Chemical Peel Treatment: Procedure, Risk and More

Chemical peel treatment is one of the most preferred cosmetic treatments for getting rid of wrinkled, sun-damaged, or scarred skin. They are very versatile, minimally invasive, and can be used to address a wide range of skin problems. In this procedure, a chemical solution is used on the targeted skin to trigger exfoliation and remove dead skin cells and other impurities from the top layer.

But before you opt for this treatment, you need to be aware of what it is, its procedure, the benefits of chemical peel treatment, and possible side effects. In this blog, we will discuss all of these in detail.

A] What Is Chemical Peel Treatment?

Chemical peeling treatment is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment used to make the skin look radiant and youthful. In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the targeted skin. This solution reaches deep into the skin triggering exfoliation and collagen production. This helps to eliminate fine lines, dark spots, age spots, freckles, acne, and mild scars from the new skin that grows back.

There are three types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep. Light peel targets the outermost layer of the skin. The medium chemical peel targets the middle layer, i.e., the dermis. A deep chemical peel removes skin cells from the deepest layer.

B] What Is The Procedure Of Chemical Peel Treatment?

Before The Procedure

Before the procedure, your dermatologist will ask you about your medical history, medications you are taking or have recently taken, and any recent cosmetic procedures. The doctor will conduct a test on your skin to check its thickness and reaction to chemicals. After performing such tests, the doctor will recommend to you what type of chemical peel would be best for you.

Before the procedure, the doctor will ask you to take antiviral medication and apply retinol cream on your skin for a couple of weeks. As a precaution, you should also try to stay away from direct sunlight as much as possible. When you reach the doctor’s office, prior to the procedure, the doctor will clean your face and cover your hair and eyes.

During The Procedure

During the light-peel procedure, the doctor will apply a chemical solution containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid on the skin using a brush, cotton ball, gauze, or sponge. For medium peel, trichloroacetic acid, sometimes in combination with glycolic acid is used. For deep peel, carbolic acid is used. Once the acidic solution is applied, the targeted skin will begin to turn white.

In case of deep chemical peel, you will be simultaneously given intravenous (IV) fluids and your heart rate will be closely monitored. Depending on the type of chemical peel treatment you are receiving, you will feel either a mild stinging sensation, a burning sensation, or both. The treatment is done in twenty to thirty minutes; however, for deep peel, it can take up to ninety minutes. This is because doctors need to limit carbonic acid exposure at fifteen-minute intervals.

After the exfoliation, the dermatologist will apply a neutralising solution or wash to remove the chemical solution from the treated skin. They may also give you a hand-held fan to cool your skin.

After The Procedure

Once the procedure is over, your skin will feel red, tight, irritated or swollen. Your skin may also feel dry but that might be less noticeable with each treatment. If you just want tight skin without undergoing a chemical peel, you can opt for skin tightening treatment in South Mumbai instead. Following the treatment, the doctor will advise you to avoid direct sunlight and may suggest sun protection. You need to follow their instructions for cleaning, moisturising, and protecting the skin.

Right after the treatment, your doctor may apply petroleum jelly on the skin as a protective layer if your skin is too dry. The treated skin may take between a week to a month to completely heal, depending on the level of treatment. After a medium and deep peel, the doctor may also recommend you apply an ice pack on the affected area.

It is recommended to book a check-up appointment with the doctor after a couple of weeks to monitor your healing. Once your skin is healed, you can start wearing cosmetics again. However, you need to use sunscreen every time you go out during the day.

C] Possible Risks You Should Be Aware Of

• Temporary redness and swelling of the skin.
• Dryness for specific skin types.
• Stinging and burning sensation in the affected skin area for a few weeks after the treatment.
• Changes in the skin tone post healing. This is common in people with darker skin complexion.
• Permanent scarring in sensitive skin. A patch test can avoid this.
• Infections in people with pre-existing diseases like herpes and HIV.
• Heart and kidney damage in case of deep chemical peel treatment.
• Developing abnormal pigmentation in people taking birth control pills.

D] Conditions That Chemical Peel Can Treat

• Fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage and ageing.
• Acne.
• Scars on the top layer of skin.
• Age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin colouring.
• Excess melanin spots.
• Dullness from the skin.
• Dark patches caused by pregnancy and birth control pills.

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• Cryolipolysis Treatment

Conclusion

Chemical peels are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures due to their accessibility, effectiveness, and safety. There are three levels of chemical peels depending on the type of acidic solution used. Your dermatologist will recommend the right type of chemical peel for you after a thorough skin analysis.

If you are looking to get rid of fine lines, dull skin, wrinkles, aging effects, or sun spots, a chemical peel treatment is the best solution for you. Get safe and effective chemical peel treatment in South Mumbai at Skinerva Clinic. Feel free to contact us at any time.