Chemical Peel FAQs
Chemical peels, also referred to as chemexfoliation treatments or derma-peeling procedures, are cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate facial skin. Most commonly used as an anti-aging solution, chemical peels are performed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Does this Spark an idea?
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Treatable Conditions
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Chemical peels are used to correct the skin's signs of aging, and to help correct other skin irregularities in texture and pigmentation. Fine lines around the mouth and under the eyes, and wrinkles caused by sun damage are treatable with chemical peel procedures. Scarring and the after-effects of acne are also treatable conditions. Many patients use chemical peels to correct skin discoloration problems, such as age and liver spots caused by sun damage. Melasma spots, unsightly birthmarks, and freckles can be visibly diminished with chemical peel treatments. Also, many patients use chemical peels to correct and combat pre-cancerous skin conditions and lesions, such as keratoses.
How It Works
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The chemical peel procedure involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin. The skin blisters, and the solution peels off with a surface layer of skin cells. This reveals a new layer of skin, typically with a more even skin tone and texture.
Chemical peels are often performed in conjunction with other treatments, such as facelifts, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.
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Chemical Solution
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Chemical peels use three main ingredients, adjusted to varying degrees depending on skin condition: alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol. AHAs, either glycolic or lactic acid, are used in many anti-aging products for their enhanced exfoliating functions, and are the "lightest" ingredients in the chemical peel, used for mild peeling. AHAs improve skin texture, hydrate the skin, can treat hyperpigmentation when combined with bleaching agents, and help control acne problems. TCA is used to smooth out fine lines and moderate wrinkles, remove blemishes and correct discoloration. It is a more aggressive ingredient used for medium-depth peeling. Phenol is the highest strength ingredient of chemical peels, used for deep chemical peels. It targets coarse wrinkles, uneven and damaged skin caused by UV ray exposure, pre-cancerous lesions and deep discoloration. Use of phenol requires longer healing time than AHAs and THAs.
Treatment Sessions
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Chemical peels are performed in a dermatologist's or plastic surgeon's facility. No anesthetic is required, even for deep peels because phenol and TCA chemical solutions act as anesthetics. AHA peels, at most, will cause a slight stinging. Deep peels, however, may include the use of sedatives.
The doctor applies the solution to cleansed facial skin, often pre-treated with Retin-A. AHA solutions take 10 minutes, and require no post-treatment ointment or covering. TCA peels take about 15 minutes, and require healing intervals if two or more peels are needed to achieve desired results. Phenol peels require one to two hours to be performed, and usually require only one treatment to achieve desired results. The doctor may apply petroleum jelly before phenol peels, and an ointment is used after treatment to protect the skin and promote healing.
Side Effects
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The skin may be temporarily flaky, red and dry after a mild peel. Medium depth and deep peels not only yield temporary skin irritation, but sometimes require a pain medication to relieve slightly painful throbbing. Deep peels often result in skin that is scabbed and crusted, and that must be cared for under the doctor's instructions for proper healing. Swelling is a common side effect of both TCA and phenol use. The higher the concentration of these ingredients, the more swelling that will occur.
The deepest chemical peels require that the patient has someone to help care for him or her for a few days after treatment, when the patient's eyes are swollen shut, and the patient is limited to a liquid diet. These patients are advised not to talk for the first few days after treatment.
Warnings
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Bulges, sags and severe wrinkles should not be treated with chemical peels, as these conditions do not respond well to the chemical solution. These intense skin conditions should first be treated with an alternative option, such as a facelift, and thereafter a chemical peel can be performed.
The "new" skin surface exposed after a chemical peel is significantly more sensitive to UV rays. It is imperative to use a high strength sunscreen after a chemical peel.
Cost
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The cost of chemical peels varies widely, spanning from $150 to upwards of $2,000. It depends on geographic location, the patient's skin condition and desired results, and the source of treatment. Patients should check with their local dermatologist office or plastic surgeon's office for options.
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