Chemical peels , or chemical exfoliation , are a treatment indicated to improve skin texture and tone by removing and then regenerating damaged outer layers. Chemical exfoliation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the skin’s appearance.
Although chemical peels are primarily used on the face, they can also be used to improve the skin on the neck and hands. Sun exposure, acne, or simply aging can leave skin uneven, wrinkled, blemished, or scarred, which chemical peels can significantly improve. However , this treatment cannot eliminate deep wrinkles or fine lines and deep scars.
Results of chemical peel treatment
- Light chemical peel: subtle improvements that will increase with more treatments.
- Medium chemical peel : the skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher from the first application.
- Deep chemical peeling : the results are spectacular and long-lasting
Main uses of chemical peeling:
- Acne or scars resulting from acne.
- Fine lines and shallow wrinkles.
- Irregular skin pigmentation.
- Rough skin.
- Superficial scars.
- Sun-damaged skin.
Cases in which a chemical peel is recommended
Alight chemical peel may be the right choice to correct uneven pigmentation, dryness, acne or fine wrinkles. This type of peel removes only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and results in a healthier glow.
Acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin color can be treated with amedium chemical peel. Treatment with this type of peel will remove skin cells from both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the top of the middle layer of the skin (dermis).
For treating deeper facial wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, scars, blemishes, or even precancerous lesions, a deep chemical peel may be the best option. In these cases, it is usually necessary to perform the procedure under sedation or general anesthesia, as these treatments are more invasive.
Risks and side effects of chemical peeling
Chemical exfoliation, or chemical peeling, is generally a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Although rare, infection or scarring are risks that could result from chemical peel treatment .
For people with certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin, either significantly lightening or darkening.
The use of hormonal medications or a family history of skin discoloration or in response to scarring increases the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation with this treatment.
If you have had cold sores in the past, there is a risk of reactivation. The risk of outbreak can be reduced in response to prophylactic or preventive treatment.
If you have scarring problems, tendency to hypertrophic or keloid scarring, you must inform the physician at the consultation, to avoid unwanted effects.
Chemical peel treatment procedure
Peeling thatíLight chemical peeling.
First, the area to be treated is washed. The chemical solution should be applied with a brush or gauze on the skin and left to act for a few minutes. Usually several layers of product are applied and left to dry successively. The patient may feel a slight stinging. Gentle exfoliation occurs over the following week, with little or no discomfort to the patient.
Peeling thatímedium chemical peeling.
The area to be treated is washed. The chemical solution should be applied to the skin with a brush and left to act for a few minutes. Several layers of product are usually applied, and finally a fixative is applied. The patient may experience burning or stinging. The treated area may turn a whitish-gray tone.
The skin in the treated area may turn red or brown in the days following a medium chemical peel . The recovery process typically lasts between 48 hours and one week. It is important to keep the skin well-hydrated throughout the recovery process. The patient will experience some redness, stinging, and peeling. Commonly, the symptoms are similar to those of a deep sunburn. Although these chemicals will not bleach the skin, some color changes may be noticeable. It is recommended to avoid the sun and use sunscreen for several months to protect this new layer of skin. This type of peel is the most requested in our practice, given its effectiveness and regenerative potential, and because it is a simple procedure.
Peeling thatídeep chemical peeling.
The patient will be administered a local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated and in many occasions it will also be necessary the support of an anesthesiologist to perform a sedation or general anesthesia. . It will be cleaned. The chemical solution shall be applied with a brush on the skin and after an appropriate time interval it shall be neutralized with water. A thick layer of cream is spread over the treated area to prevent dryness and pain. Sometimes a medicated gauze will be used instead of cream to cover the area.
A deep chemical peel will cause peeling, scabbing, redness, and discomfort for several days or weeks. While the inflammation will likely subside in about two weeks, the skin may remain red for up to three months.
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