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Chemical peel involves the use of chemical solution for smoothing and improving the facial skin texture by removing the damaged layers. The process can be helpful for those having wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation and facial blemishes. AHAs- alphahydroxy, TCA- trichloroacetic acid and phenol are used for the process. The exact formula to be used can be adjusted to suit the needs of each patient. Though chemical peel can be performed along with a facelift, it cannot be considered as a substitute for a surgery of this nature. It will also not slow or prevent the aging process. Basic information about a few types of treatments with chemical peels are provided below along with information on the results that they provide. The brochure may not be able to answer all questions you may have since individual circumstances play a huge role in the final results. After you have decided on a particular peel program by discussing the details with your plastic surgeon, ensure that you clarify any doubts or questions that you may have.
Would chemical peel be right for you?
The Chemical Peel treatment is generally done for cosmetic reasons- for enhancing your appearance as well as self confidence. The treatment can also remove pre-cancerous skin growth, control acne and soften facial scars resulting from acne. In many instances health insurance may cover the procedure. Ensure that you check your insurance policy or contact the insurance company before the procedure is to be performed.
Alphahydroxy acids or AHAs like fruit acids, lactic and glycolic are the mildest peel formulas and these provide light peels. These peels can provide brighter looking, smoother skin for those who do not have the time for recovery from TCA or phenol peel. The AHA peels can be used for treating acne, uneven pigmentation, dry areas and fine wrinkles. Different AHA concentrations can be applied weekly or at longer durations for obtaining best results. Your doctor can make the decision after consultation and as your treatment proceeds. Alphahydroxy acid like glycolic acid may also be mixed with cream or facial wash in lower concentration to use it for daily skin care for improving the texture of the skin.
Tricholoroacetic acid or TCA may be used in different concentrations, however, it is generally used for medium depth chemical peeling. Pigment problems, superficial blemishes and fine wrinkles are commonly problems which can be treated with these formulas. TCA peel provides less dramatic results than phenol peel and these results are usually not long lasting. In order to achieve good results more than a single TCA peel would generally be required. The recovery time needed after a TCA peel is shorter when compared to phenol peel.
The strongest chemical solution is phenol and it provides deep peel. It is generally used for treating patients that have pre-cancerous growths, damaged skin because of sun exposure, blotchy skin and coarse wrinkles. Because phenol may sometimes lighten the areas treated, skin pigmentation may be an important factor when deciding if it would be the right treatment method for you. It is mainly used for the face and scarring may result when applied on other body areas like the neck.
Every chemical peel may carry some degree of risk and uncertainty. Chemical peel is generally regarded as a very safe procedure if it is performed by an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon. Although, some risks and unpredictability like scarring, infection, though infrequent, are possible.
The AHA peels may result in crusting, irritation, redness and stinging. However, as the skin gets adjusted to the treatment the problems subside on their own.
With TCA peel, healed skin will still be able to produce the necessary pigments and bleaching of the skin would not be done. However, patients are advised to avoid exposure to sun for a few months after the treatment for protecting the new formed skin layers. Though TCA is milder in comparison to phenol, it may produce unintended skin color changes.
With phenol peel, the ability to produce pigment may not be there in the skin. This means that the skin would be lighter in its color and it will also have to be protected from the sun. This peel also poses risk for patients that have a heart disease history. For this reason it is important that you inform your surgeon about any type of heart problems that you may have.
Phenol may also cause undesired cosmetic results like uneven pigment changes. Some of the modified phenol peels tend to be gentler and can be preferred under certain circumstances.