Chemical Peels

Chemical peel refers to the technique of improving the appearance of the facial skin by means of special chemical solutions. These solutions gradually remove the outermost layer of the skin, which is affected by wear and tear, and/or infection, and shows undesirable blemishes, wrinkles, or ugly pigmentation. The older skin, peeled off by the solutions, is replaced by naturally growing, younger, and smoother skin. During your consultation Dr. Dyer-Goode will make an assessment of your skin and recommend a treatment plan with specific procedures to achieve a desired appearance.

Chemical peels are usually named after the solution used in peeling of the skin. Some better-known types of chemical peel include Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels, Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels, Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels, Phenol peels, and Jessner's peel. AHA peels, Phenol peels, and TCA peels are more commonly used for improving the texture of facial skin.

Chemical peels are administered by Dr. Dyer-Goode at Renew Medspa Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Medicine. The patient is generally not required to take anesthesia, though sedation may be given before or during the peeling procedure in order to soothe the tingling sensation caused by application of the chemical solution. In the case of Phenol and TCA peels, the peeling solution itself acts as a local anesthetic.

Before applying the peeling solution, the patient's skin is treated with a preparatory agent that facilitates skin peeling. Commonly used preparatory agents, in most cases, include Retin A, Hydroquinone, and AHA cream. A combination of these might be used, depending on the type of skin and the ensuing facial treatment. The pretreatment phase of chemical peeling usually lasts about a month.

The patient's face is thoroughly cleansed before applying the peeling solution. The application of the solution takes about 10 to 15 minutes. AHA solution is a mild chemical and therefore AHA peels are usually performed for treatment of fine wrinkles, light pigmentation of skin, and mild cases of acne. TCA and Phenol are stronger solutions and the peels using them are performed with greater care to the patient's skin. The first application of these solutions gives a stinging sensation on the skin. However, this discomfort disappears quickly.

Phenol peels are chemically the strongest and hence require great care. These are used to treat deep wrinkles and even precancerous growths. A Phenol peel for the complete face usually takes one to two hours. Dr. Dyer-Goode may apply petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape to the treated area, in case of a deeper peel. In lighter treatment, it is not necessary. Phenol peels provide lasting effects, in some cases, up to twenty years.

After Your Chemical Peel
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. To minimize these effects and for optimal results adherence to Dr. Dyer-Goode’s prescribed skin care regimen is required.
After a phenol or TCA peel, Dr. Dyer-Goode 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. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow the physician’s specific post-operative instructions.

Getting Back to Normal after Your Chemical Peel
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. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your doctor to recommend a sun block with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.

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. About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities. Your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup.