Chemical Peel

| example photos |

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peels will use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Chemical peels can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven pigmentation
• Shallow acne scars
• Mild scarring
• Sun-damaged skin
• Age spots
• Freckling
• Age/liver spots

The chemicals typically used for this procedure are glycolic acids, alpha hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acids and/or carbolic acids (phenol). The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's individual needs.

How is the procedure performed?

Chemical peels can be performed on all parts of the body - face, neck, chest, back, arms, and legs. Although one peel can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, you may require more than one peel to achieve your best results. Superficial, medium, or deep chemical peels may be used to improve damaged skin. As a rule, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time.

Most chemical peels are outpatient procedures performed in the doctor’s office or surgical facility. Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned with an agent that removes excess oils, and your eyes and hair protected.

Dr. Cheski will select the proper chemical mix for your peel – be it superficial, medium or deep – and apply the solution to various areas of your skin. Once applied, the chemical produces a separation and peeling of the outer layers of the skin, enabling rejuvenated skin to appear beneath.

What should I expect after treatment?

After a chemical peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness, and dryness of the skin. Depending upon the type of peel, there may be a mild to severe sun burning sensation.

Superficial peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that lasts three to five days. Medium and deep peels can result in swelling and blisters that break open forming a crust and turning brown, followed by peeling which can last up to two weeks. These peels may require dressings on some or all of the treated skin.

It is important to avoid sun exposure immediately following your chemical peel since your new skin is very sensitive and more susceptible to injury. It’s very strongly advised that you apply sunblock of at least SPF 15 before stepping outside.

Are there any complications?

As with any cosmetic or surgical procedure, this is always an underlying element of risk. In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change. Persistent redness may also occur and can last for months.

If you have taken birth control pills, have been pregnant, or have a family history of brownish discoloration on the face, the risk of developing abnormal pigmentation may increase.

There is a very low risk of scarring after a chemical peel, however if scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results. There is also a small rate of reactivation of cold sores or herpes simplex infection in patients with a history of fever blisters.

Prior to a chemical peel, it is important for a patient to inform the dermatologist of any past history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies, extensive X-rays or radiation to the face, or recurring cold sores, for proper precautions to be taken.

There are many factors to consider in choosing the right Surgeon for your procedure. Dr. Cheski has the experience and knowledge to perform the procedure(s) you desire, improve your self-esteem, and help you look and feel better than you ever have before.

Call 310.575.1500 today and speak to our knowledgeable surgical consultants and schedule an appointment for a free consultation.

^top