What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance of the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which causes the old skin to eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

What Conditions Do a Chemical Peel Treat?

Chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck or hands. They can be used to:

soften fine lines around the eyes and mouth

Treat sun damage skin

Improve facial imperfections or mild scarring

Help treat acne

Reduce hyperpigmentation, age spots,freckles and melasma.

Improve the appearance of texture and color

Areas of sun damage, which may contain pre-cancerous keratoses that appear as scaly spots, may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to appear.

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?

Typically fair-skinned and light-haired patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels. Darker skin types may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated.

How Are Chemical Peels Performed?

One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol), are applied to small areas on the skin. These chemicals destroy the top layer of skin and peel off the old skin regenerating newer skin.

What to Expect During The Procedure?

During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Cool compresses may be applied to help alleviate this stinging. A deeper peel may require pain medication during or after the procedure.

What To Expect After the Chemical Peel

Depending upon the type of chemical peel, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days.

It is important to avoid over-exposure to the sun after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. The dermatologic surgeon will prescribe the proper follow-up care to reduce the tendency to develop abnormal skin color after peeling.

What Are the Possible Complications of Chemical Peels?

In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin. Taking birth control pills, subsequent pregnancy or family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.

Although low, there is a risk of scarring in certain areas of the face, and certain individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.

There is a small risk of reactivation of cold sores in patients with a history of herpes outbreaks. This problem is treated with medication as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may also choose to give you medication before or immediately after the peel in order to prevent a herpes outbreak.