Chemical Peel

Chemical peel can be a simple, non-invasive method for smoothing facial skin and minimizing the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation. In stronger concentrations, chemical peel can remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

In general, three chemicals are used for the treatment.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are the mildest of the peel chemicals. This type of peel can provide smoother, healthier-looking skin and can be used to treat fine wrinkles, dry areas, uneven skin coloring, or acne. AHA may be applied in various concentrations at intervals and can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for medium-depth peeling to treat surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigment problems. Your doctor might recommend several applications to achieve the desired result.

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. Since 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 is primarily used on the face; scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.

Phenol or TCA peels are usually performed while the patient is under sedation or general anesthesia. AHA peels seldom require anesthetic since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application. Dr. Sheng might recommend a sedative during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable.

Depending on the chemical used for the peel, the treatment might take 10 or 15 minutes (for AHA and TCA) or as much as one or two hours for a full-face phenol peel. Strong peels can result in considerable swelling and irritation to the skin that might take a week or two to subside. With a phenol peel, new skin will begin to form in about seven to ten days. For strong peels, your face is likely to be very red at first, gradually fading to a pinkish color over the following weeks as the new skin layer develops. It's important to follow your doctor's advice about avoiding sun and other skin irritants, and using post-procedure lotions or medications to minimize your discomfort and promote healing.

This has been only a general overview of chemical peel procedures. To find out more, you should talk over the specifics of your case with Dr. Sheng. Simply call his office at (310) 288-0269 to make an appointment. He will be happy to take the time to make sure you are fully informed.

Copyright © 2003 Francis C. Sheng, M.D. All rights reserved.