Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a procedure in which chemical agents are applied to skin that is wrinkled, scarred, or damaged. A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin to peel away the top cell layers which will be replaced during the healing process with a fresh, new skin surface. Cosmetic indications for the use of chemical peel include wrinkles caused by aging, sun damage, or heredity factors; superficial acne scarring; and irregular pigmentation of the skin, including freckles and age spots. Melasma, a dark pigmentation of the face found primarily in women who are pregnant or are taking birth control pills, can also be improved. Pre-cancerous conditions such as keratoses (thick, rough, reddish growths) also respond well to treatment. Chemical peel is sometimes done in conjunction with other surgical procedures such as facelift.
While chemical peeling is available to almost everyone, skin type and coloring are important considerations. The best candidates are usually those with fair, thin skin that has a tendency toward fine wrinkling. Deeper chemical peels are usually not recommended for highly pigmented skin, such as Asian, African, and Mediterranean, or oily complexions. This procedure will not prevent aging; however, chemical peels can erase, fade, or reduce fine wrinkles or remove other facial imperfections.
A Glycolic (Alphahydroxy acid) peel is used to treat skin with little to moderate wrinkling, mild scarring, and blotchy skin. This procedure does not alter the skin's normal architecture. The procedure may be applied more than once over a period of several weeks. The redness usually subsides by the end of the same day and the patient may return to work on the same day. In addition to having this procedure performed in the office, the patient is also given a skin care home maintenance kit that contains Glycolic acid and other products in order to maintain the healthy, youthful appearance.
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