chemical

chemical peel

If you're considering chemical peel...

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk. Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.

It is also possible that phenol will cause some undesired cosmetic results, such as uneven pigment changes. Certain modified phenol peels are gentler and may be preferred in some circumstances.

PEEL FORMULAS AT A GLANCE

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)
Uses:

Smooths rough, dry skin
Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
Aids in control of acne
Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
Can be used as TCA pre-treatment

Considerations:

A series of peels may be needed
As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Uses:

Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
Removes superficial blemishes
Corrects pigment problems

Considerations:

Can be used on neck or other body areas
May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
Treatment takes only 10-15 minutes
Preferred for darker-skinned patients
Peel depth can be adjusted
Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
Sunblock must be used for several months
Healing is usually quick, much quicker than with a phenol peel

Phenol
Uses:

Corrects blotches caused by: sun exposure, birth-control pills, aging
Smooths out coarse wrinkles
Removes pre-cancerous growths

Considerations:

Used on the face only
Not recommended for dark-skinned individuals
Procedure may pose risk for patients with heart problems
Full-face treatment may take one hour or more
Recovery may be slow - Complete healing may take several months
May permanently remove facial freckles
Sun protection, including sunblock, must always be used
Results are dramatic and long-lasting
Permanent skin lightening and lines of demarcation may occur

PLANNING FOR A CHEMICAL PEEL

During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with the plastic surgeon. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. The surgeon will explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. If you have a history of herpes, you should inform the surgeon prior to the procedure.

PREPARING FOR YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL

Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your actual peel.

WHERE YOUR PEEL WILL BE PERFORMED

Most chemical peels may be safely performed in a plastic surgeon's office.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

No anesthesia is required for chemical peel.

THE PEEL

AHA peels/treatments: AHA solution will be applied to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually 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: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, the surgeon will carefully apply the phenol or TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.

After a phenol or TCA peel, a mild pain medication may be used 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. A TCA peel may also cause significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used. If you've had a phenol peel, your face may become quite swollen. Your eyes may even be swollen shut temporarily.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels.

With a TCA peel, the moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside within the first week. In about a week to ten days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.

With a phenol peel, new skin will begin to form in about seven to ten days. Your face will be very red at first, gradually fading to a pinkish color over the following weeks to months. During this time, it is especially important that you use a sunblock or blotchy, irregular skin coloring may result.

About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities. Your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup.

YOUR NEW LOOK

Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.

The results of a TCA peel are usually not as long-lasting as those of phenol peel. However, your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.

If you're planning a phenol peel, you can expect dramatic improvement in the surface of your skin - fewer fine wrinkles, fewer blemishes and more even-toned skin. Your results will be long-lasting, although not immune to the effects of aging and sun exposure.