Chemical Peel Treatments

• What Conditions Does A Chemical Peel Treat?
• Who Is A Good Candidate For A Chemical Peel?
• How Are Chemical Peels Performed?
• Preparing For A Chemical Peel
• What To Expect During The Procedure
• What To Expect After The Chemical Peel
• What Are The Possible Complications of Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to "blister" and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin also is temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

What Conditions Do a Chemical Peel Treat?

Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck or hands. They can be used to:

• Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
• Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors
• Improve the appearance of mild scarring
• Treat certain types of acne
• Reduce age spots, freckles and dark patches due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills (melasma)
• Improve the look and feel of skin that is dull in texture and color

Areas of sun damage, which may contain pre-cancerous keratoses that appear as scaly spots, may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to appear.

However, sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing , a facelift , brow lift , eyelid lift or soft tissue filler (collagen or fat). A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for each individual case.

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?

Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels. Darker skin types may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated.

How Are Chemical Peels Performed?

A chemical peel can be performed in a doctor's office or in a surgery center as an outpatient procedure.

The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils and the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol), are applied to small areas on the skin. These applications produce a controlled wound, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear.

Next: Preparing For A Chemical Peel »