Chemical Peel Of Face
Chemical peels are most commonly acids and other chemicals that are applied to the skin and cause destruction of the superficial layers of the skin therby helping the skin to rejuvenate itself through new growth.
As we age, dead skin cells do not slough off as easily as when we are younger, causing the skin to appear dull. Light, medium and deep chemical peels are a popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure used to peel away the skin?s top layer to improve sundamaged, unevenly pigmented and wrinkled skin. Improving the evenness of color and texture in your skin creates a youthful look and restores a healthy, luminous and radiant appearance.
Face, neck, or hands are the most common areas for which chemical peeling is done.
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma).
- Treat wrinkles caused by photo damage and aging
- Reduces fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treatment of certain types of acne
- Improves the appearance of mild scars
- Improve the look and feel of skin
After a chemical peel procedure, the skin becomes sensitive and prone to hyperpigmentation on sun-exposure. Thus, application of sunscreen is mandatory after the peeling procedure.
When to consider chemical peels?
- If you have wrinkles or sundamaged skin.
- If you have skin discolorations, blotchiness or brown spots.
- If you have scars that have made the surface of your skin uneven.
- If you have certain precancerous skin growths.
The chemical solution is either applied lightly or rubbed more vigorously onto the skin being treated using a sponge, cotton pad, swab, or brush (avoiding your brows, eyes and lips). During peel application, you may experience a slight tingling (light to medium peels) or a burning sensation (deep peels). These sensations are usually minimal for light and medium peels but are more severe for deep peels. The length of time the solution is allowed to work is determined by carefully observing the changes in the appearance of your skin. With certain types of chemical peels, the solution may be “neutralized” after an appropriate amount of time has elapsed.
The different types of chemical peels vary according to their specific ingredients and their strength. The depth of their peeling action may also be determined by factors such as how long they remain on the skin and how they are applied onto the skin.
A variety of chemical treatments can be used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Depending on the depth of treatment required, your surgeon may choose one of the following peels:
- Alphahydroxy acid peel (AHA)
- Trichloroacetic acid peel (TCA)
- Phenol peel
- Croton oil peel
Following all chemical peel treatments, it is important to avoid direct or indirect sun exposure until all the redness or pinkness of your skin has subsided. Even after that, it is advisable to protect your skin by regular use of sunscreen
Your recovery will depend on the technique and depth of treatment.
Light Peels
A more superficial treatment will have no down time and you can return to your normal activities immediately.
Medium to Deep Peels
A deeper peel will involve a more prolonged healing period. You will be advised about cleansing your skin and if you should apply any ointments. For men who have undergone resurfacing procedures, shaving must be delayed for a while.
It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon. Your surgeon will also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and any potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
The first two weeks
- Depending on the posttreatment regimen selected by your surgeon, a scab may or may not form over the treated area in medium and deep peels.
- For deeper peels, your wounded skin may be moist and ooze serous (“clear watery”) fluid.
- Depending on the depth of the peel you might have, swelling and redness will gradually change to pink, signalling that your new skin has begun to form.
Week two to eight
- Your skin may still be pink.
- Your skin tones will begin to blend naturally.
- Your surgeon will advise if camouflage makeup can be used.
For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon’s office for followup evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in your skin that has been treated. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.
Appointments:
For appointments with Dr. Shilpi please call +918130134693 or email at: shilpibhadani@gmail.com
All aesthetics needs of the patients are met under one roof at SB Aesthetics led by Dr. Shilpi Bhadani (Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon in Gurgaon). She has an extensive range of surgical and non-surgical medical therapies for skin aesthetics.