Reducing Wrinkles
Chemical peels reduce wrinkles and blemishes by removing the top layers of skin with special chemicals. The procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon and can also be used to correct skin pigment problems, control acne, reduce scarring, eliminate dry skin and remove freckles and age spots. After the chemicals are applied to the skin, the outer layer begins to peel away, exposing a layer of smoother skin. Peels are usually done on the face and neck but can also be performed on the arms, hands and legs.
The Procedure
During a pre-treatment evaluation, your doctor examines your skin and decides which type of chemical or combination of chemicals to use. If you have more severe or coarse wrinkles, damaged skin or pre-cancerous spots, your doctor may recommend treating your face with phenol, the strongest chemical used for facial peels. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) may be used if a medium peel is performed. Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) may be used for a mild chemical peel.
Before the chemicals are applied to your skin, the treatment area is cleaned with a special solution. You may notice a slight stinging sensation when the chemicals are applied to the face. Depending on the type of peel, the chemicals may remain on your skin for 15 minutes to two hours before being removed. For a deep peel, your doctor covers your skin with petroleum jelly or adhesive tape following the procedure.
Recovery
The duration of recovery varies based on the type of peel. After an AHA peel, you may notice redness, dry skin, flaking or scaling. These problems gradually disappear. TCA and phenol peels can cause significant swelling. If you have a phenol peel, your eyes may even swell shut after the peel, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you have had either type of chemical peel, your face may develop scabs and you may need a mild prescription pain medication to relieve tingling or throbbing in the first days after the procedure.
You can continue normal daily activities after an AHA peel but may need to stay home from work for a week or longer if you have a TCA or phenol peel. If you have either of these peels, you will notice new skin formation approximately one week following the procedure. No matter what type of peel, you must use sunblock whenever you plan to be in the sun to protect your new skin and prevent blotchiness.
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