How Chemical Peels Work

Aging is a part of life and the majority of people do not like the idea of growing old or even showing signs of it. Although there is no fountain of youth to drink from, you can still look youthful by slowing down the aging process. One of the ways to keep aging at bay is a Chemical peel treatment.

 

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the top layers of the skin leaving you with smoother and younger-looking skin. Chemical peels are typically used on the face to treat various skin issues such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and scars.

There are different types of chemical peels. Each type uses a different chemical solution with the deeper chemical peels producing more dramatic results, but also involving longer downtimes.

The chemical peel that would suit you best will depend on the skin issues you want to address. Chemical peels come in three depths and they include:

Light chemical peel. Also known as a superficial chemical peel, it removes the epidermis which is the outer layer of the skin. A superficial chemical peel can be used to treat uneven skin tone, fine lines, acne and dryness. A light chemical peel can be done as often as every two to five weeks depending on the results you’re looking for.

Medium chemical peel. This type of chemical peel removes skin cells from the outer and middle layers of the skin and from portions of the dermis as well. The medium chemical peel can treat acne scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. To maintain the results, you can repeat the medium chemical peel after three to nine months.

Deep chemical peel. This type of chemical peel removes damaged skin cells from the deeper skin layer and from portions of the mid to the lower layer of the dermis. This can be recommended if you have scars, deep wrinkles, or precancerous growths. A deep chemical peel can be performed only once.

The Procedure

A chemical peel is usually done on an out-patient basis. Your provider will first clean your face and might cover your eyes with gauze, ointment, goggles, or tape. For a light chemical peel, pain relievers aren’t necessary but you might have the option for a painkiller or sedative for a medium chemical peel.

A deep chemical peel will require numbing your skin with regional anesthesia or sedative.

Light chemical peel. Your provider will apply a chemical solution containing glycolic or salicylic acid to your skin and it will begin to whiten. You might feel some mild stinging pain with the chemical solution on your skin. A neutralizing solution will be applied or the chemical solution is washed from the skin being treated.

Medium chemical peel. This type of chemical peel solution usually contains trichloroacetic acid and it can also be combined with glycolic acid. A few minutes after the application, cold compresses to soothe the treated skin are applied. You may feel burning or stinging solution for up to 20 minutes and no neutralizing solution is needed.

Deep chemical peel. During a deep chemical peel, you’re given intravenous (IV) fluids and your heart rate is closely monitored. Phenol (carbolic acid) will be applied to your skin. Your provider will do the procedure in portions at 15-minute intervals so as to limit your exposure to phenol. A full facial procedure takes about 90 minutes.

Recovery

Following a light chemical peel the skin will be dry, red and mildly irritated. A protective ointment such as petroleum jelly may be applied to soothe the area. It takes about one to seven days for the treated areas to heal after a light chemical peel.

Following a medium chemical peel the skin will be tight, red, swollen and you will feel some stinging. To soothe the treated area, petroleum jelly might be applied and ice packs as well. Pain-relieving over-the-counter medication may help to reduce any discomfort. A follow-up appointment will be needed with your provider to monitor your healing process. The treated area will begin to darken and form a crust as the swelling decreases. It’ll take about seven to 14 days to heal following a medium chemical peel. The redness will however subside gradually over a few weeks.

Following a deep chemical peel you will have severe redness and swelling as well as burning and throbbing. Your eyelid may swell shut in the process. A watertight dressing will be applied to the treated area and painkillers will be prescribed. To help reduce the swelling, you will be advised to be sleeping in a semi-reclined position. New skin will develop on the treated area about two weeks following the treatment, although white spots or cysts may appear for several weeks and the redness might last for months. While healing from a deep chemical peel, it is advisable to stay at home.

Results

The results of a light chemical peel are subtle at first but increase with repeated treatments. The appearance of fine wrinkles is decreased and the tone and texture of the skin is improved. Until the new skin has completely covered the treated area, you should avoid sun exposure.

Your skin will be noticeably smoother following a medium chemical peel and you should avoid sun exposure for several months.

The results of a deep chemical peel are a dramatic improvement in the look and feel of your skin. You will need to avoid the sun permanently so as to prevent changes in the skin color.

Sun damage can reverse your results hence it is important to always use high, broad-spectrum SPF to keep the skin safe.

Book your appointment for a consultation

Would you like to understand what options are available for Chemical Peels in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or Book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.

     

 

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