Q - What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a procedure which uses a chemical solution to peel away the damaged upper layers of the skin. Chemical peels can improve the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, and acne scars. They can also be used to treat pre-cancerous skin growths. There are three different types of chemical peels, ranging from the mildest to the strongest, which include alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels, and phenol peels.
Q - How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a chemical peel?
If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and seeking an improvement in wrinkled or blemished skin, you may be a good candidate for a chemical peel. The chemical peel may not be appropriate for dark-skinned patients or patients with allergies, cold sores or blisters around the mouth, previous burns, a history of poor scarring or radiation exposure.
Q - What is an AHA peel?
An AHA peel, or alphahydroxy acid peel, is the mildest of the chemical peels and can involve glycolic, lactic or fruit acids. AHA peels improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, acne, dry patches and uneven pigmentation, resulting in brighter, smoother skin. More than one treatment is often required.
Q - What is a TCA peel?
The TCA peel, or trichloroacetic acid peel, may be used in varying strengths though it is often used as a medium-depth peel. Wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation problems can be improved with this peel. TCA peels may require more than treatment.
Q - What is a phenol peel?
The phenol peel is the strongest of the chemical peels and typically requires only one treatment. Coarse facial wrinkles, sun damage, blotchiness and pre-cancerous skin growths can all be treated with the phenol peel. The phenol peel may not be appropriate for dark-skinned patients as treatment can lighten the skin.
Q - What will happen during a consultation for a chemical peel?
During your consultation for a chemical peel, the surgeon will talk about your goals and what you dislike about your skin. A thorough medical history will be taken and your skin will be examined. The surgeon will recommend a treatment plan and explain all aspects of the procedure including the technique, the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks and the associated costs. Photographs may be also be taken of your face at the time of consultation.
Q-Where does the chemical peel procedure take place?
Chemical peels are often performed in a surgeon’s office or an outpatient surgery center.
Q - Will I receive anesthesia for my chemical peel procedure?
The chemical solution for phenol and TCA peels typically contain an anesthetic, making additional anesthesia unnecessary though sedation may be used. AHA peels produce only a mild stinging sensation during application and do not require anesthesia.
Q - How are chemical peels performed?
Before the chemical peel, the facial skin will be cleansed. The chemical solution is then applied to the skin and left on the face for a specific period of time. The entire process typically takes no more than ten minutes for AHA peels, no more than fifteen minutes for a TCA peel, and anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes for treatment of smaller areas with a phenol peel or one or more hours for a full-face phenol peel. Petroleum jelly or waterproof adhesive tape may be applied to the treatment area after a phenol or TCA peel. Phenol peels typically require one treatment while TCA and AHA peels may require multiple treatments.
Q - How long is the procedure for a chemical peel?
AHA peels usually take no more than ten minutes to complete, TCA peels no more than fifteen minutes, and anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes for treatment of smaller areas with a phenol peel or one or more hours for a full-face phenol peel.
Q - How much pain can I expect with a chemical peel?
Patients may experience a stinging sensation during the application of the chemical peel. Tingling or throbbing may occur after treatment with a TCA or phenol peel, and this can be controlled with medication.
Q - What should I expect of the recovery after my chemical peel?
Recovery after the chemical peel will depend upon the particular peel used. All types of chemical peels can result in some redness and crusting. The AHA peels generally involves a less extensive recovery than TCA and phenol peels, though stinging, irritation, and flaking, scaling or dryness of the skin can occur. TCA and phenol peels can involve some temporary throbbing, tingling and swelling. Tape applied after treatment is usually removed within a day or two. Patients will see the formation of new skin within five to ten days after a TCA peel and within seven to twenty-one days after a phenol peel.
Q - How much time should I plan to take off from work after my chemical peel?
Normal activities, including work, can usually be resumed immediately after an AHA treatment. Patients may be able to return to work within seven to ten days after a TCA peel and in about two weeks after a phenol peel.
Q - What risks are associated with chemical peels?
There are few risks associated with AHA peels. Phenol peels and TCA peels may involve the risks of cold sores, fever blisters, infection, scarring, skin allergies, and whiteheads. Other risks associated with phenol peels include abnormal color changes, heart irregularities, and loss of ability to make pigment (tan).
Q - Will my chemical peel be covered by insurance?
Chemical peels which are solely cosmetic in nature are generally not covered by insurance. When used for medical purposes, such as the treatment of pre-cancerous skin growths, some amount of coverage may be available. Patients should be sure to check with their own insurance carrier.
Q - Can I finance my chemical peel procedure financed?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.
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