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 are some risks involved with skin peels?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  Any peel can cause scarring, and the deeper the peel, the more likely scarring will occur. If you have a tendency to scar, you shouldn't have peels deeper than the TCA peel. And the deeper peels can cause lightening of the skin, so if you have darker skin, there's danger in peels deeper than those that use glycolic acid. Make sure a doctor performs any peel using anything stronger than 10 percent glycolic acid; aestheticians and other assistants don't have enough knowledge to properly analyze skin and treat the occasional complications. Those plastic surgeons haven't quite figured out which of those lighter "non-ablative" lasers really do the trick. So, stay tuned; the technology of peels is still evolving.

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• QHow do chemical peels work?

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

  Chemical peels are often used to treat scars, pigmentation, and photodamage on the skin's surface. Chemical peels help to minimize the signs of skin damage by sloughing away the superficial surface layers of the epidermis, stimulating the healing process and the generation of fresh, new cell layers. This new cell generation leads to a rejuvenated skin appearance. Salicylic acid, lactic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acid are common agents in chemical peels.

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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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• QWhat does a chemical peel do?

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  A Dr. Ellen S. Marmur, MD , Dermatology, answered

  Most chemical peels work on a superficial level to exfoliate (by burning off) the top layers of skin. Peels can go down to the papillary dermis, which is the top part of the dermis. By doing so, a peel removes surface pigmentation (such as brown spots and melasma), smoothes the texture, decreases acne, and even helps firm the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines. A strong peel, for example a 40% TCA peel, can go deeper into the dermis and cause enough inflammation to set up a wound healing response that can stimulate collagen formation.

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• QHow will I feel during a chemical peel procedure?

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  A Dr. Ellen S. Marmur, MD , Dermatology, answered

  The sensation during a 30% TCA type of peel (which is moderate to more extreme) rises like a crescendo - like going up a roller coaster, getting to the top, and then making a dramatic descent. The peel has a slow onset; then you begin to feel pinprick tingles, which intensify more and more into thousands of tiny, sharp stings for about six minutes until it gradually calms down. At its worst point, people describe it as feeling like a hot curling iron hitting your face repeatedly.

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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 long will the effect of chemical peels remain?

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  A Dr. Ellen S. Marmur, MD , Dermatology, answered

  After completing the series of peels recommended by your dermatologist, it's your new skin. If you protect it and maintain its health with sunscreen and moisturizer, the results can last for years.

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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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• QWhen will the results of a chemical peel be visible?

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

  You'll see the results of a superficial chemical peel when your skin heals, generally within two to three weeks. It will take longer for you to see the results after a medium or deep chemical peel. In that case, it may take as long as four months for your skin to heal and new skin to grow.
  

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