Chemical Peel Treatments
A chemical peel is the application of a chemical to the skin in order to remove damaged or problem layers of skin.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
Chemical peel solutions can vary widely in their intensity,depending on the condition being treated and the desired result. The more concentrated the chemical, the more layers of damaged skin that are removed. Each chemical works by exfoliating and drying out the problem layers of skin so the body will naturally shed the unwanted areas (acne, brown spots, melasma, sun damaged skin, wrinkles or other skin problems), exposing healthy, younger skin underneath.
What Conditions Do Chemical Peels Treat?
What is the Procedure?
The average Chemical Peel appointment at DermMedica is 30 minutes. Patients arrive at the office, the face or targeted skin is cleaned and then chemicals are applied to the treatment area. After the treatment all chemicals are rinsed and patients are given post care instructions to follow to aid recovery.
What is the Recovery Time?
3-7 days – Patients receiving a Chemical Peel treatment can expect to see pealing or flaking skin from the treated area during recovery. There may be minor irritation but patients are fully capable of returning to their regular activities immediately. It is important that patients abstain from sun exposure during the recovery period, keeping the skin properly protected and moisturized.
What Are the Expected Results?
In a week, your skin peeling is complete and new skin is exposed, giving a youthful appearance to the treated area. Peels can work for many different skin conditions including but not limited to acne, abnormal pigmentation, very mild scars or to just refresh and rejuvenate the skin from age or sun exposure.
Find Further Information Online at www.plasticsurgery.org
Quick Answers About Chemical Peels
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How often can I safely get chemical peels? Is there any advantage to applying them more often? Are there any dangers involved with using chemical peels frequently?
Some patients require chemical peels every 2-4 weeks depending on the condition we are trying to treat while others will have them done ever few months. It all depends on the reason we are going to be performing the peel.
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How bad will my face look going through the chemical peel process? I'm a little worried about the flaking and how it will make my face look to others.
A chemical peel works by helping slough off the most superficial layer of skin so that your skin regenerates quicker and as a result can improve pigmentation (colour) problems, soften acne scars and generally leave your skin feeling tighter and more refreshed. There are a handful of days where skin does peel away and we recommend to our patients that they will probably want to avoid a lot of public exposure if this concerns them in any way.
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What should I avoid after a chemical peel? I know I need to protect myself after a chemical peel, but what do I need to avoid in specific?
After any procedure with the skin you should be careful with excessive sun exposure. This can cause irregular colour to show up in the skin because as the skin heals it might produce more brown colours than normal. This excessive pigment can stay around for a long time or even be permanent in some situations. Your physician or healthcare provider should be able to instruct you on how to avoid this problem very easily.
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Are Chemical Peels Painful? I want to try a chemical peel but I've heard that they can be painful. How much pain should I expect from this procedure?
Chemical peels should not be painful. if they are, then your treatment is not being performed properly. a chemical peel is designed to take off a superficial layer of skin so that your skin will turn-over/regenerate much quicker than normal. this can aid in conditions such as acne, abnormal pigmentation, dry skin and other issues. after treatment you will notice a gradual sloughing of skin over the next week with fresher, newer skin underneath.