Skin issues always have a tendency to lower our morale, and when skin troubles appear on our faces, it’s best to find a long-lasting solution instead of just hiding them. Chemical peels are effective non-invasive ways of treating a wide variety of skin issues.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels use an acid solution to remove the damaged outer layers of skin, making way for fresh new skin to appear. Usually, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or phenol are used for the procedure. It is most commonly used as a facial rejuvenation treatment.
Who Should Come In For A Peel?
Chemical peels work best on light-skinned light-haired patients, but others may also be able to see decent results without complications. Only non-smokers can go for this treatment, and you need to be in good physical health. Also, if you have a history of poor skin healing and keloid scarring, you may not be eligible for this treatment.
However, since there are varied types of peels, consult your practitioner to learn about your eligibility and the type of peel you can come in for.
Skin Issues That Chemical Peels Can Treat
Dry or oily skin
Acne and acne scarring
Wrinkles and fine lines
Pigmentation
Sun damage
Dull skin
Overview Of Types Of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are broadly classified into three types: light, medium, and deep.
Light chemical peel: These are used to treat light wrinkles, acne, uneven pigmentation, and dry patches. AHA solutions are normally used for this treatment. Because they are gentle peels, there is very little recovery time needed after treatment.
Medium chemical peel: These treatments are used for reducing fine surface wrinkles, pigmentation issues, and superficial blemishes. The solution used for them is usually TCA-based. TCA peels work well on people with darker skin.
Deep chemical peel: As the name suggests, these are the strongest peels available. They are used to treat deep facial wrinkles, any benign growths, and blotches caused by aging or sun exposure. The procedure takes the longest (typically a couple of hours), and the recovery period is the longest out of the peel options, but the results are the most effective. Phenol acid is used in the solution for this treatment.
The Chemical Peel Procedure
All chemical peel procedures follow a basic pattern. First, the skin is cleaned, and then the peel is applied. The peel is washed off with water after a prescribed time period, and a soothing ointment is applied to the treatment area.
In the case of a light chemical peel, you may feel a slight tingling. The peel may be removed in as little as 10 minutes.
In the case of a medium chemical peel, a fan may be used to hasten the cooling process. This peel is not as comfortable as the light chemical peel in the sense that it can cause the skin to feel irritated. You might feel a mild burning sensation.
In the case of a deep chemical peel, a sedative or a local anesthetic is used on the skin to be treated, which helps you feel more comfortable throughout. Deep peels can affect the heart, so you will be kept on a heart monitor during the treatment. The full treatment process can take over an hour as the chemicals permeate the skin layers. A thick coating of petroleum jelly is used immediately after the peel is removed.
An aftercare regimen will be described to you in great detail, and you should follow this as closely as possible. Within a week to ten days, your rejuvenated skin will be visible.
Making An Appointment
Contact our office to make an appointment for a chemical peel consultation so you can find out which peel is best for you. Dr. Pat Pazmiño is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience and will be happy to help you revitalize your skin.
