What Conditions Does a Chemical Peel Treat?
Areas of sun damage, which may contain pre-cancerous keratoses that appear as scaly spots, may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to appear.
However, sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift or soft tissue filler (collagen or fat). A Dr. Hart can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for each individual case.
Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?
Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels. Darker skin types may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated.
What is a Micropeel?
The Micropeel Solution is a safe and effective procedure that can be customized to meet the needs of all skin types. The Micropeel Glycolic (AHA) solution is a procedure that will smooth fine lines and even skin discoloration while reducing the appearance of acne scars.
The Micropeel
plus is designed to refine skin texture while
reducing the appearance of acne and acne scars
as well as environmental damage to the skin.
Available in two concentrations 20 or 30%
Salicylic Acid.
Most people will notice a
change in the skin right
away.
How Are Chemical Peels Performed?
The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils and the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol), are applied to small areas on the skin. These applications produce a controlled wound, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear.
Preparing for a Chemical Peel
Prior to the chemical peel, Dr.Hart may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin with topical preconditioning medications such as Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid. After the chemical peel, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
If you have been prescribed oral antibiotics or an oral antiviral medicine, you should begin taking those as directed. Typically, the oral antibiotics are prescribed depending on the depth of the chemical peel.
What to Expect During The Procedure
During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Cool compresses may be applied to help alleviate this stinging. A deeper peel may require pain medication during or after the procedure.
