As the name suggests, a chemical peel uses a chemical solution to peel away the wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented facial skin. Different chemicals produce different results and hence are used to correct different problems. However stronger chemicals cause more pain and take longer to heal. The various types of chemical peels include:
Light Peels
Alphahydroxy acids (AHA):Â Alphahydroxy acids are the mildest peels and are used to treat fine wrinkles, age spots, mild acne scars, uneven skin colouring and some pre-cancerous growths too. These peels are made of glycolic, lactic and fruit acids. The doctor will begin by thoroughly cleansing the area to be treated. Application only takes about 10-15minutes and the patient feels a slight sting when the peel is applied. No anesthesia is required and no ointments are applied after the procedure too. Repetitions after a month are normal.
Medium Peels:
Trichloriacetic acids (TCA):Â TCA peels are used to treat more moderate skin damage due to either sun, wrinkles or discolouration etc. This is a quicker treatment and lasts only about 15 minutes. The doctor will begin the procedure by thoroughly cleansing the skin. Here too no anesthesia is needed as the TCA has a numbing effect by itself. Sometimes, two or more TCA peels at intervals of one or two months are necessary to achieve the desired results.
Deep Peels:
Phenol acid:Â Phenol acid is the strongest chemical peel and is used to treat coarse wrinkles, blotchiness and scarring. This peel produces the most lasting result and the entire treatment may take between 1 to 2 hours. Phenol acid peels are not recommended for people with darker complexions as they may cause permanent lightening of the skin. Phenol peels over a smaller area may take about 10-15 minutes. After a phenol peel treatment, the doctor may apply petroleum jelly to the treated area. These peels are normally used only once.
Can chemical peels be combined with any other procedure?
Yes, you can get startling results when chemical peels are combined with a face-lift; the face-lift will correct loose and sagging skin while the peel improves the texture of the skin.
A laser peel treatment is most commonly known as âlaser resurfacingâ. Laser resurfacing is used to treat damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The procedure is most effective in minimizing fine lines, facial scars and clearing areas of uneven pigmentation. In this treatment, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beam vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration. This relatively new method of skin treatment has replaced chemical peels in popularity.
A C02 laser peel not only removes wrinkles and fine lines but also tightens the collagen, which improves the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
What does the actual procedure involve?
First the doctor will cleanse your face to remove all oils from the skin. Antibiotic is then applied to kill bacteria. A beam of light from a microphone-shaped instrument is passed over the skin to vaporize the outer layers of skin. Various levels of penetration can be achieved with varied settings of the laser. Deeper penetration may help remove deep scars, stubborn spots and wrinkles. As the laser works, it may make a zapping sound and emit smoke smell. After the procedure an ointment or bandage dressing may be applied on the treated area. Most often anesthesia or sedation may be used during the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Depending on the area to be treated it may take between 15 minutes to an hour and half.
What can I expect after the procedure?
If a bandage was applied after the procedure, expect it to be completely removed after a week till when you will not be allowed to shower. If the treated area is not bandaged, you will be expected to wash the face several times. After each washing you will be asked to apply petroleum jelly. Scabs may form and last about 10 days. Make up can be applied about two weeks after the procedure.
What are long-term outcomes?
Laser resurfacing generally removes most of the fine wrinkles and imperfections. Some of these lines may reappear due to natural facial movements and expressions. Laser treatments may be repeated to get the desired results.
Glycolic Peels are made up of acids that are found naturally in sugar cane and fruit. Glycolic acid comes in varying strengths. At lower strengths it is used as an exfoliate while at higher strengths it is used as a mild peel. A glycolic peel softens and loosens dry skin and allows it to shed dead skin cells. At the same it time it also acts as a deep cleanser loosening the natural oils and dirt that buildup in the pores. This deep cleansing minimizes the appearance of the pores and reduces the development of pimples. The result is smoother, cleaner and fresher skin surface.
What is the actual procedure?
A concentration of glycolic acid of 20% or higher strength is applied to the skin. A mild tingling is felt on application. After 30 minutes the peel is neutralized with water.
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Is one glycolic peel enough?
No, generally for optimal results, a series of four to six applications are required. These treatments are performed every 14 days during the series. In case of pigmentation and scarring, 8-10 applications may be recommended to reduce the damage.
What can I expect in the series of peels?
Right after the first glycolic wash, the skin will appear smoother and will have better tone. Fine lines are diminished and the complexion with have a better colour due to improved circulation.
M.B.B.S., MS. Mch. FAIS Dr. Suresh Sanghvi is a Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon who has specialized for 30+ years in plastic, cosmetic surgery, and laser treatments.
M.B.B.S. DCP Dr. Shobha Sanghvi is a cosmetologist and a specialist in laser and cosmetic treatments. A graduate of the Government Medical College, Surat, and a post-graduate from NHL Medical College, Ahmedabad.
M.B.B.S., MS. Mch. FAIS Dr. Suresh Sanghvi is a Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon who has specialized for 30+ years in plastic, cosmetic surgery, and laser treatments.
M.B.B.S. DCP Dr. Shobha Sanghvi is a cosmetologist and a specialist in laser and cosmetic treatments. A graduate of the Government Medical College, Surat, and a post-graduate from NHL Medical College, Ahmedabad.
