Chemical Peels

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• QWhat is a chemical peel?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  A chemical peel is a solution that is painted onto your face to literally "peel away" damaged top layers of skin. Solutions range from mild alpha hydroxy acids to stronger acids like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol. It takes from 15 minutes to two hours for a chemical peel, depending on the strength of the peel.
  
  Chemical peels cost an average of $764; the specific cost depends on the strength. Even something as simple as a chemical peel carries potential risks, particularly when performed by someone not properly trained in the treatment. Aestheticians may perform mild peels. Plastic surgeons or dermatologists are your best bet for stronger peels.

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• QWhat should I know before getting a chemical peel?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Before getting a chemical peel, you should know that it can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, age spots and sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, rough skin and scaly patches, scars and sun damage. A chemical peel involves using an acid-based solution to blister and peel the top layer or layers of your skin, revealing smoother skin beneath. Peels are light, medium or deep, depending on the level of damage you're trying to improve.
  
  A peel takes between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the type used. First, your face is cleaned. Next, a chemical solution composed of several acids is brushed on and left for up to 10 minutes with a mild peel, longer with a medium peel. Then the solution is neutralized and cleaned off your face.
  
  With a deep chemical peel, you are given a cream or lotion to use for up to eight weeks before your procedure to thin the top layers of the skin. The solution is left on for up to two hours and covered with petroleum jelly or strips of adhesive tape for two days.
  
  Pain ranges from mild stinging with a mild peel to significant discomfort that requires a topical anesthetic to numb your skin and a sedative to relax you with a deep peel.
  
  The results of a deep peel can last up to 10 years; milder peels last between a few months to a year. Similarly, your recovery time will depend on the peel. Mild peels require no downtime while it may take up to six weeks for your skin to return to normal after a medium chemical peel. With a deep peel, swelling may last up to two weeks and redness up to three months. With the deeper peels, water blisters may form that break, crust over and peel off. And remember: your "new" skin is more sensitive to the sun so cover up accordingly!

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• QWhat are the risks of a chemical peel?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Chemical peels carry some risks. Your skin may remain stark white after some deeper peels, although properly preparing the skin can reduce this risk. Other risks include scarring, infection, cold sores and long-term redness. Some people also develop acne after a peel or small cysts from blocked oil glands.
• QWhat are some risks involved with skin peels?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  The risks involved with skin peels or "chemical peels" include a small chance of developing scars or a slight change in skin color. Using birth control pills or becoming pregnant shortly after a chemical peel may increase the risks for pigmentation problems. In people who have a history of herpes outbreaks, a chemical peel may reactivate cold sores. You doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to minimize the risk of cold sores. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist about the risks involved with chemical peels.
  

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• QHow do chemical peels work?

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  A Dr. Stuart A. Linder, MD , Plastic Surgery, answered

  Chemical peels act to remove debris from the outer epidermis and may regenerate collagen formation in the superficial dermis. The peels have varying degrees of depth penetration. The lighter peels (glycolic acids) act primarily on the epidermal layer while the deeper peel (phenol) penetrate deep into the papillary level of the dermis increasing collagen formation from fibroblastic cells. 

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• QWhat does a chemical peel do?

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  A Dr. Stuart A. Linder, MD , Plastic Surgery, answered

  Chemical peels act by removing the outer epidermal debris of the skin including age spots and sun damaged actinic keratosis. Superficial peels include Glycolic acids, moderate peels include TCA or Trichloroacetic Acid, and the deepest peels of the past include Phenol. Glycolic acid peels may increase skin tightness and firmness and reduce superficial age spots. The deeper peels will penetrate into the papillary level of the dermis promoting new collagen formation.

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• QHow does a chemical peel work?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  A chemical peel involves applying one or more chemical solutions, such as salicylic acid, carbolic acid, or glycolic acid, to the skin. The chemical solution damages the skin. Depending on the type of chemical peel used, skin damage may be superficial, medium-depth, or deep. The damage can cause the skin to peel off and even blister. Underneath the peeled-away skin is a new and smoother skin layer.
  

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• QWho should opt for chemical peels for their face?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  People with fine lines or wrinkles on their face, acne scars, or skin discoloration such as age spots or freckling may benefit from a chemical peel. People with pale skin and light hair tend to experience the best results from a chemical peel. Depending on the type of skin problem they have, people with darker skin may also experience good results.

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• QHow will I feel during a chemical peel procedure?

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  A Dr. Patricia K. Farris, MD , Dermatology, answered

  Patients who have chemical peels feel a burning or stinging sensation.  We use a small hand held fan to make patients feel more comfortable.  This discomfort only lasts a few minutes but it can be quite intense with peels like TCA. 

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• QWhat are the side effects of chemical peels?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  The side effects of a chemical peel depend on how deep the peel was. Superficial chemical peels may cause skin redness, followed by scaling that lasts from three to seven days. Medium and deep peels may cause blistering, swelling, and scaling that lasts about one to two weeks. In certain types of skin, a temporary or permanent skin discoloration may occur. Follow all of your doctor's instructions after receiving a chemical peel to minimize side effects and get the best results. 

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