Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that improve the appearance of the skin. The treatment consists of a chemical being applied directly to your face. The chemical will cause the skin to blister and peel off. The new skin that forms to replace the skin that was peeled off will be smoother, softer, and have fewer wrinkles. Chemical peels are mainly done on the hands, face, and even the neck.

What Are Chemical Peels Used For?

Chemical peels are used to:

• Reduce fine lines around the mouth and beneath the eyes.
• Treat wrinkles that are caused by aging as well as damage from the sun.
• Reduce the visibility of mild scars.
• Treat different kinds of acne.
• Reduce freckles, age spots, dark patches (also known as melisma) mainly due to pregnancy or the consumption of birth control pills.
• Improves the overall look and feel of the skin.

Who Are Ideal Candidates For The Chemical Peel?

A typical candidate would be someone who has a light complexion (those with lighter hair and fairer skin). The candidates for this procedure depends mainly on the problems being treated. If your skin is darker and you are considering a chemical peel, you might also be a good candidate depending on the problem that you want to be treated. Your surgeon can determine the best type of treatment for you during your initial appointment.

What You Should Do Before The Procedure

• Make sure you tell your surgeon about any facial X-rays you may have had in the past, cold sores that you can’t seem to get rid of, and any history you may have of scarring.
• You need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. (Your doctor will give you a detailed list.)
• You have to start preparing your skin for the procedure by taking certain medications prescribed by your doctor. Medications include Renova, Retin-A, or glycolic acid.
• You have to have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your personal goals and expected results from this treatment, this will help him determine how deep your peel has to be.
• Have someone available to take you home after your procedure.

How Are They Performed?

Chemical peels are usually performed in your doctor’s office on an outpatient basis. That means that you won’t have to stay overnight and you will be able to go home soon after the surgery is completed.

Before the treatment begins, your surgeon will clean your skin in a very thorough manner. Once your skin is clean, the chemical solutions (trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or phenol) will be applied to the areas of your skin that require treatment. By doing this, the surgeon is creating a controlled wound in order for the new skin to develop and replace the old skin.

What Should You Expect After The Surgery?

Some people experience certain reactions that are similar to sunburns. The redness resulting from peeling will last only three to seven days. Some types of peels may result in swelling and blisters that are prone to breakage. Bandages may be required for a few days for the treated skin to heal properly. You should take care to avoid direct sunlight without the protection of sunscreen for a few months because of the fragility of your new skin.

Contact Our Office

To learn more about the procedure, contact the Plastic Surgery Institute of Dayton to set up a consultation. Our surgeons are highly skilled and ready to assist you from start to finish.