Chemical Peel

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical Peel is a procedure that involves application of a chemical solution to the skin of face, neck, upper part of chest, shoulders, arms, legs, hands and feet that have sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented, and finely wrinkled areas. A Chemical Peel partially burns, loosens and removes (exfoliates) surface (superficial) layers of damaged skin cells, leaving fresh skin which has a more even surface and color. Chemical Peel may stimulate new collagen formation, thus improving skin texture. Chemical Peels can be applied to the whole face or to an isolated area, such as the upper lip. A full-face Chemical Peel is usually done in conjunction with or as a separate procedure before or after a Face Lift or Eyelid Surgery

Where can I get Chemical Peel?

Country	Cost with MedSolution
France	$1,758 (inquire)

All prices are in US dollars and include the cost of the procedure and minimum hospital stay. Estimates and minimum hospital stay will vary depending upon individual needs and requirements.

Which kind of Chemical Peel is right for you?

The type and concentration of chemical solution controls the depth of the burn used to achieve superficial, medium, and deep Chemical Peel. The treatment can be tailored specifically to the needs of your skin

1. Superficial Chemical Peel - These are produced using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) which comprises of glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids. Superficial Chemical Peel is used to treat rough, dry skin and improve texture. Sometimes chemical solutions are mixed with a bleaching agent to correct uneven pigmentation.
2. Medium Chemical Peel - These are achieved by using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Medium Chemical Peel is used to treat fine wrinkles and superficial blemishes
3. Deep Chemical Peel - These are achieved by using carbolic acid (phenol). Deep Chemical Peel is used to treat coarse wrinkles, blotches caused by sun, birth-control pills, (melasma) or aging, and precancerous growths. Deep Chemical Peel achieved by Phenol is almost always used only on the face.

What does the pre-treatment for Chemical Peel involve?

Most physicians recommend pre-treatment of the area with topical vitamin A cream like Tretinoin, alpha-hydroxy acid containing cream, face wash or face lotion and a face cream containing hydroquinone which is a skin-bleaching agent that is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, melasma, age spots and acne scars. You will have to pre-treat the area for about a month before the Chemical Peel procedure is scheduled.

What does the technique for Chemical Peel involve?

Chemical Peel procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in a Medical Centre or a clinic. Local anesthesia with sedation may be required for medium and deep Chemical Peels. You may be given some pain medication either before or during a medium or deep Chemical Peel. Your face will be thoroughly cleansed to remove excessive oils. Delicate areas of the face like lips, inside the nose, and corners of eyes will be protected with petroleum jelly. For superficial and medium Chemical Peel, appropriate chemical solution (alpha-hydroxy acid or trichloroacetic acid) will be applied to the treatment area and left on for 10 - 15 minutes after which it will be gently wiped off. The entire procedure may take 25 - 30 minutes. There may be slight stinging or burning during the Chemical Peel procedure which will subside quickly. For deep Chemical Peel, the chemical solution (phenol) is applied to the treatment area. This procedure may take 1 - 2 hours to perform on full face. The procedure for superficial or medium Chemical Peel may need to be repeated twice or may be three times to get satisfactory results. Deep Chemical Peel is performed only once to create significant results.

What to expect after a Chemical Peel?

After completing the procedure, the doctor may apply petroleum jelly (superficial and medium Chemical Peel) or a waterproof dressing tape (deep Chemical Peel) to the treated area. After a Chemical Peel you will experience some reddening, swelling, oozing or bruising of the treated area. This will be more pronounced following deep Chemical Peel. There may be mild pain, tingling or throbbing in the treated area. There will also be mild irritation, flaking, scabbing or dryness that will heal over time. Within 7 - 10 days, new skin will begin to form which will be thin and red at first but will acquire the normal skin tone and texture over the next few weeks. You will be instructed to refrain from smoking to expedite the healing process, moisturize your skin regularly and use sun screen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun and environmental pollutants.

What is the outcome of Chemical Peel?

Improvement of the appearance and texture of your skin following superficial and medium Chemical Peel can be subtle but certainly noticeable. However, the results of a deep Chemical Peel can be dramatic improvement in the surface of your skin. You will notice fewer fine lines and wrinkles, fewer blemishes and a more even-toned skin. The results from Chemical Peel will be long-lasting, although not immune to the effects of aging and sun exposure. Although it may take several months for skin to recover from a deep Chemical Peel, the end result is skin of better tone and more youthful appearance.

B . R . A . N . D . of Chemical Peel

Benefits of Chemical Peel

• Chemical Peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons to enhance your appearance and your self confidence.
• A Chemical Peel removes several layers of sun damaged skin cells, leaving fresh skin which has a more even surface and color
• Chemical Peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne and other facial scars and may even control acne.

Risks of Chemical Peel

• Change in skin pigmentation - There may be permanent darkening or lightening of the skin of the treated area
• Infection of the treated area
• Scarring
• Cold sore breakouts in patients who have a history of recurring blisters and cold sores, like herpes and shingles
• Acne
• Whiteheads
• Blocked pores
• Prolonged redness of the treated area

Alternatives to Chemical Peel

• Dermabrasion - In this procedure the damaged superficial layers of the skin are carefully sloughed or 'sanded' off to allow the growth underlying smoother, younger-looking skin.
• Laser Resurfacing - The laser is used to remove layers of damaged and wrinkled skin so that new, smoother, and more vibrant looking skin can form.
• Fat Injections - This is a procedure in which fat is removed from one area of your body and re-injected in another area of your body.

Now or Never

• Realistic expectations are the key to satisfaction with the results of Cosmetic Treatments. They may alleviate most of the visible signs of aging. They can restore your youthful appearance and contribute to your happiness, self esteem and self confidence. 'Now' is always the best time to enhance your self image and give yourself a boost for a new look.

Decision to have Chemical Peel

• Fine lines and wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Chemical Peels encourage the growth of new tissue in which fibers are more plentiful and better organized. Although it may take several months for skin to completely recover from a deep Chemical Peel, the end result is better tone and more youthful appearance of your skin.