How to Prepare for a Deep Peel

A deep chemical peel burns off the top layer of your skin just like a second-degree burn. After an extended recuperation period, usually about 2 weeks, your skin regenerates with a smoother and healthier look. There are many types of chemical peels, but the deep peel is the strongest. A painful procedure, a deep peel can only be performed by a medical professional and must be done under some form of sedation. For the best possible results, it is recommended that your prepare your skin ahead of time.

Things You'll Need

• Antioxidant vitamins (optional)
• Dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon
• Retin-A (may be needed)
• Glycolic acid (may be needed)
• Hydroquinone (may be needed)
• Antiviral drugs (may be needed)

Instructions

1. Find a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist who has experience doing deep chemical peels. Not all doctors who do chemical peels do deep peels, because this is considered a surgery. Find a doctor who has done a lot of these procedures and has had good results.

2. Talk to your doctor about what type of results you can expect from your peel. Deep peels can virtually eliminate most moderate skin problems, but deep wrinkles, sagging skin, severe hyperpigmentation and other issues may not be resolved. Look at before and after pictures to get an idea of what you may realistically look like after you have healed.

3. Give your doctor a detailed medical history, including past experiences with healing wounds. Not everyone is a candidate for a deep chemical peel, as some active diseases can create dangerous complications. If you are prone to keloids, hypertrophic scars and other wound-healing problems, chemical peels may not be for you.

4. Discuss options for anesthesia. Most people will do fine with an intravenous sedation for a deep peel, but some prefer general anesthesia.

5. Take antiviral drugs before your peel if you have a history of oral herpes outbreaks. Developing a cold sore while you are healing from your peel can cause a dangerous complication, so you want to keep your herpes dormant throughout this period.

6. Prepare your skin for the peel by following your doctor's prescribed skin regimen. These regimens typically include using Retin-A, glycolic acid, hydroquinone or a combination of these products. Retin-A and glycolic acid help to smooth the skin for the peel, and the hydroquinone helps to even the skin tone so that hyperpigmentation after the peel is minimized or prevented.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare your body to heal after the peel by eating well, drinking lots of water and taking antioxidant vitamins.

• Quit smoking. Smoking makes healing harder and anesthesia more dangerous.

• Deep peels take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to heal depending on the patient. Prepare to take at least 2 weeks off work, and understand that you may need more time.