Questions? Chemical peel consultation
Chemical peels are often performed in conjunction with a face lift to deal with fine lines and wrinkles not addressed by the surgical procedure. They are not, however, a substitute for surgery and, while they make skin look fresher and younger, they do not slow the aging process.
During your consultation, your surgeon will ask about your health history and any previous skin treatments you have had. He will also discuss the various kinds of peels available and whether you will be able to take time out of work to recover from your procedure.
- Based on your skin type and your desires, he will make a decision about which kind of peel is appropriate and what concentration of the chemical is right for you.
- Regardless of the type of peel chosen, your surgeon will advise you to protect your skin from the sun after your peel and recommend a sun block with adequate UVA and UVB protection.
What to expect from chemical peel procedure
A chemical peel takes just ten to fifteen minutes and does not require anaesthesia or a hospital stay.
- After an AHA peel, your skin may sting and be somewhat red and irritated. These symptoms should subside as your skin adjusts to treatment.
- After a TCA peel, in the effort to look after your skin would involve using light application of moisturising cream and possibly an antibiotic cream until the crusts off.
Recovering after chemical peel procedure
With an AHA peel, any redness, soreness, dryness or flaking will not be severe enough to keep you from working and engaging in your usual activities. As you continue treatment, your skin will begin to look fresher and brighter and its texture will improve.
A TCA peel, because it is deeper, requires a longer period of recovery. During this time there are a number of things you should expect:
- A crust or scab will form on the treated area. Your surgeon will advise you on how to care for your face to help it heal properly.
- You may experience significant swelling of the area, depending on how strong your peel was.
- Your face may throb or tingle and surgeon may prescribe a mild pain medication to make you more comfortable.
- Any swelling and discomfort should subside in a few days. After a week to ten days, your new, fresher looking skin should be apparent and you should be sufficiently healed to resume most of your usual activities.
- After about two weeks, you may return to work. At this time you may also begin using makeup again.
- TCA peels do not bleach the skin; however they may produce some unintended color changes in the skin. It is very important to avoid sun exposure for several months after your treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin.
- If you suffer from herpes, please bring this to the attention of your surgeon as a herpes attack in the time after your surgery can lead to scarring. Preventive medication will avoid this risk.
