Chemical Peels
What is a Chemical Peel?
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 the old skin to sluff off and replaces it with fresh, new skin. The new, regenerated skin is should be much smoother and much less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so sunblock and other protectants should be applied after the procedure.
It can reduce or eliminate fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, correct uneven skin pigmentation, remove precancerous skin growths, and soften acne or treat scars caused by acne. The procedure can also treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and scarring, as well as skin blemishes common with age and heredity. Chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.
Chemical Peels Can Be Used To:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors
- Improve the appearance of mild scarring
- Treat certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles and dark patches due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills (melasma)
- Improve the look and feel of skin that is dull in texture and color
Areas of sun damage, which 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.
However, sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a Thermage facelift, a Thermage brow lift, Thermage eyelid lift or soft tissue filler (collagen or fat). Dr. Garries can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for each individual case.
Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?
The literature and popular websites suggest that fair-skinned and light-haired patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels, while certain darker skin types may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated. Dr. Garries has developed a particular expertise in the application of chemical peels to darker skin types based on what is called the Fitzpatrick Scale. She is vastly experienced in preparing chemicals in the precise strengths for a particular skin type and color and is one of the world's foremost experts in applying them for optimal results.
How Are Chemical Peels Performed?
Chemical peels are performed in our office as an outpatient procedure.
The skin is thoroughly cleansed 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 produce a controlled wound, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear.
Preparing for a Chemical Peel
Prior to the chemical peel we may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin with topical preconditioning medications such as Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid. After the chemical peel, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, and we will prescribe the proper SPF rated sunscreen for your particular skin type.
If we prescribe any oral antibiotics or an oral antiviral medicine, you should begin taking those as directed. Typically, the oral antibiotics are prescribed depending on the depth of the chemical peel.
Possible Complications From Chemical Peels May Include But Are Not Limited To:
- Change in skin tone color - For certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent skin color change. Taking birth control pills, being pregnant, or having a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing the abnormal pigmentation.
- Scarring - Chemical peels can cause scarring. However, if scarring occurs, it can usually be treated effectively.
- Cold sores and fever blisters - Those who are susceptible to cold sores, or herpes simplex infections, may have a reactivation of cold sores or fever blisters following a chemical peel.