Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that improves and smoothes the texture of the face using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

Men or women who are looking to reduce fine lines, improve mild scarring, alleviate acne, reduce age spots or freckles, improve the skin’s texture, or reduce the effects of sun damage may be good candidates for a chemical peel.

People with fair skin and light hair are ideal candidates for chemical peels. People with darker skin may also have good results, depending on the type of problem being treated.

Before getting a chemical peel, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your general health status, discuss your options, examine your face, and recommend a course of treatment.

The procedure will be described in detail, including risks and limitations. Photographs will be taken for before and after comparisons.

The surgeon will give you preoperative instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. During your consultation, the surgeon will answer any questions you might have, so come to your appointment prepared.

Anesthesia is not required for a chemical peel, but your surgeon may use sedation to relax you and keep you comfortable.

There are 3 types of chemical peels 1) Alphahydroxy acid (AHA) Peels; 2) Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels; and 3) Phenol peels. Each is described below:

AHA peels/treatments: Your doctor will apply the AHA solution to your face, a process that takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.

Phenol and TCA peels: After the skin has been washed, the surgeon will apply the phenol or TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the solution is applied, but it will quickly pass.

A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more may be needed to obtain the desired result.

If phenol solution has been used, your face may be coated with petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape. With lighter peels, no covering is necessary.

A full-face phenol peel generally takes one or two hours to perform, while a phenol peel to a smaller facial region (for example, the skin above the upper lip) may take only 10 or 15 minutes. A single treatment is usually enough.

You should be able to go home the day of your procedure, but you will need someone to drive you.

Chemical peel recovery time will depend on the type of chemical peel. After an AHA peel, you will experience temporary flaking or scaling, redness, and dry skin. These conditions will disappear over time.

After a phenol or TCA peel, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing you may feel. If tape was used to cover your face, it will be removed after a day or two. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow your doctor's post-operative instructions.

A TCA peel may also cause significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel. The pain and swelling should subside within the first week.

If you've had a phenol peel, your face may become quite swollen. Your eyes may even be swollen shut temporarily. You will need someone to help care for you for a day or two. You may also be limited to a liquid diet and advised not to talk very much during the first few days of recovery. Your face will be very red at first, gradually fading to a pinkish color over the following weeks to months.

Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.

Although chemical peels are relatively safe, all procedures come with some risk. Potential chemical peel risks may include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Pain
• Scarring
• Sun sensitivity
• Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin)

Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Chemical peel costs vary based on a number of factors including:

• Type of peel
• Geographic location
• Facility fees
• Surgeon expertise and demand

Costs can range from around $75 to more than $600.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org

Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_peel

Medicine Net, Inc. www.medicinenet.com