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Skin peeling involves an application of a chemical solution
to sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented, and finely wrinkled facial
areas. The procedure is meant to diminish imperfections by peeling
away the skin’s top layers. It has proven to be a very
popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. Chemical
peels vary according to their specific ingredients and their
strength. Depth of peeling action may also depend on factors
such as how long solutions remain on the skin and whether they
are lightly applied, or more heavily or vigorously applied.
Technique:
The surgeon will select the best chemical or chemical mix for
the individual patient. A solution is applied—using a
sponge, cotton pad, cotton swab or brush—to the areas
to be treated (or the entire face, avoiding the eyes, brows
and lips). Generally, the most superficial peels are those using
alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic, lactic or fruit
acid. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly
or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. A trichloroacetic
acid (TCA) peel is stronger, and has a greater depth of peel
compared to AHA’s.
Benefits:
| AHA: |
| • |
No anesthesia or sedation is needed, and
the patient will feel only a mild tingling or stinging
sensation when the solution is applied. |
| • |
Sometimes a single treatment will give
skin a healthier, radiant look. |
| • |
No downtime—patient can immediately
resume normal activities. |
| • |
Can be mixed with a facial cream or wash
in milder concentrations as part of a daily skin-care
regimen. |
| TCA: |
| • |
TCA is especially effective in treating
darker-skinned patients. |
| • |
Can possibly be used to achieve some effects
of a deep peel, depending on the concentration and manner
of application |
| • |
Generally shorter recovery time than with
a deep (phenol) peel. |
| Both: |
| • |
Short, safe procedure. |
| • |
No covering or after-peel ointment is necessary. |
Other Considerations:
| AHA: |
| • |
May require multiple treatments. |
| TCA: |
| • |
May require pretreatment with AHA or Retin-A
creams. |
| • |
Repeat treatment may be required. |
| • |
Deeper TCA peel may result in 2-3 days
of restricted activity. |
| Both: |
| • |
Sun block is strongly recommended, especially
with TCA treatment. Skin pores may appear larger, and
the skin may not tan evenly following a chemical peel. |
| • |
Some facial skin disorders do not respond
to chemical peeling. |
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Content provided by The
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
For advertising info, please contact Terry McGovern terry.mcgovern@latimes.com at (213) 473-2599
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