CHEMICAL PEEL

At our facility we carry Lactic acid, TCA, Pumpkin peel, and Oxygenating Chemical peels

Peel Types

Lactic acid, salicylic acid and Jessner peels result in superficial skin injury and are well tolerated - the 'lunchtime' peel. They remove thin lesions on the skin surface, reducing pigment and surface dryness. The optimal results are noted after several treatments.

Trichloracetic acid (TCA) is the most common chemical used for a medium depth peel. The results depend on its concentration, usually 20 to 35%. The treatment can be painful and treated areas are swollen, red and crusted for the next week or so. It can lead to an impressive improvement in skin texture with a reduction in blotchy pigmentation, freckling and solar keratoses (dry sunspots). Although fine wrinkles and some acne scars are less obvious, the TCA peel has no effect on deep furrows. Preparation prior to the peel

Pre-treatment creams are applied to the face at night for several weeks prior to the peel. By exfoliating the skin and reducing pigmentation themselves, they improve the results seen from chemical peeling. They may also reduce the time needed for healing. The creams usually include one or more of the following:

Tretinoin

Alpha hydroxy acid e.g. glycolic or lactic acid
Hydroquinone for tanned or dark skinned patients or those with melasma
Broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen should be used during the day.

Post Peel

Superficial peels result in mild facial redness and occasional swelling which usually resolve within 48 hours. The peeling is similar to sunburn. Most people can continue their normal activities. Make-up can be applied a few hours after the procedure.

Moderate depth peels result in intense inflammation and swelling, which resolve within a week. The peeling is more marked. Mild redness can persist for several weeks. Most people take a week off from work after a moderate depth peel.

Skin care after the peel:

• Keep treated areas cool (use a water spray).
• Do not pick! Picking delays healing and causes scarring
• Moisturize - use light preparations after a superficial peel, thicker moisturizers after a deeper peel
• Protect from the sun - especially for the first 6 months

If advised to do so, continue to use tretinoin, glycolic acid and/or hydroquinone at night long term


Complications

Comedones (blocked pores) or acne may result from the peel itself or from thick moisturizers used afterwards; ask your dermatologist for treatment.

Infection due to bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), yeast (Candida albicans), or virus (Herpes simplex); you may need antibiotics.

Scarring may result from infection or picking the scabs, and can be permanent.

Blotchy pigmentation is most likely in those with darker skin or who had a pigmentation problem before the peel; keep out of the sun and use hydroquinone.

Persistent solar keratoses may require treatment. Your Physician may choose cryotherapy, 5-fluorouracil cream or biopsy a lesion in case it is skin cancer.