Chemical Peel

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If you have facial blemishes, age spots, wrinkles or uneven skin pigmentation you may benefit from chemical peel, a chemical solution used to improve and smooth texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is also used to remove pre-cancerous growths, soften acne facial scars and, sometimes, to control acne breakouts.

How do I choose from a light, medium or deep peel?

• Your physician will choose the appropriate peel for your particular condition and desired results. In fact, each peel mixed is made individually.
• The mildest of the peels uses alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids. They are often used to treat fine wrinkles, dryness, uneven pigmentation or acne.
• For medium peels, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used to treat fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems.
• Phenol is the strongest, used for a deep peel. Deep peels are used to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin and pre-cancerous growths. Phenol can lighten the skin, so skin pigmentation is a factor in determining appropriate patients. It is typically used exclusively on the face since it can scar other areas of the body, but has been used on the neck and chest areas as well.
•  Sometimes more than one peel is necessary to achieve the desired result.

How will I look and feel after a chemical peel?

• Peels can cause temporary swelling, blistering, flaking, stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. Mild pain medication may be prescribed for the first couple of days.
• Your surgeon will apply a topical ointment on the peeled areas to help prevent infection and keep the area moist for the first few days.
• Scabs and/or crust will form as the face heals from the procedure.
• New skin will begin to form within a week. Skin may stay pink for a few weeks or several months
• It is recommended to avoid sun exposure for several months to protect the new layers of skin as they form.
• Healing time will vary from patient to patient and peel to peel.

Results of my surgery

The weeks will go by revealing softer, smoother, more youthful looking skin with irregularities, wrinkles and discoloration noticeably reduced.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE

• There are risks associated with any surgical procedure.
• The specific risks and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can only be determined at the time of consultation. 
• Minor complications that do not affect the outcome may occasionally occur.
• Major complications are rare.

Your plastic surgeon will review any and all risks and benefits with you during a private consultation.