Glycolic / Chemical Peels
Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. For 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, in addition to being more even in color.
Thousands of chemical peels are performed each year. Doctors have used various peeling agents for the last 100 years and are experts in performing multiple types of chemical peels. Today, with the public's increasing interest in rejuvenating the skin and slowing the effects of the aging process, chemical peeling has emerged as an exciting supplement to a total skin care program. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Singh is imperative before embarking upon a chemical peel.
What can a chemical peel accomplish?
Chemical peeling is often used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors can often be reduced or even eliminated with this procedure. However, sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to peeling and may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures. Dr. Singh can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for each individual case.
Mild scarring and certain types of acne can be treated with chemical peels. In addition, irregular pigmentation of the skin, such as sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, and blotchiness due to taking birth control pills may be improved with chemical peeling. Areas of sun-damaged skin, and spots of precancerous keratoses may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new lesions or patches are less likely to appear.
How are chemical peels performed?
The procedure is most commonly performed on the face and neck, although the chest, hands, arms and legs can also be treated. As a rule, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time.
Prior to performing the chemical peel, the skin must be prepped for several weeks with preconditioning creams which may include Retin-A, glycolic acids, pigment lighteners, and sunscreens.
The chemical peel is performed in the office. The skin is first thoroughly cleansed to remove excess oils, and the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions--such as glycolic acid, Jessner's solution, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA)--are used. Dr. Singh will recommend the best peeling agent based on your skin type, the condition being treated., and the amount of healing time your schedule allows.
During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation which lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. A deeper peel may require pain medication during or after the procedure.
What should be expected after treatment?
Depending upon the type of peel, a reaction similar to a mild to sever sunburn occurs following the chemical peel. Superficial peeling usually involves redness with slight peeling. Patients who have superficial glycolic peels can often return to work the same day of treatment with only a slight amount of pinkness.
Intermediate-depth peeling can sometimes result in swelling and blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of five to seven days.
Protection from sun ov erexposure immediately after a chemical peel is important since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to injury. Dr. Singh will recommend proper follow-up care to provide the best opportunity for your skin to heal.
What are the possible complications?
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.
Although low, 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 reactivation of cold sores or herpes simplex infection in patients with a history of fever blisters. Medications can be prescribed to take prior to and after the procedure to minimze the potential for reactivation.
Prior to a chemical peel it is important for the patient to inform the physician of any past history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies, extensive x-rays or radiation to the face, or recurring cold sores.
What are the limitations of chemical peels?
As previously noted, chemical peels cannot remove loose or sagging skin and do not serve the same function as a face lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery. They do not eliminate the gravitational forces that produce loose skin.
Chemical peels will not remove deep scars. Laser resurfacing, punch grafting, punch elevation, scar excision, or soft tissue fillers may be more effective for deeper scars and should be discussed with Dr. Singh.
Chemical peels cannot change pore size, nor can they predictable remove broken blood vessels on the face. However, chemical peels may improve the appearance of these conditions.
