Chemical Peels and Other Skin Procdures
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. Peels are a great way to maintain healthy skin and boost collagen production for a more youthful, vibrant appearance.
Chemical peels are more commonly performed for cosmetic reasons to improve facial wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and boost collagen production for a more youthful appearance. Chemical peels are also performed to remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. There are basically three types of chemical peels, light, medium, and deep each increasingly aggressive and requiring more downtime.
Chemical peels are normally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified, experienced facial plastic & reconstructive surgeon. However, pre & post skin resurfacing treatment is vital for pigment control and optimal results.
Consultation with one of Premier’s Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons is necessary to determine the specific peel needed and pre & post operative skin care for optimal results.
PLANNING FOR A CHEMICAL PEEL
It is very important that you find a physician who is board certified in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery and has experience in skin resurfacing. Your plastic surgeon may offer you a choice of peel techniques or suggest a different resurfacing procedure to obtain the best result for you.
During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations. Ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have at this time. Your plastic surgeon will explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and how to maintain beautiful, long-lasting results. Pre & Post Skin Resurfacing Treatment is paramount with all chemical peels.
Pre-peel treatment will be prescribed by you facial plastic surgeon and is often a combination of Retin A (a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A), hydroquinone, cortisone, and sunblock, are used to pre-treat the skin. Retin A thins out the skin’s surface layer allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply. Hydroquinone is used to control pigment changes and improve hyper-pigmentation. Cortisone is used to control irritation and sunblock to protect the skin during treatment. Pre-treatment should start at least 2 weeks prior to your skin resurfacing procedure.
TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEELS
LIGHT PEEL – Alphahydroxy acids ( AHAs ), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels . These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can’t spare the time to recover from a more aggressive phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne.
More Information on Light Peels
MEDIUM PEEL- Medium Peels, such as the TCA peel and salicylic peel, penetrate the skin more deeply than the superficial peel. Medium peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, skin smoothness and vitality, and superficial discoloration.
More information on Medium Peels
DEEP PEEL – Deep Peels penetrate several layers of the skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. These peels are used only on the face, usually using a chemical called phenol. Deep peels may eliminate wrinkles, tighten skin, treat pronounced sun damage, lesions and growth on the skin in a single treatment. These results are often dramatic.