Chemical peel

Skin changes with age. It loses its elasticity, color, and becomes wrinkled. People can either accept it and live with the changes or try to improve something. There are several ways to do this. A person can either choose facelift, botox, or chemical peel. Unlike both other methods, chemical peel is not a complicated one and therefore favored by most.

What is it?

Chemical peel is a cosmetic, dermatological procedure, during which certain chemical solutions are applied on the skin to correct its appearance. During this procedure spoiled outer layers of the skin are removed with the help of solutions. These solutions include phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs).

Chemical peel is performed in order to remove facial flaws, birthmarks, lines, and unequal skin pigmentation. It may also be used for removal of pre-cancerous skin growths, although it is mostly applied for beauty reasons.

In addition, chemical peel also may be useful for those who want to remove acne facial scars or even to treat acne.

How it works?

As mentioned above, there are several solutions used in skin peel performance. It is very individual which one should be used each time. Therefore, a doctor chooses one of them according to your individual characteristics of the skin, your needs, and expectations.

The mildest type of peel is chemical peel using alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids. These substances make the skin smoother and younger-looking for people, who have lines, dry skin regions, acne and unequal pigmentation. This form of peels is very convenient to people, who do not wish or cannot undergo other types of chemical peels, which require a certain recovery period.

You may need a series of AHA applications to achieve the best results. Alphahydroxy acids may be used weekly or at longer intervals, depending on the state of your skin problems and your wishes. These acids may also be mixed with your facial wash or cream, so that you could apply it daily to change the appearance of your skin.

Medium-depth peeling is performed using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Although concentration of this substance may be changed, providing different types of chemical peel. This acid is applied to remove thin wrinkles, small facial flaws, birthmarks and improve skin pigmentation. Results can be achieved by several sessions of chemical peel but they are not long-lasting and very noticeable as compared to phenol chemical peel.

Almost no recovery time is needed, although sunblock is required after treatment. In addition, certain creams should be used before undergoing chemical peel. And finally, this type of chemical peel is most suitable for darker-skinned patients.

The deepest form of chemical peel is performed with the help of phenol. It is the most powerful of all the above mentioned solutions. When applied on the skin, it may treat thick facial lines, remove skin blots caused by sun and other factors, eliminate pre-cancerous growths, and birthmarks. Phenol should not be used on other body areas than face, since scarring may occur.

This type of chemical peel is most suitable for light-skinned subjects. Deep chemical peel provides long-lasting, visible results, although lightening areas may occur. It needs to be used only once and recovery period is rather long – up to two months.

Chemical peel procedure

During your initial consultation the doctor will decide which type of chemical peel suits you best depending on your skin type, problems, age, general physical state and expectations.

Light chemical peel, when AHA is applied, usually lasts no longer than 10 minutes. During this type of treatment, the doctor will apply AHA solution to you facial skin. You will need several applications in order to obtain the best results. There is no recovery period after this type of chemical peel and you will not need to apply certain „after-peel“ creams. Some patients may be suitable for the mixtures of AHA solution and face wash or cream, so that they can use the creams daily and come to visiti their doctor for examination of the results.

Your doctor will cleanse your skin properly before medium-depth or deep chemical peeling. Then the phenol or TCA solution is applied to your facial skin and you may experience a burning sensation at the beginning, which should pass quickly.

Chemical peel with TCA solution usually takes no longer than 15 minutes. You will need two or more applications in order to achieve the best results.

Deep chemical peel with phenol solution usually lasts one or two hours, and a recovery period that may be up to two months is needed. Your doctor will probably cover the treated region with petroleum jelly or waterproof adhesive tape in order to prevent infection and allow the skin to recover properly. Single application of phenol solution should be enough to achieve good long-lasting results.

Chemical peel cost

The price of chemical peels depends very much on the type of chemical peel performed, size of the area treated, hospital fees and others. Mild chemical peels are most frequently used and the cheapest, but they require a few sessions.
Bear in mind that the price of chemical peels differs from state to state and these are only average prices provided.

 Full-face chemical peel  $1000 – $2000
 Mild chemical peel  $150 – $300
 Deep chemical peel  $2.500 – $6.500

Recommended e-book about chemical peel alternative:

  1. Get rid of all hyperpigmentation problems without chemical peel

TCA peel

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel is one of three chemical solutions(alphahydroxy acids(AHAs) and phenol) most commonly used in plastic surgery . It is perfect for persons who have uneven skin pigmentation, wrinkles or facial blemishes. TCA also treats sun damaged, dry, flaky skin and dark spots. Maybe you want to improve  acne and blackheads or fade away your old tattoo? In this case TCA peeling is just for you.

To find out more detailed information about the procedure of TCA peel , preparation, after effects and the costs please continue to read below. This article will not answer all your questions because many details depend on your situation, but whenever you decide to try TCA peel you are welcome to ask everything you want your surgeon.

TCA peel

TCA peel can be used on various parts of the body: the entire face as well as arms, hands, chest or the neck. It can be used for light-skinned or darker-skinned individuals.To begin with planning to take TCA peel please be aware that it may have some risk.To avoid it first of all find the physician with an adequate experience and qualification. More over your physician can suggest you various combinations of peel to achieve the best result.

TCA chemical peel procedure

For the preparation of TCA peel procedure Retin A is used. It makes your skin surface layer thinner allowing TCA to spread more deeply and evenly. If you do not tolerate Retin A, you can be offered AHA cream pretreatment. This may take up to one month or even more. Also exfoliating sponges or buff pads as well as hair removal should be discontinued at least three weeks prior to procedure. If you decide to do a deeper TCA have in mind of someone to bring you home and assist you for a day or two.

The procedure itself might take from 15 minutes to one hour depending how much is needed to be peeled. The first step is to cleanse the skin. While the surgeon applies TCA you may feel some stinging sense which is normal. TCA is used in various concentrations starting from 10% to 50%. The bigger it is the deeper peeling will be.

If you have facial warts, sun allergies, past herpes simplex, experienced radiation treatment, pregnant or breast feeding or have had a bad peeling reaction before please let your surgeon know in order some precautions could be taken.

TCA peel recovery

Things you should know about the healing process. The first week your skin will be read and probably even swollen. Speaking about side effects, the most common one is the discoloration of the skin. The reason for it is usually sunburn after the peel not using sunscreen SPF 25 or more. From three to four days after peeling the dead layers of your skin will shed till it will be completely healed. At that time you will be required to keep your skin moisturizing with antibacterial ointment  The results can be expected in approximately fourteen days. During that period you will notice the first getting better symptoms such as less pigmentation and wrinkles problems in addition to shiny skin. If  in any case redness on your skin lasts more than two weeks let the doctor know. Otherwise it can turn into brown discoloration or even scar if not treated the right way.

TCA peel is not so long lasting as the other kinds of chemical peel . Might be you will need to repeat treatment to maintain the results.

TCA peel cost

The cost of TCA peel varies from $500 to $1200. To let you know that sometimes it may be covered by health insurance. So it  is recommended to check your insurance company before you do TCA peel.

AHA peel

AHA or alpha hydroxyl acids peel is often called light peel and is one of the mildest peels in plastic surgery . If a person does not have time for longer recovery ( for example after TCA or phenol peels ) and wants to shed a rough, dry or covered with uneven pigmentation skin, gentle touch of glycolic, lactic and fruit acids seems to be the right choice. The procedure is fast and simple- only 15 minutes and your skin refreshed.

The same as with TCA peel AHA peel requires a month pretreatment. You might be prescribed Retin A or hydroquinone (especially if you suffer from blotchy skin or pigmentation). Men are usually asked not to shave 24 hours before the peel. When the time for procedure comes you will not need any anesthesia, because it causes only the feeling of light stinging.

AHA peel procedure

Of course preparation for the procedure should involve the consultations with the doctor. You are welcome to ask everything you would be interested in, beginning with the procedure itself, after effects, expectations. To get an idea you can always ask to show some photographs with the patient before and after peel.

AHA peel can be used on the entire surface of the skin or separate areas. The only thing to know that AHA peel as well as other ones can not be done around the eyes. It is good for all skin conditions and all skin types.

As it was mentioned before this cosmetic procedure is simple and quick. It is safe to perform it at plastic surgeons office or outpatient surgical center.  The surgeon will apply AHA peel on the prepared and cleansed from any grease skin for 10-15 minutes then it is removed. The procedure will be finished by rinsing face with the cold water.

 As it is not a deep peel (during which only outer layers are burned off) it usually needs the after-treatment applying the face wash or cream consisting of AHA or even repeating the procedure once again after some time. Depending on the skin problem and the concentration of the peel the procedure can be repeated weekly or monthly.

AHA peel side effects

Some side effects still might appear. Though probably they will not disturb your daily activities. In general patients feel some redness, in rear cases peeling or even flaking. It may last up to 5 days and can be treated with medication.

After your skin is adjusted to treatment you can be proud of more beautiful skin with the increased elasticity, minimized pores and wrinkles and smoother top. You can also say good bye to discoloration of your skin, acne scars, rough, oily or in other words problematic skin.

Things you should know after the AHA peel . First thing to mention is that nothing at all can be applied to the skin at least 3 hours after the procedure. Also avoid sun in addition to this please use the sunscreen with the appropriate UVA and UVB protection. All the recommendations will be given by your physician.

AHA peel cost

Probably you would like to know how much procedure costs. Of course price varies depending on the physician you will choose and on the procedure itself. Basically AHA peel can cost you from 100$.

Risks and benefits of chemical peel

There are a lot of benefits of chemical peels. Either of them make your skin younger-looking, free of wrinkles, blemishes, uneven pigmentation regions and even acne. These are very simple cosmetic procedures that can improve your appearance and enhance your self-confidence.Different types of chemical peel provide with different benefits.

 

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)- mild chemical peel:

  • Makes your dry skin smoother
  • Improves your skin impaired by the sun
  • Controls acne
  • If  combined with bleaching agent it can eliminate pigment problems
  • Can be used as TCA pre-treatment
  • Convenient for people who do not have time for long recovery period

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-medium-depth chemical peel:

  • Removes thin facial lines
  • Eliminates kin flaws and birthmarks
  • Improve skin pigmentation

Phenol- deep chemical peel:

  • Improves blemishes
  • Removes deeper skin lines
  • Removes birthmarks
  • Eliminates pre-cancerous growths
  • Corrects acne scars and controls acne
  • Provides long-lasting effects
  • A single treatment is needed

The risks and considerations

All types of chemical peels involve certain risks and possible complications. Of course, if performed by a qualified plastic surgeon these risks are minimal but they still can occur. These uncertainties are associated with individual factors and may include unpredictable scarring and infections.

AHA treatment may cause skin redness, irritation and burning. And since several sessions are required the skin should adjust to these sensations with time.

Middle-depth chemical peel with TCA may cause some unpredicted discoloration of your skin. Normally your skin should be able to produce pigment as before. You will be advised to avoid sun exposure for a few months and use strong sun-block. In addition, this type of chemical peel is more suitable for dark-skinned people. You will need several treatment sessions with TCA solution.

Phenol provides deep chemical peel. Be aware that your skin will be lighter in color after this procedure and will not be able to tan because of inability to produce pigment. Treatment with phenol may cause discoloration of the skin – some areas may be lighter than the others. Phenol solution should not be used on patients with previous heart problems, since it may cause undesired effects. Make sure your doctor knows if you had any problems with your health in the past or recently.

Be aware that this type of chemical peel is not recommended for dark-skinned people. It also requires a long recovery period of even two months. You will always have to wear sun protection and strong sunblock.

Although chemical peels are sometimes used with facelift, you should not think that this treatment is like a surgical procedure. You must have realistic expectations, since the results are not as noticeable as that of the surgery. In case you still have any questions about the procedure, its benefits and risks, do not hesitate to consult your doctor before chemical peel.

Recommended e-book about chemical peel alternative:

  1. Get rid of all hyperpigmentation problems without chemical peel

AHA peel

AHA or alpha hydroxyl acids peel is often called light peel and is one of the mildest peels in plastic surgery. If a person does not have time for longer recovery ( for example after TCA or phenol peels) and wants to shed a rough, dry or covered with uneven pigmentation skin, gentle touch of glycolic, lactic and fruit acids seems to be the right choice. The procedure is fast and simple- only 15 minutes and your skin refreshed.

The same as with TCA peel AHA peel requires a month pretreatment. You might be prescribed Retin A or hydroquinone (especially if you suffer from blotchy skin or pigmentation). Men are usually asked not to shave 24 hours before the peel. When the time for procedure comes you will not need any anesthesia, because it causes only the feeling of light stinging.

Of course preparation for the procedure should involve the consultations with the doctor. You are welcome to ask everything you would be interested in, beginning with the procedure itself, after effects, expectations. To get an idea you can always ask to show some photographs with the patient before and after peel.

AHA peel can be used on the entire surface of the skin or separate areas. The only thing to know that AHA peel as well as other ones can not be done around the eyes. It is good for all skin conditions and all skin types.

As it was mentioned before the procedure is simple and quick. It is safe to perform it at plastic surgeons office or outpatient surgical center.  The surgeon will apply AHA peel on the prepared and cleansed from any grease skin for 10-15 minutes then it is removed. The procedure will be finished by rinsing face with the cold water.

 As it is not a deep peel (during which only outer layers are burned off) it usually needs the after-treatment applying the face wash or cream consisting of AHA or even repeating the procedure once again after some time. Depending on the skin problem and the concentration of the peel the procedure can be repeated weekly or monthly.

AHA peel side effects

Some side effects still might appear. Though probably they will not disturb your daily activities. In general patients feel some redness, in rear cases peeling or even flaking. It may last up to 5 days and can be treated with medication.

 After your skin is adjusted to treatment you can be proud of more beautiful skin with the increased elasticity, minimized pores and wrinkles and smoother top. You can also say good bye to discoloration of your skin, acne scars, rough, oily or in other words problematic skin.

Things you should know after the AHA peel. First thing to mention is that nothing at all can be applied to the skin at least 3 hours after the procedure. Also avoid sun in addition to this please use the sunscreen with the appropriate UVA and UVB protection. All the recommendations will be given by your physician.

AHA peel cost

Probably you would like to know how much procedure costs. Of course price varies depending on the physician you will choose and on the procedure itself. Basically AHA peel can cost you from 100$.

Phenol peel

Phenol peel is well known in plastic surgery as the deepest chemical peel and is used for already more than 20 years. To let you know it uses carbolic acid to achieve deeper exfoliation. As follows it is fitting for patients with deep wrinkles around the lips and chin area as well as for sun damaged or pigmented facial areas. Results will not disappoint you, on the contrary when the treatment is complete, you can rejoice at smoother skin and corrected facial problems.

Naturally some precautions must be taken. Phenol peel is suitable only for face and is not recommended for patients with heart problems as well as for dark-skinned people. Your doctor will warn you about the long lasting healing process and some side effects.

Phenol peel procedure

Now is about the procedure itself. First of all it takes from 15 minutes to one hour, sometimes even two depending on what area you will be treating: full or separate one. Surgeon will apply phenol solution to the appropriate area avoiding the most sensitive ones around the eyes, brows and lips. Phenol peel works as anesthetic that is why no separate anesthesia is needed. At the end of the procedure skin is neutralized with cold water. One hour later your skin will be covered with a thick lay of petroleum jelly in order to form a protective crust.

After the procedure you might experience some discomfort: red skin, swelling, in most cases even eyes shut because of that, scarring, bleaching effect, also skin pores can be wider or become an obstacle to get tan. The main thing which can make you uncomfortable is skin’s whiteness. After the redness has disappeared skin color will change to white. That is why phenol peels are not recommended to dark skinned individuals. To keep the procedure safe a patient must warn about any medical problems, especially concerning heart. Because phenol peel can influence irregular heartbeat.

Another thing to be mentioned is freckles. Peel will remove them. So if your whole body is covered with freckles after the peel you might look unnatural. If any pain or other discomfort will bother you some medication can be prescribed. Avoid talking as much as possible during the first days and especially the sun without any sunscreen.

Phenol peel results

The discomfort begins to fade and the first results can be seen in two weeks. That means you can wore some make up and come back to work or appear in public other ways. The total recovery can be reached in two to three months.

The biggest advantage of such peel lies in its long lasting results. However it will not affect aging process. The new skin texture can be astonishing surprise for your self and for others. The best results can be achieved with the patients who have pale skin already because after the procedure the bleaching seems to be natural color for that individual.

Fees can vary from 500$ to 2000$ or more. The more facial area you desire to be treated the higher expenses are.