Chemical peels

Chemical peels: A chemical peel is a treatment to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution, which causes the dead skin to peel off. The regenerated skin is smoother and less wrinkled thus the term chemical peels. Chemical peels can be bought and administered without a medical license; however people are advised to seek professional help from a qualified board certified physician on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.

In a chemical peels, chemical solutions are used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin, removing the damaged outer layers. Individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation will benefit. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used. Chemical peels may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed to enhance appearance and self confidence. Chemical peels remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and control acne.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the lightest peel formulas. These chemical peels provide smoother, brighter-looking skin if a person can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Different concentrations of AHA could be applied weekly or at larger intervals to obtain best result. Doctor will make this decision during your chemical peels consultation and during treatment process. Alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth chemical peelings. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The results of TCA chemical peels are usually less dramatic than and not as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical peels solutions and produces a deep chemical peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. Since phenol chemical peels sometimes lightens the treated areas, your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate chemical peel treatment for you. Phenol is primarily used on the face; scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.

It is very important that you find a physician who has adequate training and experience in skin resurfacing. Your physician may offer you a choice of chemical peels techniques or suggest a combination of chemical peels to obtain the best result for you.

During your initial consultation, discuss expectations with your doctor. Ask any questions or express concerns that you may have. Expect your physician to explain the planned chemical peels procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. Most chemical peels are performed in a physician's office, office-based surgical facility or outpatient surgical center.