Chemical peels are topically applied formulations that help restore and rejuvenate your skin’s surface. The result is a uniform and controlled shedding of several layers of the skin where damage is most apparent. Depending on the nature and depth of the chemical peel, a significant number of layers can be exfoliated, which exposes new growth and fresh, vibrant skin.
Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.
Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck or hands. They can be used to:
In addition, areas of sun damage that may contain pre-cancerous keratoses that appear as scaly spots may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to appear.
Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels. Darker skin types may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated. Your Sylvana professional can advise you as to whether this procedure is a good fit for you.
Chemical peels are performed right at Sylvana.
First, we thoroughly cleanse your skin with an agent that removes excess oils, and the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol), are applied to small areas on the skin. These applications cause the skin to slough, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear.
Prior to the chemical peel, we may advise you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin with topical preconditioning medications. After the chemical peel, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
If you suffer from fever blisters, an antiviral medication will be prescribed for you.
During the procedure, most patients experience a warm sensation that lasts about five to 10 minutes, followed by a prickling sensation. Cool compresses may be applied to help alleviate the prickling. A deeper peel may require pain medication during or after the procedure.
Depending upon the type of chemical peel, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Mild peels may be repeated at one to four-week intervals until the desired clinical effect is achieved.
Medium-depth and deep peeling may result in swelling, and redness that resolves in seven to 14 days. Medium-depth peels may be repeated in six to 12 months, if necessary.
It is important to avoid over-exposure to the sun after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications.
In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin. Taking birth control pills, subsequent pregnancy or family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.
There is a small risk of reactivation of cold sores in patients with a history of herpes outbreaks. This problem is treated with medication as prescribed by Dr. O’Connell.
Prior to treatment, it is important for patients to tell Dr. O’Connell about any past history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth created at the site of a skin injury) or unusual scarring tendencies, as well as any history of x-rays treatments to the face or recurring cold sores.
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