 Chemical Peel
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Chemical peel is especially useful for the fine wrinkles on cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes, and the vertical wrinkles around the mouth.
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The chemical peel is a non-invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to improve and smooth facial skin. Chemical peels typically remove the damaged outer layers of skin and can be used to treat facial blemishes, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pre-cancerous skin growths and acne scars. There are three basic types of chemical peels including, from the strongest to the mildest, phenol peel, e trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel and alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peel.
The skin peel is particularly beneficial in treating fine wrinkles on the cheeks, forehead and eye area as well as vertical wrinkles surrounding the mouth. Those considering a chemical peel must be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations for the outcome of the surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Duboys, Dr. Sirota or our licensed esthetician will carefully examine your skin and discuss the available possibilities.
A chemical peel is typically performed as an outpatient. Anesthesia is usually not necessary for phenol and TCA peels because the chemical solution includes an anesthetic. If necessary, sedation may be used. The AHA peel only produces a slight stinging and also does not require anesthesia.
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The chemical solution can be applied to the entire face, or to a specific area - for example, around the mouth - sometimes in conjunction with a facelift
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At the end of a phenol peel, a thick layer of petroleum jelly may be applied to the treated area.
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A protective crust may be allowed to form over the new skin. When it's removed, the skin underneath will be a bright pink.
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AHA peels use alphahydroxy acids like glycolic, lactic or fruit acids. They are the mildest of the chemical peels and can even be mixed in with a facial wash or cream to be used as part of a daily skin care regime. The AHA peel can improve rough, dry skin, sun-damaged skin, and help control acne. The result is a smoother and brighter appearance to the facial skin. Usually a series of peels will be necessary for optimum results.
TCA peels can be adjusted to the individual patient and are of moderate depth. This peel is used to improve fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. While the results may be less dramatic and less long-lasting than those provided by a phenol peel, the TCA peel is typically associated with an easier and shorter recovery.
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After healing, the skin is lighter in color, tighter, smoother, and younger looking.
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The phenol peel is the strongest of the chemical peels and is able to treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotchy or sun-damaged skin and pre-cancerous growths. Phenol peels are typically not recommended for darker-skinned individuals as they may result in a lightening of the treated area. While results can be quite dramatic and long-lasting, the phenol peel is typically associated with a more lengthy recovery.
The recovery from a chemical peel is mildest after an AHA peel and most extensive after a phenol peel. The AHA peel can result in some temporary stinging, redness, irritation, crusting, flaking, scaling or dryness, though these side effects should not prevent you from returning to work and other normal activities right after treatment.
Some mild swelling may occur after a TCA peel depending on the strength and this typically subsides within a week. Your new improved skin will be apparent after seven to ten days, at which time work and most other normal activities can usually be resumed. Some moderate discomfort may occur and can be alleviated with prescription medication.
Swelling may be significant after a phenol peel. You may need to follow a liquid diet for the first few days and it’s often a good idea to have someone help you out at home for a day or two. Redness of the treated skin is also common and will fade to a pinkish color over the following months. The new skin will be apparent after about seven to ten days Work and most other normal activities can typically be resumed after about two weeks. Pain medication can be prescribed to help alleviate discomfort. The new skin after a phenol peel treatment often loses its ability to make pigment or tan and the skin will need to always be protected from the sun.
Frequently Asked Chemical Peel Questions
What is a chemical peel?
The chemical peel is a procedure which can improve the appearance of the facial skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Chemical peels can treat a variety of skin imperfections including blemishes, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pre-cancerous skin growths and acne scars. There are three types of chemical peels including the phenol peel which is the strongest, the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, and the alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peel which is the mildest.
Who is a candidate for a chemical peel?
Candidates for the chemical peel include men and women who are looking to improve wrinkles and other blemishes of the facial skin. It's also important that chemical peel candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. The chemical peel can be particularly effective in treating fine wrinkles on the cheeks, forehead and eye area as well as vertical wrinkles around the mouth.
What is an AHA peel?
The AHA, or alphahydroxy acid, peel is the mildest of the chemical peels and may use glycolic, lactic or fruit acids to produce a brighter and smoother skin appearance. AHA can also be used as part of a daily skin care regime by mixing it into a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations. AHA peels can treat rough, dry or sun-damaged skin and can help to control acne. Multiple peels may be necessary in order to achieve the best results.
What is a TCA peel?
The TCA, or trichloroacetic acid, peel can be used in varying strengths but is most often used as a medium-depth peel to improve fine surface wrinkles, pigment problems and superficial blemishes. TCA peels tend to involve a shorter and easier recovery, though they cannot produce the same dramatic and long-lasting results of a phenol peel.
Read more chemical peel questions.
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