Chemical PeelAbout The Procedure
A Chemical Peel procedure uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for people with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.
Procedure Description
After thoroughly cleaning the skin to remove excess oils, one or more chemical solutions - an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid; trichloroacetic acid (TCA); or carbolic acid (phenol) - are used. The peeling agent used is determined by the type of skin damage present. During a chemical peel, the physician applies the solution to small areas on the skin. These applications produce a controlled wound, enabling new, refreshed skin to appear. Most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation which lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation.
Best Candidates for Chemical Peel Treatment
Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Generally, fair skinned and light haired patients are ideal candidates for Chemical Peels or Chemexfoliation or Derma-peeling. Darker skin types may also experience good results, depending upon the type of skin problem to be treated.
Length of the Procedure
A Chemical Peel treatment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Anesthesia
No anesthesia is required for Chemical Peel treatment. A deeper peel may require pain medication during or after the procedure.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
The Chemical Peel treatment is performed in a doctor’s office.
Possible Side Effects
The two major side effects associated with Chemical Peel treatment are irritation and sun sensitivity, with symptoms that are manifested as redness, burning, itching, pain, and possibly scarring. However, these problems normally subside within a few hours to a few days, depending on the individual's skin condition and healing process.
Recovery
Depending upon the type of Chemical Peel treatment, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following a chemical peel. Superficial peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Medium-depth and deep peeling may result in swelling and the presence of water blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of seven to 14 days. Some peels may require bandages to be placed on part or all of the skin that is treated. Bandages are usually removed in several days and may improve the effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to avoid overexposure to the sun after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications.
Duration of Results
Alpha hydroxy acid peels may need to be performed frequently since the results are short-lived. Trichloroacetic acid peels have a greater longevity.
Risks
Chemical Peel treatment may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside. Patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. The procedure may also produce some unintended color changes in the skin.
Cost
For a mild chemical peel, expect to pay $150 to $300. The mild peels are by far the most popular chemical peels used. For a full-face medium chemical peel, expect to pay $1000 to $2,000. For a deep chemical peel, expect to pay $2500 to $6,500. The wide range is based on a variety of factors, including consultation, anesthetic, and medication fees. Mild and medium peels normally require repeated treatments - as often as every six weeks (for light peels) and two to three months (for medium peels). A deep peel generally is performed once.
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