A chemical peel is a procedure which is used to improve the appearance of the skin. The procedure is most commonly performed on the face, neck and hands. A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin and the chemical is left to soak into the pores. The chemical used for the peel causes the skin to "blister" and over the next 14 days the skin will eventually peel off.
This procedure eliminates parts of the skin in a controlled way so that fresh skin can grow in its place. The chemicals they use in this procedure are sometimes referred to as exfoliating or wounding agents.
The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used.
Different factors that could affect the depth of a peel include the following:
Chemical peeling helps to improve the appearance of the skin and is often used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles, that are caused by the natural ageing process, sun damage, and smoking can often be reduced or possibly eliminated with the chemical peel procedure.
Chemical Peeling benefits include:
This procedure has been said to be one of the safest and most effective cosmetic procedures for the face.
The types of facial peels include:
Superficial Peels: These peels are the mildest type of chemical peel. Anyone with any type of skin can use this facial peel. Superficial peels usually use liquid containing a mild (dilute) acid, most often glycolic acid. Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is sometimes used.
Medium Peels: This peel goes deeper into the skin than superficial peels. It causes a second-degree burn of the skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main peeling agent used for medium peels. The doctor can do this procedure using several steps by means of a different chemical solution followed by TCA.
Deep Peels: This peel goes deep into several layers of skin. It will cause a second-degree burn of the skin during the process. They are used only on the face. A chemical called phenol is usually used for a deep peel treatment. Deep peels are not used on darker skin types because they tend to bleach the skin. Even in lighter-skinned people, phenol peels-or any type of deep resurfacing-may cause bleaching of the skin. Usually a doctor will only perform this procedure once per patient.
Things to consider:
Your doctor or skin specialist can help you decide what type of peel is best for you and your skin type.
Two to three weeks before the peel, you will need to begin preparing your skin by cleansing it twice a day, applying a special moisturizer or cream once or twice a day, and using sunscreen every day.
For medium and deep peels of the face, the doctor may prescribe medicine for a short period to prevent viral infection. This is especially likely if you have had cold sores before, and the peel will be in the areas near the mouth or eyes.
Superficial Peels: Right before the peel, the skin is cleaned. The chemical (usually a liquid or paste) is placed onto the skin with a small brush, gauze, or cotton-tipped applicators. The chemical is left on the skin for several minutes, depending on the type of chemical used. Water or alcohol may be used to neutralize the acid and end the chemical reaction, and then it is wiped off. You may feel a little burning while the chemical is on your skin. A handheld fan can help cool the skin and relieve any discomfort.
Medium Peel: The procedure for a medium peel is like a superficial peel, but the chemical may be left on for a longer period. Medium peels are more painful than superficial peels because the chemicals are stronger and they penetrate deeper into the pores of the skin. The doctor may offer you a pain reliever and an oral sedative to reduce pain and any nervousness you may experience during the procedure. Cool compresses and fans are accessible to cool the stinging and burning caused by the chemical peel. The procedure usually takes 40 minutes to complete. There is slight or no pain after the peel is finished.
Deep Peel: Usually a deep peel take will take the doctor the longest to complete. This peel is the most painful type of the three types of chemical peels. This procedure is also the most complex procedure. The doctor may give you an oral general anesthesia, sedative and pain relievers to help ease the pain and nervousness during the procedure. It is common for the doctor to administer the medication through a shot or intravenous injection.
After the skin has been completely cleaned, the chemical will be applied and allowed to penetrate deep into the pores of your skin. After one area of the face is treated, the doctor will probable call for a fifteen-minute break before the next area is treated to prevent too much phenol from getting into your body.
Tape or ointment may be applied to the treated area after the peel so the doctor is able to treat areas that have deeper problem, if there is any to be treated. When tape is used, it is removed after 2 days. Ointment is washed off with water after 24 hours. It is reapplied as needed.
Depending on how large an area is being treated, the entire procedure may take between 60 and 90 minutes.
The recovery time after a chemical peel depends on what kind of peel was applied to your face and how deep the chemical penetrated into your skin. No matter what type of peel you had done on your face, it is important to take care of your skin after the peel has been completed to speed up recovery. By taking care of your skin, you will help your skin to look its best for a longer period and prevent infection. Your doctor or skin specialist will provide appropriate aftercare information.
This can include the following:
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