Procedure | Non-Surgical
Chemical Peels
A peeling treatment that uses chemicals to resurface the skin, improving its appearance and encouraging skin growth. Chemical peels can be used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin and scarring. The type of procedure you’ll choose depends on the issue you are addressing. This includes
- superficial(light) chemical peel removes the outer layer of the skin
- medium chemical peels which removes the outer layer and portion of the mid-layers of the skin
- deep chemical peel which is slightly more aggressive, penetrates into several layers of skin to stimulate rejuvenation from within.
The range of procedures should only be administered by an experienced and/or certified doctor. It is best to work with your doctor on the type of your peel. The decision is highly dependent on individual skin conditions and desired results.
The peel begins with a thorough cleansing of the skin before applying one or more chemical solutions. Your doctor will also provide you with protective gear for your hair and cover for your eyes. Pain relief may not be needed for a light chemical peel but maybe need for something deeper.
For a light peel treatment, a chemical will be applied over the area and the treated skin will begin to lighten. Do expect some stinging sensation. To finish, a neutralizing solution will be applied to cleanse the chemical away.
For a medium depth treatment, the procedure will be the same. However, a cool compress will be given to soothe the treatment area and you may be given a fan to cool the skin. No neutralizing solution may be needed. The stinging sensation may last up to 20 minutes.
A deep chemical peel may require the use of IV fluids and heart rate should be monitored closely. Chemicals will then be applied over the area. The procedure might be conducted in a 15-minute interval and the process may take up to an hour and a half.
Depending on the treatment, you may experience a reaction similar to a sunburn. Redness and scaling should end within 3 to 7 days while peels can continue and occur repeatedly for up to 4 weeks.
For medium-depth peels, swelling and blisters may breakout and the peel may last longer for up to 14 days. Peels may be repeated for up to 12 months.
For deep peels, you may experience severe redness and swelling. A surgical dressing will be given and pain killers may be prescribed. Redness may last up for months and you may prefer to stay home to allow proper healing.
Results can differ depending on the procedure. For a light peel, result visibility may be subtle but can be enhanced through multiple sessions. A medium peel will have slightly noticeable results and more so after a deep chemical peel.
As with all peels, it is very prone to sun-sensitivity and hence, it is important to always keep skin protected.
Some risk or side effects may include bleeding, brusing, infection and/or peeling.
