Chemical Peel

What is Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a popular way to regain the tone and texture of a more youthful facial skin. It involves exfoliating the outer layer of your skin with a solution of chemicals that blister the skin. This layer then peels off to expose the inner layer which is new and hence comparatively more youthful.

Chemical peeling can also be done to face neck and hands.

The new skin gives the appearance of a smoother and improved texture. When you start feeling early signs of aging on the facial skin or want to get rid of scars or pigmentation, a chemical peel is usually more helpful.

Benefits

A chemical peel treatment improves the texture of your skin making it look smoother. The fine lines around the eyes and mouth are visibly reduced after a chemical peel.

Fine wrinkles caused as a part of aging or due to sun exposure are visibly reduced. Heavy wrinkles may have to be treated with other treatments, though.

Some types of acne are also treated as new skin resurfaces.

Blemishes and marks, pigmentation, some types of dark patches and freckles can also be treated by this procedure.

Superficial scars can often be got rid of by chemical peeling.

Procedure

Your dermatologist will have discussed with you your history of the conditions alongside your medical history. If you decide to go ahead with this procedure your dermatologist may ask to discontinue certain drugs.

The first thing to do is to determine how deep the peeling should be. Depending on your conditions and the dermatologist’s recommendation, you will be required to decide the depth of the peeling.

At the time of the treatment, the dermatologist will clean your skin and apply a chemical solution customized to your skin and condition. The commonly used chemicals are salicylic acid, lactic acid, carbolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and glycolic acid.

You will feel slight irritation or burning sensation for about 5 – 10 minutes. If it gets very uncomfortable or stings please let your doctor know in which case she may apply a cold compress for relief.

Anesthesia is not necessary for this procedure. However, if you opt for a deep peeling, you may be prescribed some painkillers.

You will be ready to go home after the procedure, with further instructions.

However, you yourself may not be fit to drive back so please make sure you have someone to drive you home.

After care

For about a week you will experience redness and scaling. This is normal. You will be instructed to avoid the sun for a few months.

If the peeling is medium to deep you may experience blistering and peeling in a week or two. You might need to have the area bandaged

Depending on your preferences the procedure may have to be repeated in about a month for mild peeling and about twice a year for medium to deep peels, till you achieve your desired look.

Given the tenderness of the new skin, direct exposure to sunlight is to be strictly avoided for a few months

Your dermatologist will provide any additional instructions particular to your case.

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