Wouldn’t it be nice if you could peel away the signs of aging from your skin? You can do just that with a chemical peel. Chemical peels can reduce some of the signs of aging on your face, neck, hands, and chest, and it is affordable, too.
Chemical peels are effective in treating wrinkles, fine lines, and discolored skin, and they can be done with other procedures. They are also effective in treating other conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and age spots. The procedure is done in Southeast Regional Med Spa by the experts and will also prescribe the right type of peel for your skin type.
If you want to reduce some signs of aging without surgery, you can learn how you can turn back the clock with a chemical peel:
Types Of Chemical Peels
There isn’t just one type of chemical peel. Depending on the issues you have with your skin, you may choose one of the options below:
Light Chemical Peel
A light peel takes away the outer skin layer, also called the epidermis. It is effective for fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and discolored skin.
This peel has the shortest recovery, but you may need one every month or so.
Medium Chemical Peel
This peel removes skin from the epidermis and parts of the dermis. It is used to treat shallower lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and discolored skin.
A medium peel may require more than one procedure for best results.
Deep Chemical Peel
A deep peel removes deeper layers of skin cells and may be the best option for deep wrinkles and lines, as well as scars. A deep chemical peel is only needed once, but it takes the most prolonged recovery.
Chemical Peel Procedure
Your doctor will do the following during your chemical peel:
- Use cotton balls, gauze, or a brush to put a solution on the skin that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid. The skin starts to whiten after a few minutes.
- You could feel some stinging as the solution sits on and absorbs into the skin.
- The doctor will put a neutralizing solution on the skin after the appropriate amount of time.
- If you have a medium peel, the healthcare provider will put cold compresses on your face to soothe the skin, but no neutralizing solution is needed.
- If you have a deep peel, the healthcare provider will put phenol on the skin in stages over an hour or two.
- For a deep peel, you will have IV fluids, and your heart rate will be monitored.
After The Chemical Peel
According to Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham, “After a chemical peel, you can expect your skin to be red, irritated, tight, or swollen. Therefore, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions about cleansing, sun exposure, and moisturizing your skin.”
Dr. Smita also notes that it can take a few months for the skin to go back to its normal appearance and see the full results of the chemical peel.
If you have a deep peel, your healthcare provider will put a surgical dressing on your skin, and they may give you painkillers for one or two weeks. After that, you will need to treat the skin and apply ointment for a few weeks.
Treated areas will grow new skin about two weeks after a deep peel, but you may have redness for months.
Many patients prefer to stay home after a medium or deep peel, and you will need at least one or two follow-up visits with your doctor.
After new skin has appeared, you can use makeup to conceal any flushing or redness.
How To Prepare For A Chemical Peel
It’s essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for your skin peel. Results of the procedure vary and much depends on the skill of the healthcare provider.
If the chemical peel isn’t done correctly, you could have scars and infections.
Before your chemical peel, your doctor will generally follow these steps:
Check Your Medical History
Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical conditions and any medications you take. They’ll also want to know any cosmetic procedures you’ve had.
Perform A Physical Exam
Your provider will look at your skin and the area you want treated to decide the best chemical peel option. For instance, the thickness of your skin and its tone may influence which peel is best.
Talk About Your Options
Your doctor will talk to you about the goals and expectations when you have a chemical peel. It’s essential to understand how many peels you need and what your recovery time will be.
Tips For Best Chemical Peel Results
Before your chemical peel, your healthcare provider may recommend you do some or all of the following:
- Use an antiviral drug: This can be prescribed before and after the procedure to avoid viral infections.
- Use retinoid cream: This prescription cream can help with healing after your chemical peel.
- Use bleaching agents: This prescription cream can reduce the chances of side effects from the chemical peel.
- Avoid the sun: It’s essential to stay out of the sun before and after treatment to avoid skin discoloration in the treated area. Avoid the sun from 9 to 4 pm, and always use sunscreen if you do go outside.
- Avoid various treatments before the peel: For about a week before the peel, you should avoid methods that remove hair, and you shouldn’t use hair-dying treatments. Also, avoid facial masks and facial scrubs.
- Get a ride home: You will be given sedation to relax you, so you’ll need a ride home.
A chemical peel can make a dramatic difference in the appearance and texture of your skin. Talk to your plastic surgeon today to decide if a chemical peel is a good choice for your aesthetic and personal goals.
