A chemical peel is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, acne scars and pre-cancerous skin growths in order to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance to the facial skin. Chemical peels involve the use of chemical solutions which, when applied to the skin, peel away the damaged top layers.
Alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels are the mildest of the chemical peels and may involve glycolic, lactic or fruit acids. They can improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, dry patches, acne and uneven pigmentation, making the skin appear smoother and brighter. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels can be used in varying strengths and often produce a medium-depth peel. They can improve the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation problems. Both AHA and TCA peels may require more than one treatment. Phenol peels are the deepest of the chemical peels and can improve the appearance of coarse facial wrinkles, pre-cancerous skin growth, blotchiness and sun damage. A single phenol peel can produce dramatic results.
Candidates for the chemical peel should be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. Special considerations may need to be made for patients with allergies, cold sores or blisters around the mouth, previous burns, radiation exposure or a history of poor scarring. Phenol peels often lighten the treatment area and may not be appropriate for dark-skinned patients.
Phenol peels may be performed in a surgeon’s office or an outpatient surgery center. Anesthesia is typically not required as AHA peels produce only a mild stinging sensation, and TCA and phenol peels typically contain an anesthetic in the chemical solution. Sedation may be used for TCA and phenol peels. The average procedural time is about ten minutes for AHA peels, ten to fifteen minutes for TCA peels, and one hour or longer for a full-face phenol peel.
During treatment, the facial skin is first cleansed and the chemical solution is then applied. Patients may experience a slight stinging sensation during application. The solution is left on the face for a specified period of time and then removed. The treatment area may be coated with petroleum jelly or covered with a waterproof adhesive tape after a phenol peel and sometimes after a TCA peel. AHA and TCA peels may require more than one treatment whereas phenol peels typically require only a single treatment.
Recovery after the chemical peel will depend upon the strength of the peel. Redness and crusting can occur with all types of chemical peels. Recovery after an AHA peel is generally less extensive than after a TCA or phenol peel, though stinging, irritation, and flaking, scaling or dryness of the skin can occur. Temporary throbbing, tingling and swelling can occur after a TCA or phenol peel, and mild pain medication may be necessary to help control discomfort. If tape is applied after treatment, it is usually removed within a day or two. The new skin will form within five to ten days after a TCA peel and within seven to twenty-one days after a phenol peel.
Normal activities, including work, can typically be resumed right away after an AHA peel, within seven to ten days after a TCA peel, and in about two weeks after a phenol peel. Sun exposure will need to be avoided for several months after a TCA peel, and patients undergoing a phenol peel will need commit to protecting the skin from the sun. |
Rhinoplasty
