Chemical Peel
Chemical Peel is a skin resurfacing technique which utilizes a chemical solution in order to remove the superficial, older layers of the skin so as the newer ones come forth, thus delivering a healthier, reinvigorated appearance.
How Does Chemical Peel Work?
Chemical Peel is performed through the application of a chemical solution to specific areas of the face. This solution usually contains alpha hydroxy acids and TCA (tricholoracetic acid) and it is spread over the treated area either by being applied gently or by being rubbed more intensely onto the skin with the help of sponges, pads or brushes. After that, the solution is left to act for some minutes before a neutralizing solution is applied to halt that process. Finally, bandages are put onto the treated area and the patient is ready to leave.
A distinction should be made here between the two predominant types of this method. The superficial peel is perhaps the most appropriate – and currently more popular – choice that can tackle less severe cases, and that is the reason the procedure is rapid, scarcely requiring anesthesia. On the other hand, the most aggressive method (medium/deep peel) uses phenol (a strong
chemical) and local anesthesia to address laxity, rougher wrinkles, deeper furrows and spots caused by age or by extensive exposure to the sun. In that case, the procedure is likely to last around 1-1 ½ hours, after which a protective crust develops over the area, necessitating the use of a tape or a bandage.
Recuperation time lasts from 2-7 days for superficial peels to several days, weeks – or even months – for more aggressive peeling. As expected, the latter guarantees more perdurable results (lasting well over a year), while superficial peel should be performed at monthly intervals to render noticeable results.
At this point we need to notice that there are also several procedures that combine chemical peel with other processes like hydradermabrassion, delivery of antioxidants etc. Such options deserve a thorough evaluation! A such example is Hydrofacial MD. So probably you should contact a Hydrofacial Specialist in order to learn more for such a complete procedure.
Benefits
Below are listed some of the most important Chemical Peel benefits:
- Significantly upgrades the appearance and feel of the skin
- Reduces fine lines around the area of the mouth
- Abates the extent and depth of wrinkles
- Softens the vertical wrinkles around the mouth
- Ameliorates the appearance of mild scars
- Treats certain types of acne
- Diminishes dark spots, freckles and discoloration
- Delivers an overall rejuvenated look on the skin
Side Effects
In general, Chemical Peel is deemed as a safe and reliable operation. Apparently, if choosing to have a delicate operation like this performed on your face or body, it is vital that you consult a trusted dermatologist beforehand. Nevertheless, after a chemical peel you should be prepared to encounter one or more of the following adverse reactions:
- Tingling (in soft peeling) or burning sensation (deeper peeling) as the solution is applied (this however can be effectively handled with the use of cool compresses)
- Temporary skin sensitivity to the sun
- Temporary or (rarely) permanent skin discoloration
- Bleaching and demarcation (in case phenol solution is used)
- Relatively increased recuperation time (lasting up to 2-3 months) if deep chemical peel is performed
To mitigate the effect of the aforementioned Chemical Peel side effects, the patient is usually required to avoid being exposed to the sun’s radiation as well as utilize sunscreen and/or wear a hat.
Areas To Be Treated
Chemical peels can be applied onto several areas of the face and neck (except for the eyes and lips, of course) as well as the hands and other parts of the body so as to refine aging or damaged skin, acne scars, crow’s feet, and all sort of wrinkles.
Cost
A mild Chemical Peel is quite an affordable cosmetic operation. The average cost shown on Realself.com is $400. However, in order to achieve noticeable results, a single treatment is hardly enough; hence, a potential customer should anticipate the total expenditure to reach around $1,500 for a series of 4-6 sessions. In addition, there are several other factors which can be taken into consideration also, more notably the type of peel asked by the patient, the condition of his / her skin as well as anesthesia and clinic charges etc.
Chemical Peel Reviews
The feedback stemming from an adequate amount of patients’ testimonials suggests that the operation is effective to a fair extent as well as reasonably safe. Reviewers praise the method’s ability to reveal the new skin after disposing off the old layers as well as the smoothening of lines and scars. Still and all, the healing process, even in milder peels, may last for several days, which seems to aggravate some patients, along with the itching sensation and the extra caution required when cleaning their face during downtime. To read detailed reviews click here!
Before and After Photos
Our Advice
Generally, Chemical Peel (preferably at its mildest form) can be recommended to women or men who are in good health but also dissatisfied with the appearance of their skin and want to have it rejuvenated. More specifically, ideal candidates can be considered those who have fair complexion and light hair, since darker-skin individuals may be affected by a slightly uneven skin tone following the operation (therefore, the latter would probably be advised to opt for an alternative, non-chemical procedure such as microdermabrasion). People who should better desist from undergoing Chemical Peel are patients with a family history of heart problems, psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema, nursing or pregnant women as well as smokers. Moreover, people with skin sags or more severe wrinkles should better turn to other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as facelift or laser resurfacing (like Fraxel), which can deliver amplified accuracy compared to Chemical Peel. What ever the choice is, it is important that a candidate retain realistic expectations of the procedure!
And never forget that beauty is a very subjective concept! Trying to reach the ideal beauty is a completely imaginery situation. Please spend two minutes to read our article on the Ethics of Aesthetics for a more detailed report of what we are talking about!
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