Chemical Peels
- How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel?
- What happens after a Chemical Peel?
- Is a Chemical Peel right for me?
- What are the risks of a Chemical Peel?
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel? [top]
In preparing for a Chemical Peel it is important to discuss with your doctor all medications you may be taking. Your doctor may recommend that certain types of medications be discontinued. Some patients may need to use topical preconditioning medication prior to their procedure as well. These topical medications include Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid.
The prevention of infection is also a concern when receiving a chemical peel, especially for those receiving a deeper peel. Your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics or antiviral medications prior to you treatment. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice so that you may receive all the benefits of your Chemical Peel without any complications.
What happens after a Chemical Peel? [top]
Many patients describe varying experiences following a Chemical Peel and this is because it will depend upon the type and depth of the peel you receive. Patients receiving a mild peel report a skin reaction resembling sunburn- initial redness, followed by scaling, all of which should clear up within one week. Patients who receive a mild peel can have them repeated in 1-4 week intervals until the desired effect is reached. Again this will vary depending upon the skin condition being treated.
Patients who receive a medium or deep peel generally report swelling and possible formation of water blisters. The blistering generally breaks, crusts, turns brown, and eventually peels off. If the optimal result is not reached through one treatment, these patients can receive another treatment in approximately six to twelve months.
Is a Chemical Peel right for me? [top]
Chemical peeling is a very effective treatment option for a wide range of skin colors and types. The ideal candidates for this treatment option are generally fair skinned patients with light hair. However, darker skin types have been found to have great results as well.
It is important to understand however that the type of skin condition being treated will greatly affect the results experienced. You should discuss with your doctor what you are looking to achieve during your initial consultation.
What are the risks of a Chemical Peel? [top]
In general the risks associated with Chemical peeling is low but like many cosmetic procedures include a slight possibility of infection. In some cases temporary or permanent skin color alteration has been reported. There is also a small risk for the reactivation of cold sores in patients with a medical history of herpes outbreaks.
There is also low risk of scarring, this is especially true for patients who scar easily- however it should be understood that if this should occur scarring can generally be treated very effectively. Patients with a history of keloids, or excessive scar tissue overgrowth at an injury or surgical site, should report this to your doctor before receiving a Chemical Peel.
