Chemical Peel Treatment
Best Candidates: A chemical peel involves the application of a solution containing either alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove the top layers of skin. Indications for chemical peel include wrinkled, sun-damaged, blemished or unevenly pigmented skin.
Alphahydroxy Acid Peels: Alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels smooth rough, dry skin and improve the texture of sun-damaged skin. It may also help to improve mild acne. The AHA solution can be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct or improve pigmentation problems. Sometimes the AHA peel is used as a pretreatment to prepare the face for a TCA peel or for laser resurfacing. An AHA peel may cause mild stinging, but no anesthetic is required. Several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired effects, but once this point is reached, the patient can maintain improved skin texture by using a low-concentration of an AHA, such as a glycolic or fruit acid, mixed with a facial cream or wash as part of a daily at-home skin care program.
Trichloroacetic Acid Peels: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels can be administered in various strengths to adjust the depth of the peel. The TCA peel is appropriate to smooth fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and correct pigmentation problems. The TCA peel may be used on the neck as well as the face, and this is the preferred peel for darker-skinned individuals. To achieve the best effects, the skin is sometimes pretreated first with Retin-A or AHA. A full-face TCA peel may take from 30 to 60 minutes. The peel does not require anesthesia, but the patient may be sedated to make him/her more comfortable. Repeat treatment may be necessary to maintain the desired effects.
Reactions/Side Effects: Temporary side-effects and recovery time vary with the type and depth of chemical peel. After an AHA peel, the patient is likely to experience flaking, scaling, redness, dry skin and possibly minor crusting, but these conditions are transient and should not interfere with prompt resumption of normal activities. After a TCA peel, the patient may experience tingling or throbbing sufficient to require a mild pain medication, and there may be significant swelling, especially if a strong formula has been used. Swelling generally subsides within a week. Crusts or scabs that form on the treated areas begin to slough off in a week to 10 days. Risks vary with the type and depth of the peel, but all peels carry a small risk of infection and/or scarring. Patients with allergies could experience a flare-up of skin allergies. Fever blisters and/or cold sores may also develop. The phenol peel also carries a risk of permanent abnormal skin-color changes, and while very rare, a patient may develop heart irregularities while undergoing treatment.
After Treatment: The patient should use a sunblock every day to protect the skin, however. Patients should avoid sun exposure until complete healing has occurred. Then the patient should apply sunblock daily for protection.
The Outcome: Patients can expect improved skin texture and a smoother, brighter feel. Results of an AHA peel are are not long-lasting, so improvements must be maintained by periodic treatments.
Patient Testimonials
"From the moment I first interviewed with you, I have felt I was in very kind, gentle, sophisticated and extremely talented hands. It is very exciting to find a hidden treasure in a sea of cosmetic surgery offices. My heartfelt thank you to you all."
- GS
"I feel so fortunate to have had somebody who not only performed my surgery exceptionally well but also did it with compassion. I will forever be grateful for your efforts."
- PH
"I had a surprisingly positive experience! Dr. Bolitho's work is top notch and I am completely pleased with the results. He and his staff were exceptionally caring, attentive to detail and knowledgeable. My surgery and recovery went off without a single complication. I will be recommending Dr. Bolitho to anyone who asks for a referral. I couldn't be happier with the care I received!"
