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The earliest recorded attempts to improve the skin date back to antiquity.
Recipes for smoothing the skin and removing blemishes through the
use of alabaster and pumice were recorded in the writings of the ancient
Egyptians who used them for centuries. Today, as a result of modern
technology, safe and effective procedures have been developed to improve
facial wrinkles and mild scarring.
One technique used to treat facial irregularities is chemical peel.
Chemical peel is a procedure in which chemical agents are applied
to skin that is wrinkled, scarred or otherwise damaged. After treatment
scabs form which, upon falling off, leave smoother, younger looking
skin. This procedure, although initially prescribed mainly for cosmetic
purposes, is used therapeutically as well. Cosmetic indications for
the use of chemical peel include wrinkles caused by aging, sun damage
or heredity factors: superficial acne scarring and irregular pigmentation
of the skin, including freckles and age spots. Melasma, a dark pigmentation
of the face found primarily in women who are pregnant or are taking
birth control pills, can also be improved. Pre-cancerous conditions
such as keratoses (thick, rough, reddish growths) also respond well
to treatment. Chemical peel is sometimes done in conjunction with
other surgical procedures such as rhytidectomy (facelift).
Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, a medical history of the patient is taken in order
to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination
is also conducted. The physician describes the procedure, what results
might realistically be expected, as well as possible risks and complications.
Photographs are often taken before and after surgery in order to evaluate
the amount of improvement. Pre-operative instructions may include
the elimination of certain drugs. The patient may be advised to cleanse
theface and hair with an antiseptic soap the day before surgery. A
chemical peel can be performed in a physician's office, an outpatient
surgical facility or a hospital, depending upon the patient's and
physician's preference.
There are two types of chemical peel techniques: a light peel used
to remove superficial wrinkles or a deep peel for more severe conditions.
In both procedures, medications to relax the patient and relieve discomfort
are usually administered a short time before surgery. The skin is
thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils and eyes
and hair are protected. A small applicator is used to apply the chemical
to one small area of the face. Excess solution is then wiped off and
the procedure is repeated on other areas of the face with the exception
of the lips and eyes.
A light burning sensation may occur when the solution is applied,
but it quickly diminishes. Bandaging may be required for a deep peel
but is not used with the light peel. The procedure can last from 20
minutes to one hour or more depending on the extent of surgery.
Following Surgery
Patients may be discharged soon after the light peels and three to
six hours after the deep peels. If bandages are used, they are removed
within a day or two. At this time, the face may be cleansed and ointments
may be applied to speed up the healing process. For a few days, the
skin feels as though it has been severly sunburned. This discomfort
can be alleviated with medications. Swelling of the affected area
is to be expected. Moving around rather than lying in bed is recommended
to keep swelling to a minimum. Keeping the head slightly elevated
when reclining is also advised. As the skin heals, crusts begin to
form and some tingling and itching may occur. Cool compresses can
reduce these sensations.
After the crusts fall off, the skin appears quite pink, but this coloration
fades in a few weeks. During this period special ointments, soaps
and cosmetics may be recommended. The skin must not be exposed to
direct or reflected sunlight for several months and sunscreen should
be worn at all times when out of doors. Thousands of patients who
undergo chemical peels each year are delighted with the results. The
amount of improvement is individual and depends upon the initial condition
of the patient's skin. Maximum improvement of damaged skin ranges
from 75 to 85% and, although 100% improvement is not possible, most
patients view the results as dramatic. Some patients may require additional
treatments to achieve the desired results.
Although complications are rare, there are certain inherent risks
connected with every surgical procedure which should be thoroughly
discussed with the physician before the surgery. Patients can minimize
complications by carefully following directions given by the physician.
If you would like more information about Chemical Peel, please contact
our office for an appointment. |
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