Chemical Peels

Dead or damaged skin cells, blemishes and superficial wrinkles in the upper layers of the skin can make the skin appear older than it is. Chemical peeling treatment, which is performed by applying a specialized solution on the skin surface aims to reveal younger skin tissue by peeling the top layer of the skin. It has been used safely for a long time in the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars, skin spots and many other skin conditions.

Chemical peels are usually applied to the face, neck and hands. The type of chemical that will be used is determined by the targeted result, the depth of the application and the skin type of the patient. Deep chemical peels allow more pronounced imperfections to be treated, athough healing naturally takes longer. It is important to remember that chemical peeling treatment does not slow down the natural aging process and does not prevent future skin problems or wrinkles. Depending on the patient’s condition, peeling can be performed alone or in combination with other treatments.

Types of Chemical Peels

Superficial chemical peels are usually performed in a series for general improvement at relatively mild skin imperfections. In this application, the outermost layer of the skin is peeled off. This level is usually appropriate in cases such as mild wrinkles, mild acne scarring, uneven skin color, roughness and superficial blemishes caused by the sun. At this level, healing is relatively quicker compared to other types of chemical peels.

Medium depth chemical peels are performed by partially peeling the top and the intermediate layer of the skin. This option may be more appropriate if the skin has moderate discoloration, age spots, acne scars or moderate wrinkles. Recovery after medium depth peeling application usually takes at least a week.

Deep chemical peels target the lower layers of the skin. This option may be appropriate if you have moderate wrinkles, more obvious sun damage, deeper acne scars, or larger skin blemishes. Deep chemical peeling usually requires preparatory treatment regime which will be planned by the doctor. Recovery after deep chemical peeling takes longer and return to normal life and work will be possible later than other types.

Who Are Good Candidates for Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels can generally be used on all healthy adults and on all skin types. Although darker skin tones have a higher risk of tone changes or dark spots after treatment, your doctor will assess the situation and take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peeling may not be considered appropriate if the candidate has or had certain skin conditions, has irregular coloring in existing scars or if certain drugs such as Isotretinoin are being taken. Any health condition and / or drug use can impact the success of the treatment and the doctor should be fully informed regarding these.

As in all medical/surgical cosmetic treatment options, it is very important for candidates to have accurate information about the procedure. The decision should be made with valid reasons and realistic expectations.

Before Chemical Peels

The skin needs to be kept as healthy as possible before the treatment. There should be no open wounds, lesions or skin infections in the target area. The best way to prepare is to carefully follow all instructions given by the doctor. Not being exposed to direct sun until two weeks before the application, avoiding smoking and alcohol and appropriately using the topical care products prescribed by the doctor are some of the things that need to be taken into consideration.

A healthy communication with the doctor before the treatment is paramount. If there is any illness or medication used, it should definitely be declared in advance. Certain medications may need to be discontinued before treatment. Depending on the situation, oral antivirals or antibiotics may be required.

It is important to be well rested and properly hydrated on the day of procedure. There should be no make-up and the only topical products that are used should be the ones instructed by the doctor.

How Are Chemical Peels Done?

The patient is first prepared in order to protect the hair and the eyes. Then the skin is thoroughly cleansed using a solution that removes excess oils. Although it is usually not necessary, in some deep peeling applications, the area can be anesthetized with a topical anesthetic cream. Afterwards, the appropriate chemical peeling mixture is applied to the target area as a thin layer and left for 5 to 15 minutes. During this waiting period, most patients experience mild burning and tingling. These symptoms can be alleviated with the help of cold compresses. When the waiting period is over, the skin surface is carefully cleaned and the area is inspected.

Recovery After Chemical Peeling

Patients can usually go home immediately after the treatment with no serious side effect other than a slight tingling sensation and redness. The treated area should not be washed during the first day. Depending on the type of peeling applied, redness, flaking and peeling that can last up to a week is normal. More prominent redness, blistering, crusting, discoloration and peeling can be seen in medium and deep peeling applications. The area should not be scratched and the skin that begins to peel off should not be plucked or peeled.

Since the revealed skin will be more sensitive, it should not be exposed to direct sun for a few months and the area should be protected. Your doctor may prescribe various creams and medications to protect the area from the sun and to support the recovery. It is importan to use these regularly for the specified period of time.

More serious side effects such as infection, scarring, change in skin tone, etc. rarely occur when the treatment is carried out by an experienced specialist and the patient follows the doctor’s instructions carefully.

It may take up to a week for visible results to appear, depending on the patient and type of treatment. The results will be more evident in a few weeks and follow-up sessions and / or additional treatment methods can be recommended for later by the doctor.

How Much Does Chemical Peeling Cost?

The cost of the application, as in other applications, varies according to the patient’s condition and the selected peeling type. If you want to undergo chemical peeling treatment, the best approach is to first make an appointment with your doctor, explain your expectations clearly and find out if you are a good candidate.

If chemical peeling is seen as a suitable option for you after the examination, your doctor will inform you in detail about all issues, including the price.

You can call us now or use our contact forms to get more information or to make an appointment for an examination.