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HomeTopics...Cosmetic ProceduresChemical Peels
Pros and Cons of Chemical PeelsSimilar to microdermabrasion, a chemical peel is a skin care procedure that removes the outermost layers of skin via a chemical compound. Unlike other skin care products, chemical peels aren't substances that you can apply to yourself. Instead, a trained professional, usually a plastic surgeon, administers these chemical solutions. Although chemical peels are often performed in conjunction with facelift surgery, you can get them on their own.
Keep in mind, however, that chemical peels aren't adequate substitutes for facelift surgery. While facelift surgery can eliminate deep-set wrinkles, chemical peels are more effective at treating:
If you want to even out your complexion, a chemical peel can be the perfect solution.
Types of Chemical PeelsDepending on your needs and the severity of the conditions that you want to treat, you can choose between three different types of chemical peels. The following table outlines the pros and cons of each type of chemical peel for the face. (The chemical peels are listed are in order of mildest to strongest):
While AHA is generally used for mild skin problems, TCA and phenol chemical peels are primarily geared toward treating more severe skin problems. As you are deciding between TCA and phenol, your doctor can help you evaluate which type of chemical peel is best for you. Along with factoring in what skin problems you need treated, you should also consider how many treatments you are willing to undergo, as well as the amount of healing time you can endure. For example, although TCA chemical peels treat fewer types of skin conditions than phenol chemical peels, the TCA variety takes no more than 15 minutes per session and has a relatively quick recovery time. As a result, if your skin problems are mild, you may want to opt for TCA rather than phenol so that your skin will recover and you can resume normal activities without embarrassment. However, if you need to treat more serious skin issues, opting for the phenol might be your best decision. As with all medical procedures, be sure you understand all aspects of the procedure, including possible side effects and recovery time, before undergoing any chemical peel.
How to Find a Chemical Peel SpecialistOnce you have decided that a chemical peel is right for you, the first thing you will have to do is find an experienced professional to administer the peel. Because not all states require that people be certified to apply chemical peels, be sure to talk to your specialist to see whether or not he is certified, as well as how much experience he has.
If possible, ask to talk to other patients he has treated to see how satisfied they were with their results. Any confident, skilled professional should be more than willing to provide you with some positive references. Once you have found a professional whom you trust to perform the chemical peel, be sure you understand:
Resources American Society of Plastic Surgeons (n.d.). Chemical Peel. Retrieved November 3, 2007 from the ASPS Web site: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/
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