Chemical peels use a chemical solutions to improve and smooth the
texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. For
individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin
pigmentation trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Phenol, and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used. The
formuls and strengths are adjusted to meet each patient's needs.
Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift,
it's not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the
aging process. Chemical peels are also used
to remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even
control acne.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic,
glycolic, and fruit acids are
the mildest of the peel formulas. These types
of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who
don't have the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels
may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, acne, and uneven
pigmentation. Various concentrations of an AHA can be applied
weekly or at longer intervals to obtain optimal results. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic, can also be
mixed with a facial wash or cream in smaller concentrations as part of a
daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but
in most instances it's used for medium-depth peeling. Surface wrinkles,
superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The result of
the TCA peel is usually less dramatic than or as
long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. Many times more than one TCA peel
is used to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA
peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.
Phenol is the strongest of all the chemical solutions and produces a deep
peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles,
and damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. The skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether
or not this is an appropriate treatment for you as phenol peels sometimes
lightens the areas treated. Phenol is primarily
used on the face, and scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or
other body areas.
Chemical peels are normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified,
experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks
such as infection or scarring, while infrequent, are possible. |
