Chemical Peels
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.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas
and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't
spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of
dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer
intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the
treatment proceeds.
What types of peels are available?
AHA peels/treatments: Your doctor will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that
usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength
of the peel, periodic treatmentsmay be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
Phenol and TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, the surgeon will carefully apply
the phenol or TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will
quickly pass.
Is there a recovery period?
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin.
However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.
With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working
or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments.
After a phenol or TCA peel, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing
you may feel. If tape was used to cover your face, it will be removed after a day or two. A crust or scab will form
on the treated area.
With a TCA peel, the moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside within the first week.
In about a week to ten days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to your
normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.
With a phenol peel, new skin will begin to form in about seven to ten days. Your face will be very red at first,
gradually fading to a pinkish color over the following weeks to months. During this time, it is especially important
that you use a sunblock or blotchy, irregular skin coloring may result.
For chemical peels in Beverly Hills California - Contact this Beverly Hills Physician at (310) 967-3050 or email us today.
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