 |
|
|
Director of Cosmetic Surgery,
University of Illinois Chicago
Department of Dermatology
Oakbrook Center Mall Oak Brook, Illinois (630) 928-0240 Jeffrey Melton, M.D., S.C.,
|
|
|
|
Chemical Peeling Chemical peeling is 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 separate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also move even in color. Thousands of chemical peels are performed each year. Dermatologic surgeons have used various peeling agents for the last 100 years. What Can A Chemical Peel Do? Chemical peeling is often used to treat fine lines under the eves and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors can often be reduced or even eliminated with this time-tested procedure. Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, may be improved with chemical peels as well as with laser resurfacing or other laser treatments. How Are Chemical Peels Performed? The procedure can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands. arms and legs. Superficial, medium, or deep chemical peels may' be used to improve damaged skin. As a rule, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery' time. Your dermatologic surgeon will recommend the best peel for your skin problems. The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, and eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions such as trichloroacetic acid, are used. Proper selection of peeling agent is based upon the the type and degree of skin damage present. During a chemical peel the peeling solution is applied to various areas of the skin. These applications produce separation and eventual peeling of layers of skin, enabling newly regenerated skin to take the place of the old skin. During the procedure most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation which lists about 10 minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. A deeper peel may require premedication. What Should Be Expected After Treatment? Depending upon the type of peel, a reaction similar to a mild to severe sunburn occurs following a chemical peel. Superficial peeling usually involves redness followed by scaling that ends within three to five days. Medium-depth and deep peeling can sometimes result in swelling and blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of several days. What Are The Possible Complications of Chemical Peels? In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation. It is important to minimize sun exposure after a chemical peel. There is a risk of scarring after chemical peels. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results. There is a small incidence of the reactivation of cold sores or Herpes simplex infection in patients with a history of fever blisters. What Are The Limitations Of Chemical Peels? Chemical peels cannot remove loose or sagging skin. They do not eliminate the gravitational forces that produce excess skin. Chemical peeling will not remove deep, punched out scars effectively. However, punch elevation, excision or grafting combined with dermabrasion can often improve these. Chemical peels cannot change pore size. Nor can they usually improve blood vessels on the face. However, blood vessels on the face and elsewhere can be readily treated by lasers. What other treatments are available for wrinkles and aging skin?
are also used to improve or eliminate wrinkles. |