Chemical peels are clinical skin revitalizing procedures that help in reversing damaged skin from such factors as sun-exposure, aging and acne. Healing processes and recovery periods after a chemical peels can be different. They depend on the type and depth of peel.
An exfoliating solution which is contained in chemical peels, improves and smooth the skin texture by removing its injured outer layers. Also the rejuvenated underlying layers are revealed with the help of this procedure. The treatment is considered to be extremely effective for, but not limited to, those people suffering from uneven skin pigmentation, facial blemishes and wrinkles.
There are different kinds of chemical peels, beginning from mild (alpha hydroxy acids; AHA) to medium (trichloroacetic acid; TCA) and deep (phenol) intensities. As usually, the results depend on intensity of the chemical peel, consequently, the more austere effects are caused by deeper peel. Usual negative effects of all these treatments are flaking and scaling, redness, and increased sun sensitivity. The recovery period of mild treatments is shorter in comparison with recovery after medium and deep chemical peels.
After TCA treatment, some swelling provisional changes in skin pigmentation may appear. Phenol treatment is the most aggressive kind of chemical peel and there is a need in local anesthetic and mild sedation during applying. Therefore, some negative effects are more severe – for instance constant pigment discoloration is the most evident disadvantage.
Recovery periods after a chemical peel can be different and depend on the type and depth of peel. Thorough skin care after the procedure is very essential with all types of peels, because it assists healing process, to prolong the term of treatment, allows avoiding infection and caused by sun exposure color changes in the treated area.
To choose the most appropriate treatment for each individual needs it’s necessary to consult with high-quality specialists. A recovery plan will be also provided and following it will speed the healing process results.
Skin care during the recovery period
Proper care of the skin within the recovery period is very parallel to the care during preparation for a peel and typically includes:
* To reduce crust formation it’s necessary to wash a face often (at least 4 times a day) during the first seven to ten days according to the treatment
* For those who apply TCA and phenol chemical peel is better to take medication for one to four days to ease any postoperative inconvenience.
* It’s essential not to scratch with one’s fingernails soon after the procedure because scarring may be caused.
* Drinking lots of water and applying moisturizer after treatment will help to keep the skin hydrated.
* The dressing or ointment on the wound should be changed (for medium and deep peels).
* After chemical peel treatment there is a possibility of increased sun sensitivity, so to wear a SPF of 15 or higher sunscreen is of utmost importance of skin protection from the sun. In general, for the first few days after treatment it is better to avoid the sun.
* To prepare to the realistic probabilities of considerable crusting and swelling, which may appear in a few days after the treatment, there is need in a positive attitude and emotional stability (commonly for TCA and phenol chemical peels). This may cause a “startling” appearance, which easily can be manipulated by the enough mature patients.
