Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are a method of removing the superficial layer of skin using several types of acid solution. The desired result should be a much improved, smoother texture of the face with far less prominent wrinkles, aging acne, superficial scars and blackheads. Depending on the desired result, there are a variety of chemicals peels of different ingredients and strengths. Matters taken into consideration when selecting the actual depth of the peel include: the amount of time the solutions remain on the skin and whether or not they are lightly, heavily or vigorously applied. In terms of which peel procedure is the most common, it is one involving the application to smooth rough skin to assist in the combat of acne. The three common types of chemical peels are for light to medium uses. Physicians use a solution known as AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid,) which includes glycolic, lactic or fruit acid. AHA treatments may require a series of multiple applications.
About the Procedure
First, your surgeon will apply a chemical solution to the most affected area of the skin, the whole face if it need be. The chemical agents in the solution will then get to work separating and peeling off the skin’s outer surface layers. Any dead skin, which is among the layers, will also be removed. The chemical agents will also encourage a new generation of skin cells to grow.
Length
The treatment doesn’t take long. A normal full-face TCA takes around 10-15 minutes, while a full-face phenol can take between and 1 to 2 hours.
Benefits
With the use of chemical solutions, the overall appearance of your skin will certainly improve. The solutions eliminate fine lines around the mouth and around the eyes, combat uneven skin coloration, remove skin growths and treat acne scars. Other benefits include: treating wrinkles and scars caused by the sun and blemishes which are common with old-age. Chemical peels can be performed all over the body.
Who is an ideal candidate?
The ideal patient would be light haired, fair-skinned and with a face spotted with age and sun spots, freckles and splotching; someone who would desire a rejuvenated appearance and look much younger.
Recovery
To enhance and quicken the healing process and to avoid unnecessary complications, it is important to adhere to the advice of your doctor, especially in regards to the skincare regimen. Your doctor will certainly recommend that you stay well clear of any direct sunlight, or, if that is an impossibility, put on strong sun block lotion.
Planning your surgery
Before preparing for the treatment, it is important to find the right specialist. Here are hints on how to seek out the best:
• Analyze your potential doctor’s credentials, training and license.
• Inspect all his/her ‘before and after’ photos and personally speak with former patients.
• Ask about what kind of chemical peel he/she would plan on using and the strengths and possible side-effects.
• Inquire into how many treatments would be needed for the best possible final results.
• Identify the kinds of back-up support available
Preparing your surgery
The doctor may, before the chemical peel, ask you to refrain from taking certain drugs and he/she may prepare your skin for treatment using medications such as Retin-A, Renova or glycolic acid.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia isn't required due to the chemical solution already acting as an anesthetic. However, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable.
Risks / Complications / Side effects
Like other types of similar surgery, the risks involved are not extremely high, but unforeseen complications can arise. They include the possibilities of a color skin tone change or even a temporary or permanent change in the actual skin color, fever blisters and cold sores (or even a reactivation of them after a chemical peel).
After your surgery
After surgery, the post-consequences between TCA, phenol and AHA are quite different. For a TCA peel you have swelling, but it really depends on the strength of the strength of the peel used. As for phenol, again your face may become quite swollen and your eyes may even temporarily shut. You may need someone to come take care of you. For those using the AHA procedure, they shouldn’t suffer from any swelling and ought to be able to continue their normal daily routines with little interruptions.
Price range
BHT 2,500-10,000