The Face: Chemical Peel

Chemical peel is one of the most effective techniques available for alleviating fine wrinkles and giving the face a long-lasting youthful appearance. People with fine wrinkles, sun damage or color abnormalities of the skin are candidates for a chemical peel. A consultation at the Mayo Cosmetic Surgery Center can be arranged to determine the best type of peel to suit your individualized needs. The results of this procedure are often dramatic and usually long-lasting.

A chemical peel applies a controlled chemical burn to the top layers of your skin. Chemical peels are categorized into superficial, medium and deep peels depending upon the severity of the patient's wrinkles and the degree of sun damage present. The depth of the burn depends upon the concentration of acid that is used. The peel itself should take no more than 30 to 60 minutes and may be painful for the first few hours following the procedure. This pain is usually very well controlled with oral pain medicines.

After receiving a chemical peel, patients usually are sent home with supervision or to an outpatient nursing facility for a day or two. The skin will begin to peel 24 to 48 hours following the application of the acid. New skin will replace the peeled skin within seven to ten days. However, chemically peeled skin takes longer to look normal. A pink hue to the skin can be expected for six months, often necessitating blending with makeup.

The chemical peel procedure is usually done as a full face peel without ancillary procedures being performed about the face. If you would like a face-lift or eyelid surgery, these procedures must be performed three to six months before or after the chemical peel. An exception involves fine wrinkles around the mouth and chin which can be corrected at the same time as a face-lift.

Before you have a chemical peel, it is important for your surgeon to know if you have a history of cold sores. Medication may be administered to prevent them. Your surgeon may recommend two to six weeks of pretreatment with Retin A before your chemical peel. Also, notify your doctor if you've taken Accutane. Patients who have taken Accutane for acne can have problems with scarring following some peels.