How to Avoid Scarring After a Deep Peel Burn

A deep chemical peel is really a second-degree burn of the skin. Deep peels penetrate the dermis and burn off the top layers of skin. A deep peel is a surgical procedure and can only be done by a doctor. The procedure is painful and requires some type of sedation or general anesthesia. Recovery from a deep peel can take a long time, during which a strict protocol must be followed to avoid scarring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon
• Pain relievers

1. Make a plan for what to do immediately following surgery. After the surgery, your skin will be severely swollen and may be painful. You should be taken home by someone and kept under supervision or stay a night or two in a recovery facility.

2. Give yourself time to heal. You'll need at least 2 weeks before you can return to work, and full recovery can take a couple months. Get clearance from your doctor before you apply makeup to cover up your skin redness, which can take weeks to go away.

3. Avoid making broad facial expressions. This can cause the skin to crack and bleed.

4. Follow wound care instructions rigidly. Though most peels do not require bandages after surgery, taking care of your wound according to your doctors specifications is important. Your skin will be extremely vulnerable, so you must avoid contact with anything that could cause irritation, such as perfumes, hair spray, makeup and other products.

5. Report a cold sore outbreak as soon as possible. After a deep peel, cold sores can easily spread to the rest of the face, and if left untreated, can cause severe scarring. Immediate treatment with an antiviral medication for herpes can reverse the problem and prevent scarring.

6. Refrain from picking at crusting or flaking skin. A crust usually forms over the skin within several days to help the skin heal. Picking at this crust can cause scarring.

7. Stay out of the sun for several months after the peel. New skin can burn easily and a variety of complications can arise.

Tips & Warnings

• Take oral pain relievers recommended by your doctor to stay pain free. If you take regular doses, you should be able to avoid any pain.
• Taking showers in lukewarm water can help gently slough off crusted skin.
• Don't use Accutane for 6 months after your peel. Accutane has been shown to cause scarring in people who have had recent peels.
• If you have just had facial surgery, such as a face or eye lift, don't have a peel for at least 6 months. Skin can become thinner after surgery and be more susceptible to scarring from a deep peel.
• Don't get a deep peel if you have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.