Chemical Peels are minimally invasive procudures used to improve the appearance of the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which results in a superficial separation and resultant peeling, followed by new skin generation. The new skin is smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin, and may also be more even in color.
Millions of chemical peels are performed each year. Dermatologists have used various peeling agents for decades and are experts in performing all types chemical peel applications. Today, with the public’s increasing interest in rejuvenating the skin and slowing the appearance of aging, chemical peeling has emerged as an exciting treatment option. Results of chemical peels may also be enhanced by new laser/light-based rejuvenation techniques. A thorough evaluation by your dermatologist is necessary before choosing a chemical peel program.
What Skin Conditions Can a Chemical Peel Improve?
Chemical peels can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:
-Fine lines and wrinkles
-Uneven pigmentation
-Shallow acne scars
-Sun-damaged skin
-Age spots
-Freckling
However, sags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond to peeling and may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures.
What Does a Treatment Entail?
The procedure may be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs. Superficial, medium, and deep chemical peels may be used to improve damaged skin. As a rule, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time. Prior to treatment, instructions may include stopping certain medications and preparing the skin with pre-conditioning creams.
The procedure is typically performed in a dermatologist’s office. The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils. One ore more chemical solutions such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or salicylic acid may be used. Your provider will suggest the proper agent based on your skin type and the desired results.
What Does the Peel Feel Like?
During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to hot sensation that may last about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. A deeper peel may be more painful and reuqire medication during or after the procedure. However, the vast majority of superficial (”lunchtime”) peels involve little to no discomfort.
What is Expected after the Treatment?
Most superficial (”lunchtime”) peels require little or no down-time. Patients will often have mild pinkness on the treated areas that usually resolves within 24 hours. Mild scaling may last three to five days. Deeper peels will involve a longer recovery with swelling and crusting that can last for up to two weeks. Due to the advent of newer fractional lasers and non-ablative techniques, deep chemical peels are no longer utilized routinely in our office.
What about Aftercare?
Following any peel, it is important to avoid overexposure to the sun as the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to injury. Your provider will prescribe appropriate follow-up care to help the skin heal.
What are the Possible Complications?
In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change. Birth control pills, pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation. Persistent redness amy also occur and can last for months. Although very low, there is a resk of scarring after chemical peels. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results. There is a small incidence of reactivation of cold sores or herpes simplex infection in patients with a history of fever blisters. Prior to a chemical peel, it is important for a patient to inform the provider of any past history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies, extensive X-rays or radiation to the face, or recurring cold sores.
What are the Limitations of Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels cannot remove loose or sagging skin. A facelift, brow lift, laser/light-based skin rejuvenation, or other procedures may be required. Chemical peeling does not remove deep scars. Dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or non-ablative laser therapy, punch grafting, punch elevation, scar excision, or soft tissue fillers may be much more effective for scars and should be discussed with your provider. While chemical peels cannot change pore size or remove broken blood vessels on the face, the procedure may improve the appearance of these conditions.
How Can I Set Up An Appointment?
The Pennsylvania Centre for Dermatology is located at Pennsylvania Hospital, on the 10th Floor of the Spruce Building. Call for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Pennsylvania Centre for Dermatology
822 Pine Street, Suite 2A
Philadelphia, PA 19107
267-519-0154
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