and areas of dry skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a medium peel and is used to reduce blemishes, fine wrinkles and skin tone problems. Phenol is the strongest and deepest chemical peel and is used to treat sun-damaged skin, coarse wrinkles, damaged skin or precancerous areas.
Procedure
Your doctor will decide which chemicals are appropriate for you, based on the condition of your skin. After your face is thoroughly cleaned, the chemical solution will be applied. You may feel a slight stinging feeling when the chemicals are applied. If you have a phenol peel, the solution will remain on your face for one or two hours, while TCA will be removed after approximately 15 minutes. AHA is usually placed on your face for approximately 10 minutes. If you have a phenol peel, your face will be covered with a protective ointment after treatment. Ointment may not be required for lighter peels. Depending on the chemicals used, you may require follow up treatments to achieve maximum results.
Recovery
Your face may appear red or swollen after a facial peel. You may notice flaking or scaling and scabs may form if you have a deep peel. If you have had a TCA or phenol peel, you may notice a tingling or throbbing sensation in your face. Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication to help you manage these symptoms. If you have had a phenol peel, your face and eyes may be swollen for a few days after the procedure and it may be difficult to talk or eat solid food. While you heal, it is important to use sunblock on your face whenever you are exposed to the sun. If you don't, your skin may become blotchy. Depending on the type of peel, you can expect to recover from the effects of the peel within one day to two weeks.
Warning
Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills or if family members have ever experienced any brown discoloration on the face. These factors can increase your risk of a skin color change after the procedure and need to be considered when choosing the chemicals used in the facial peel.
Member Comments