Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a great way for you to get out of your old skin into new skin by ridding yourself of lines around the eyes and mouth, scars, and other imperfections that arise with age. There are many different ways in which you can use the chemical peel procedure to improve your skin. Depending on how much chemical is needed and the size of the area that is to be reformed, the procedure can take varying amounts of time.

A chemical peel is a procedure that is completely noninvasive and can be performed in a physician's office or in a surgical center. The treatment is considered an outpatient procedure which means that you will not need to remain at the physician's or surgeon's office for an extended period of time following the procedure. The skin must be cleansed with a chemical agent that aids in removing any excess amounts of oil prior to the application of the skin-refining chemical. The patient's eyes, mouth, and hair are protected in order to avoid any unwanted contact with the chemical. Once proper preparations have been made the physician will apply one or more chemicals that can include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and carbolic acid. These solutions are applied to the affected regions of the skin and create a "controlled wound". The purpose of this small wound is to allow newer, healthier looking skin to form in place of the damaged skin. The process is similar to a controlled sunburn that will eventually peel away the old, dead skin and replace it with younger, nutrient-rich skin.

The process of receiving a chemical peel causes most patients to feel warming and hot sensations that last a few minutes. Occasionally a patient will report feeling a stinging sensation that can be remedied with cool packs such as ice. If the peel you are receiving is deep and covers a large region of your skin you may be required to take pain medications either during or after the chemical peel procedure. In the days that follow the procedure you will probably notice that your skin begins to peel and may turn red. This peeling will eventually halt as new skin begins to cover you affected area. If the chemical peel was more extensive there may result some swelling and small blisters may dot your skin. The depth of the peel is determined previously by your physician. If the depth of the chemical peel is not very deep then the procedure can be repeated within about a month's time. If the chemical peel reached deeper into the skin then you will want to wait 6 to 12 months prior to repeating the procedure.

There are small risks associated with receiving a chemical peel and patients may notice cold sores, skin discoloration, or small scars. It is important to discuss your previous medical history with your surgeon or physician prior to any chemical peel in order to avoid these side effects.