Improving the quality of patient education via physician-certified medical video and multimedia alternatives

Home | Products | Upload Video | 3D Virtual | Music Therapy | Quizzes | About Us | Sign In

Chemical Peel*FREE

Chemical Peel

What is the skin chemical peel and how is it performed?

Chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to treat conditions including fine wrinkles, minor scars, and discoloration. The chemicals used cause the skin to blister and then peel away. The damaged skin is then replaced with new healthy skin.

The procedure is usually performed on the face, neck, or hands. The application is done in an office or outpatient clinic. Anesthesia is not required but sedation (medication that makes you feel relaxed) may be used. The type of chemical used will depend on the type of skin problem to be treated.

Depending on the depth of wrinkles or scars, alphahydroxy acid (AHA) (a mild chemical), is the mildest chemical. It is used for superficial peels and can be effective in treating fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and acne. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (a stronger chemical) or is used for medium depth peels. It is used for the same types of lesions as AHA. Phenol (the strongest chemical) may be used, and produces a deeper peel. Phenol is used for deeper wrinkles, darker skin discoloration and to remove pre-cancerous growths.

In all cases the skin is thoroughly cleaned before the chemical is applied. In some cases you will have been you many be given a regimen of medication to prepare your skin prior to the chemical peel. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase.

With TCA or phenol you will notice an initial stinging sensation. If phenol is used, your doctor may cover the area with ointment and sometimes a light dressing after application. The procedure usually takes an hour unless a full-face phenol peel has been done which may take up to 2 hours. Phenol chemical peels are usually done as a single treatment. For TCA or AHA peels, multiple applications may be used.

Why is this procedure performed?

Chemical peels are usually done for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the skin. It is most commonly done to reduce or remove: fine wrinkles, around the mouth and the eyes. It can be used for removal of scar tissue from acne or trauma, . It is frequently used to remove and pigmented areas of the skin like age spots or melasma (melasma is an area of darkened skin that may result from birth control pills or pregnancy).

If you have naturally dark skin you may not respond as well to chemical peel done for pigmentation. As with any cosmetic procedure it is important to have realistic expectations. The goals, limitations, and expectations of the procedure should be discussed openly and in detail with your doctor.

Chemical peels for wrinkles are not permanent. The aging process of your skin will continue and results will gradually fade over time. Except for the removal of some types of scars or pre-cancerous lesions, Chemical peel is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.

If you have to work out doors you may not be a good candidate for this procedure because of you must avoid sun exposure after a chemical peel. If you have taken Accutane (a prescription for acne) you can not have this procedure until 18 months after stopping the medication. If you have a history of herpes simplex, infections you should be treated for this condition pre- and post- surgery since the procedure may cause an outbreak.

What should I expect during the post-operative period?

You should have someone available to drive you home after surgery if sedation is given. for the procedure. After a superficial peel You will experience some redness and possibly some scaling of the skin. This will clear within 5 to 7 days. Your doctor will give you a regimen of face wash or creams to be used at home. You should avoid sun exposure until your face is normal in color and then always use sun block.

There are no other restrictions and you can return to normal activities. For medium and deep peels, your doctor may have applied an ointment to keep your skin moist and promote healing. Sometimes a light dressing is placed over the skin. During the first few days you will feel some mild swelling and discomfort. Take pain medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

Once any bandages are removed your face may look very pink or flushed. This discoloration will last about two weeks in a medium peel and up to a few months for a deep peel. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to wash and care for your face. It is not unusual for Scabs, crusts, or blisters to form on the face. You should not attempt to pick these away.

Within 7 to 10 days new skin will form and you can return to work and normal activities but avoid any sun exposure until all the color of your face has returned to normal. If you have to be out in the sun after that it is important to apply a strong sun blocking lotion. For deeper peels, you may need to avoid makeup for about two weeks.

What are the risks and complications of this procedure?

Just as there may be benefits to the procedure(s) proposed, medical and surgical procedures also involve risks. These risks include allergic reaction, bleeding, blood clots, infections, adverse side effects of drugs, and even loss of bodily function or life, as well as risks of transfusion reactions and the transmission of infectious disease, including hepatitis and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, from the administration of blood and/or blood components.

There are also particular risks associated with the procedure(s) proposed. These risks include but are not limited to:

Hyperpigmentation: This means increased color in the skin. The redness of the skin is called erythema. It usually fades away after two weeks but in some cases the skin continues to be very red. This may require treatment with steroids.
Hypopigmentation: This means an abnormal lightness of skin color. It is caused by destruction of cells in the skin that produce color called melanocytes. This is more likely to occur in patients who have darker skin. These color changes may be permanent and untreatable.
Infection: Persistent pain, increasing redness and/or low-grade fever may be a sign of infection and may require treatment with antibiotics.
Scarring: Delayed healing or skin burns may lead to the formation of abnormally thick tissue instead of normal skin resurfacing. This is called hypertrophic scarring. This requires aggressive treatment and may eventually require a second procedure to excise the scar tissue. Some of the scarring may be permanent.
Lack of Desired Outcome: May require additional procedures.
Cardiac Complications: If phenol is applied too heavily it may be absorbed into the bloodstream and could cause potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia.

Before you agree to any operative procedure it is important to remember that each patient is different and that the outcome of any surgical procedure can never be guaranteed. You should understand that there may be complications that have not been mentioned and that it is not possible to anticipate all complications or to answer each and every question. Again, you should be aware that in the practice of medicine unforeseen and unexpected risks or complications not previously discussed may occur. You should also understand that during the course of the proposed procedure(s), unforeseen conditions may be revealed requiring the performance of additional procedures, and such procedures may need to be performed.

Keep in mind that there is no substitute for an open and honest discussion with your own surgeon/physician regarding this procedure.

You should also be given any available treatment alternatives to this procedure by your doctor. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.