|
Chemical peels can
accomplish a variety of different results, depending
on the type of chemical used, the depth of treatment,
and the condition that is being treated. Chemical peels
are commonly used to improve or reduce the appearance
of fine lines, brown spots or freckles, acne, scarring,
and skin texture changes associated with aging, smoking,
and sun exposure. it does not effectively tighten the
skin and does not replace the need for a face lift.
A chemical peel does actually burn
off the top layers of skin, much like a sunburn does
(without the ultraviolet exposure). It can be used to
treat targeted areas such as around the eyes (crow's
feet) and mouth (lip lines), on the cheeks for pigmentation
changes, or on the full face or face and neck. Chemical
peels can also be used on other areas of the body that
are commonly damaged by the sun such as the chest (décolleté),
arms, and hands.
Several different chemical solutions
can be used, depending on the desired result and depth
of peel. More superficial peels result from lactic acid,
glycolic acid (up to 35%), salicylic acid, and Jessner's
peels. A TCA (tricholaracetic acid) peel up to 20% can
also be considered a light peel. Deeper peels are accomplished
with higher concentrations of glycolic acid (up to 65%),
TCA (trichloracetic acid) (over 25%), and phenol. Sometimes
laser skin resurfacing is used instead of a chemical
peel and this can produce a deeper peel, still, depending
on the laser used.
Before your Chemical Peel:
Some doctors prescribe a pretreatment skin regimen for
4 to 8 weeks before performing a chemical peel to condition
your skin, minimize the risk of hyper-pigmentation (brown
spots), and speed your healing. This skin program may
include sun avoidance, Retin-A, hydroquinone 4%, glycolic
acid, and anti-oxidants. Check with your doctor to see
if this is recommended for you.
Anesthesia for Chemical Peels:
During a chemical peel, you may experience stinging
and burning as the chemical peel solution is applied.
The type of anesthesia used, if any, will depend on
the depth of the treatment and you tolerance to pain.
For most of the more superficial peels, you will hold
a small fan during the procedure that you can use to
cool the skin. The time it takes for the peel depends
on the size of the area covered , the number of times
("coats") the chemical solution is applied,
and your tolerance for pain while the peel is performed.
For a full face peel, it may take 5 to 20 minutes or
more. Immediately after the peel, cool compresses may
be applied. Deeper peels may require oral or intravenous
sedation to keep you comfortable. A topical (cream)
anesthetic is usually not used for a chemical peel because
it will cause the blood vessels to constrict and the
doctor or skin specialist will not be able to tell how
your skin is reacting to the treatment or how deep the
peel is penetrating.
Recovery after a Chemical Peel:
After your chemical peel, you will be instructed to
keep the skin lubricated and stay out of the sun. If
you must go in the sun, it is imperative to wear a hat
and sunblock to prevent further deepening of the peel,
dark spots, and permanent scarring. Recovering from
a chemical peel is not very painful. (If you have severe
pain, this can be a sign of an infection. Call your
doctor if you are unsure). Many patients describe a
sunburn feeling but keeping the skin covered with ointment,
Aquaphor, or A & D ointment (as instructed by your
doctor should allay the discomfort.
After a chemical peel, your skin
will appear "dirty", darker, and any spots
will be more noticeable. Your skin may feel tight and
your face may be swollen for up to a week, with clear
or yellow crusting or oozing. Depending on the depth
of your peel, you may notice light flaking or peeling
after 3 to 5 days. (A light peel may note produce any
visible peeling, while a deep peel may require several
weeks for complete healing). During the peeling phase,
your skin may itch and tingle. Your doctor may prescribe
a steroid cream or antihistamine to minimize the itching.
It may take up to a week or more before the peeling
is complete.
No matter what you do, do not pick,
peel, or scratch your skin. You might want to sleep
with gloves on at night to prevent subconscious or unintentional
skin damage. Premature removal of your skin as it flakes
and peels can cause scarring. Your doctor may instruct
you to cleanse your skin with vinegar or mild soap compresses
which will help to separate the dead skin from the fresh,
new skin beneath and keep the skin clean. Check with
your doctor for his or her specific post-peel care instructions.
Risks of a Chemical Peel:
In experienced hands, complications from a chemical
peel are rare, but include infection, skin color changes,
and scarring.
Costs of a Chemical Peel:
The cost of a chemical peel varies greatly depending
on the depth of the peel as well as your location and
the doctor or skin care provider's experience.. For
a light peel, the cost may $100, but that peel might
need to be repeated 3 to 6 times or more. A medium depth
peel may cost $500 to $1000, and a deep peel may cost
up to $2000.
While it is possible for lines,
spots and poor texture to return, a chemical peel can
take years of skin damage away and proper skin care
on your part can help maintain your healthier, fresher
skin for many years to come. Some people choose to repeat
a light chemical peel once a year to keep their skin
looking its best.
|
