Chemical Peels

For centuries, people have sought smoother, more beautiful skin. No sooner do we grow out of our teenage skin problems, then we begin the next phases of aging--fine wrinkles, mild scarring and other irregularities of the skin caused by sun exposure, smoking and heredity to name a few. Today, new techniques and technologies in chemical peeling offer safe and effective ways to improve the texture of the skin.

Chemical peeling is a process whereby a chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin to peel away the top cell layers which will be replaced during the healing process with a fresh, new skin surface.

This will give you a basic idea of chemical peeling including peel types, who are the best candidates, what to expect, what each type of peel entails and what results you can expect. Chemical peels are not a substitute for facelifts, but you can improve the texture of the skin. Your cosmetic surgeon can discuss your individual circumstances and review the procedure and the peel he or she plans to use with you. It is important that you understand the procedure, so be sure to ask your surgeon any questions you may still have.

Are you a good canidate?
Chemical peels can enhance the appearance of facial and other skin on men and women of all ages. While chemical peeling is available to almost everyone, skin type and coloring are important considerations. The best candidates are usually those with fair, thin skin that has a tendency toward fine wrinkling or scarring on the face. Deeper chemical peels are usually not recommended for highly pigmented skin such as Asian, Black and Mediterranean or oily complexions.

This procedure will not prevent aging, however, chemical peels can erase, fade or reduce fine facial wrinkles and remove other surface imperfections. Before your surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your cosmetic surgeon. Remember, improvement, not perfection, is the goal.

There are now several different types of chemical peels depending on your particular condition. For certain types of scars and pits. Dermabrasion, which uses a tool to "sand" the surface of the skin, may be suggested. Your surgeon will discuss your condition to see if and what types of chemical peel is right for you.

There are risks in all surgical procedures
Like all surgery, chemical peels involve some level of risk. Chemical peels are a normally safe and popular way to treat facial wrinkling and fine scarring. To help ensure a successful outcome, the patient should be a good candidate, the surgeon should be well trained in chemical peeling techniques, the surgical facility should be properly equipped and the patient should follow the doctor's instructions and advice. While complications are extremely unusual, you should discuss the risks and possible side effects with your doctor. Patients with liver, kidney or heart ailments need to make their cosmetic surgeon aware of them.

You should have realistic expectations and realize that the true results may not be apparent for up to a year. Chemical peels can offer softer, smoother skin to those who never thought it was possible. Discuss the benefits and risks with your surgeon given your particular circumstances.

Before surgery
During your consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the areas you'd like to enhance. An examination to thoroughly assess your skin type and areas of concern will be done. Your general health and medical history may also be addressed. Your surgeon can discuss the expected outcome, timing and type of peel individualized for your unique problem. Then, your surgeon will discuss what medication, if any, you should avoid and you may be asked to stop smoking at least one to two weeks before and after the procedure. Although you'll be mobile immediately following a full phenol or TCA peel, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, and to help around the house for a day or two. With glycolic or small, regional peels, this will not apply.

The surgery ~ how it is done
Although nearly always performed on an outpatient basis, a full face phenol or TCA peel may require an overnight stay. Local anesthesia is usually not required for chemical peels, because the chemical solution itself acts as an anesthetic. Some doctors and situations. however, may indicate the use of a local or general anesthesia for full face peels. Sedation before and after surgery is frequently used to keep you comfortable during the peeling operation.

Most peels, no matter the type, are performed in nearly the same way. The surgeon begins your peel by cleansing your skin to remove all oils, dirt and soap traces. Your hair will also be moved out of the way. Then, the chemical is carefully applied to the appropriate areas using a swab applicator. For some, this may be a full face peel. which would cover the entire face. Others may only need a partial peel. such as around the mouth for those fine, vertical lines, the forehead for horizontal wrinkles, or on cheeks for fine wrinkles and age spots. You will feel a light burning sensation that will subside and you will experience a temporary throbbing. After the application, your surgeon may apply an ointment or for a deep peel. may apply a bandage mask. You cosmetic surgeon has now "peeled" off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh, new surface skin.

The entire procedure usually takes from 15 minutes to an hour depending upon the extent and type of peel used.

After the surgery
Your cosmetic surgeon will prescribe a specific recovery routine for you based on your skin type and type of peel. Your swelling will subside after a few days, and keep your head elevated to reduce the swelling. Your doctor can advise when you can begin normal activity level. With glycolic or light, regional peels, there will be little or no swelling.

You'll need to stay out of direct or reflected sunlight for several months and you'll need to always wear a sunscreen when outdoors to protect your fresh, new skin.

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