Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichoroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose.
Chemical peels are mostly performed for cosmetic reasons, but they may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars, and even control acne.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas. These peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. This peel will take no more than 10 minutes. AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation, and crusting, but will subside. After an AHA peel, you may have some temporary flaking, redness, and dryness of the skin.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. A full-face TCA peel will take no more than 15 minutes. The moderate discomfort and swelling you may experience will subside within the first week.
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. The phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. Phenol may pose a special risk for patients with a history of heart disease. It is always important to discuss with your surgeon your medical history. A full-face phenol peel takes one or two hours to perform. The phenol peel may cause much swelling. Your eyes may even be swollen shut temporarily.
You should also avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment. During your consultation, your surgeon will inform you of any pre-surgery care as well as after care. With the phenol or TCA peel, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication.
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