Chemical Peels

Thousands of chemical peels are performed each year. Dermatologic surgeons have used various peeling agents for the last 100 years and are experts in performing multiple types of chemical peels. Today, with the public's increasing interest in rejuvenating skin and slowing the effects of the aging process, chemical peeling has emerged as an exciting supplement to a total skin care program. Dr. Lawrence will conduct a thorough evaluation before choosing an optimal chemical peel and topical regimen.

Indications

Melasma, acne, skin aging, sun damage, wrinkles (depends on peel solution)

Benefits

• Superficial - Freshens skin, makeup goes on nicer, may decrease some fine lines
• Medium depth - Chemical peeling is often used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by damage, aging, and hereditary factors can often be reduced or even eliminated with this procedure. Pre-cancerous or actinic damage are also treated with Medium Depth peels. However, sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to peeling and may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures. Dr. Lawrence will help you determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

Certain types of acne can be treated with chemical peels. In addition, pigmentation of the skin in the form of sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, blotchiness due to taking birth control pills, and skin that is dull in texture and color may be improved with chemical peeling. Areas of sun-damaged skin, spots of pre-cancerous keratoses and scaling patches may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new lesions or patches are less likely to appear.

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin which causes it to separate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also more even in color.

How is a chemical peel performed?

The procedure can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs. Superficial or medium depth chemical peels may be used to improve damaged skin. As a rule, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time. Dr. Lawrence will recommend the best peel for your skin problems.

A chemical peel will be performed in Dr. Lawrence's office as an out-patient procedure. The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, and the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical are used. Dr. Lawrence will select the proper peeling agent based upon the type of skin damage present. During a chemical peel, Dr. Lawrence applies the solution to various areas of the skin. While the peel is being performed, most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation which lasts about five to 10 minutes, followed by a stinging sensation.

What should be expected after treatment?

Depending upon the type of peel, a reaction similar to a sunburn occurs following a chemical peel. Superficial peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that ends within three to five days. Medium-depth peeling can sometimes result in redness and brown flaking which peels off over a period of seven to fourteen days.

It is important to avoid overexposure to the sun immediately after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to injury. Your dermatologic surgeon will prescribe proper follow-up care to help the skin through the healing stages.

What are the possible complications?

In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.

What is the down time required?

• Superficial peel - Like a sunburn pink and peels in 3 to 5 days.
• Medium depth peel - Deeper resurfacing technique requires pain medication during procedure. Will need someone to drive. Healing time 7 - 10 days.
• Medium depth chemical peel - Medium depth chemical peel is a procedure performed in the office with Jessner solution and trichloracetic acid of strengths from 20% to 30%. This acid is not absorbed into the body and will not cause any systemic side effects like chemicals used in some other chemical peels. The upper layer of skin is shed or peels off when it is replaced by new skin. The depth of the peel is controlled by the concentration and the amount of acid applied. This procedure is especially good for sun-damaged skin, small wrinkle lines, and irregular pigmentation. A medium depth chemical peel takes about one week to ten days to heal and will remove most of the abnormalities listed above.