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Chemical peels vary in both the ingredients and the strength used. A chemical solution is applied to peel sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented, and finely wrinkled areas of the face. Chemical peels reduce the imperfections by peeling the top layers of the skin. The solution can be left on the skin for a deeper chemical peel or for a shorter amount of time for a light chemical peel. A surgeon will choose the best chemicals to use depending on the patient. Using a sponge, or other type of chemical applicator, the surgeon applies the solution to the area to be treated. For a light to medium chemical peel, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), like glycolic, lactic, or fruit acid can be applied weekly or at longer intervals depending on the patient and the concentration strength. Trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA) is a stronger, deeper peel than the AHAs. The AHA chemical peels do not require any type of anesthesia or sedation and the patient will experience minimal tingling or stinging sensations when the solution is applied, and no downtime is required after the procedure. One treatment can create a more healthy and radiant appearance, but multiple treatments may be required. Since AHA chemical peels are milder in nature, it can be mixed with facial creams or washes in a weaker concentration to incorporate the treatment into a daily skin-care regimen. TCA chemical peels are more effective at treating darker skinned patients. Depending on the concentration and way the solution is applied it can be used to achieve a deeper peel. Repeat treatments may be required for this procedure, as well as a pretreatment with the AHA chemical peel or Retin-A creams. A deeper TCA peel can restrict regular activities for 2-3 days; otherwise TCA usually has a short recovery time. Both chemical peels are short and safe procedures that do not require any covering or after-peel ointments. Sun block is recommended after both the AHA and TCA though skin may not tan evenly following the chemical peel. Pores may also appear larger after the chemical peel. In some instances certain facial skin disorders will not respond to chemical peels. A phenol peel is a deep chemical skin peel, which is the strongest type of chemical peel available. The deep chemical peel is used for patients with deep wrinkles from heavy sun exposure and for patients who have skin wrinkling around the lips and chin area. The procedure also peels away the skin’s top layers, but unlike the light to medium peels, a deep chemical peel has a stronger concentration that can be noticed by the slight burning sensation when the solution is applied. Deep chemical peels take about 1-2 hours, with less time when it is limited to just an area of the face. Deep chemical peels are limited to just the facial area. It is advised to have EKG monitoring during the procedure. After the peel solution that has been applied finishes working into the skin, it is neutralized using water. A thick coat of petroleum jelly follows about one hour later. The jelly covers the protective crust that develops quickly over the area and stays in place for 1-2 days. For patients treated with severe wrinkling, an adhesive tape mask may cover them. Discomfort after deep chemical peels are easily treated with medication, and any puffiness will settle within a few days. Complications can appear after a deep chemical peel like scarring, infection, or abnormal pigmentation. A few days after a deep chemical peel, brightly colored, pink skin will appear. The pink color fades in a few days but patients should avoid being exposed to sunlight and use sun block. There can tend to be a bleaching effect and the patient may require make-up to match treated and untreated areas if the entire face was not peeled. Deep chemical peels have long lasting effects. One to two weeks is needed before a normal routine. Deep chemical peels are not as effective on dark and oily complexions. Some facial skin disorders do not respond to chemical peeling. |
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