Cosmetic Surgery Chemical Peel Information
The desire for smooth, young looking skin is the driving force behind the cosmetic procedure commonly referred to as a chemical peel. Chemical peels use a variety of natural and manmade compounds to remove the top layers of the skin in an effort to reduce blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin coloration.
There are many types of chemical peels to suit the varied needs of every patient; some require a milder chemical, while others sometimes use a strong solution in conjunction with other procedures such as Botox or a facelift.
The chemical used greatly depends on the expected result. Stronger acids are used to treat precancerous growths, tough wrinkles, and blotchy skin, while weaker chemicals are used to smooth dry skin, correct acne, and improve sun-damaged skin. They type of chemical is chosen by the doctor to maximize treatment but minimize risk.
While chemical peels are some of the safest cosmetic procedures available there are still risks involved with treatment. It is extremely important that the person you see for your peel is a qualified, experienced, and board certified plastic surgeon. These responsible and dedicated individuals know how to achieve the look you want with taking unnecessary risks.
Depending on your situation, your surgeon may schedule one or more sessions, and ultimately you will be left with younger, smoother, and fresher looking skin. Healing usually takes a few days, and once the bandages are off the world will be amazed at the brand new you.
Methods: Chemical Peel Procedures
AHA peel - GlycolicsSome of the mildest forms of skin peels come in the form of called alphahydroxy acids. Glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids produce chemicals that can repair fine wrinkles, dryness, acne, or uneven pigmentation. A 30% solution applied to the skin from between two and five minutes penetrates and removes the first few top layers of dead skin to leave a healthy, rose colored glow behind. These procedures have virtually no downtime and cause only mild irritation and redness in most cases.
Tretinoin
This treatment uses an ingredient common to skin management chemicals such as Retin-A® and Renova to slowly wipe away sun damage, aging, and skin spots. Similar to gycolic acid treatments, tretinoin is a mild way to reduce minor signs of aging with little downtime or recovery period.
Jessner's solution
This deeper peel involves up to 50% concentration of resorcinol, lactic, and salicylic acids that is layered on the skin to treat deeper acne scars, pigmentation, and other skin irregularities. Because this form of chemical peels is far more aggressive than an AHA peel, you can expect peeling and crusting for a few days after the procedure and redness and swelling for another week. The benefit is that your skin will look years younger in just a week.
TCA peel
Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA is a versatile chemical that ca produce a variety of results in sufficient concentrations. Lower concentrations have much the same effect as AHA peels to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while higher concentrations give a medium-depth peel that can eliminate deeper acne scars and folds leaving an almost brand new face. Many doctors often use TCA peels as an alternative to laser resurfacing for dealing with hard to treat areas of the face. A one time treatment and between one and two weeks of recovery leaves you ready to put your best face forward once again.
Phenol peel
Phenol peels are the strongest types of chemical peels available. This caustic acid is used to address coarse wrinkles, sun damaged skin, or precancerous growths. Phenol can cause permanent skin lightening so it is not recommended for darker skinned patients or for people with heart conditions. Because phenol peels provide the most dramatic results it takes months to fully recover from the procedure, but one you are fully healed you will be amazed with your transformation.
Chemical Peel Questions and Answers
What is a chemical peel?A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that uses a variety of natural and manmade chemicals to remove the few top layers of the skin to remove abnormalities and encourage the growth of new skin.
How do I know if a chemical peel is right for me?
Most people want chemical peels to make their skin look and feel better, and these treatments often have beneficial effects for people suffering from the early stages of skin cancer of have excessive acne or acne scars.
Will health insurance cover the costs of my facial peel if it is done for medically viable reasons?
Each health insurance company and plan has different areas and extents of coverage, so be sure to contact your adjuster before committing to any procedure.
I am also getting a facelift, do I need to have a chemical peel as well?
While a facelift will increase the surface tension of your skin and cause you to appear to have few wrinkles, it cannot resurface or revamp your skin condition. Many people often combine a facelift with a chemical peel in order to maximize their appearance, but this should only be done under the supervision of a board certified plastic surgeon.
What are the common types of chemicals used in a face peel?
Depending on the condition of your skin and the results you hope to achieve your plastic surgeon will use a variety of different chemicals. For milder and less intense penetration solutions of alphahydroxy acid or Tretinoin are used. If a deeper peel is desired Trichloroacetic acid is used to remove the first few layers of skin. The deepest and most penetrating peels use the chemical phenol to completely remove wrinkles and precancerous growths.
Are there any risks associated with less invasive procedures such as chemical peels?
Any type of plastic surgery carries some risk regardless of how benign it is. Ask your board certified plastic surgeon about any concerns you might have about your face peel.
How long does it take to recover from a chemical peel?
Your recovery time depends greatly on the type and amount of the chemical used. Less extensive peels have less recovery time; more elaborate chemicals necessitate longer healing periods. Your surgeon will go over these factors with you during your initial consultation.
