Useful information for patients on Chemical Peels - skin rejuvenation using a range of astringent products acting on the superficial and middle layers of skin
Facial peels use a variety of chemicals to ‘peel’ the top layers of skin in a controlled and predictable manner. Chemical peels use controlled exfoliation to remove the top layers of skin, stimulating regeneration and collagen production.
Peels vary in depth:
Superficial peels such as glycolic acid, fruit acid, and salicylic acid target the superficial epidermal layer of the skin. They are well tolerated and have very little downtime associated with them. However, the skin effect is also milder, and a course of treatments is usually recommended to achieve worthwhile improvement.
Medium-depth peels target the top epidermal layer of skin and the middle dermal layer to a variable extent. They can achieve a good improvement in skin appearance with less or easier downtime compared to deep peels. An example of a medium-depth peel is trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which can be formulated into different strengths.
Deeper peels provide more dramatic results but require longer healing.
Peels may also improve some types of facial scarring but may need to be used in a more targeted manner for this. Some peels can be used on the décolletage and the back of hands to rejuvenate these areas too. Peels are best performed when skin is less tanned, and sun protection is essential.
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Suitable for patients seeking improvement in:
Suitability depends on the individual’s skin type and goals.
Before surgery, patients typically undergo:
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
How Long Is the Procedure?
30-90 minutes depending on the extent of the facial peel.
Do I Need Anesthesia?
None, topical local anaesthetic, local anaesthetic, sedation depending on the depth of the peel.
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Usually a day procedure unless combined with other procedures.
Potential risks include:
Risks can be reduced by carefully protecting your skin from the sun while healing and following your specific aftercare advice and skin care. (clothes/sun scream SPF 50)
The procedure can have approximately two weeks of healing time but achieves long-lasting skin improvements. Your skin will feel tight and will peel to a variable extent depending on the depth and type of peel.
Peeling usually starts around day 3 post-peel and can last for two weeks (sometimes three weeks with deeper peels). You may have some pinkness in your skin for a while after this. You must protect your skin from the sun while healing and you may have very specific skin care regimes prescribed for the healing period.
The exact healing time always varies depending on the agent used, its concentration, and the patient’s skin type. These concerns are discussed during consultation prior the operation.
Results can be long-lasting depending on the type of peel chosen. Deeper peels have longer-lasting effects than milder peels. Combining peels with long-term skin care such as retinoid/retinol-based skin care, sun protection, and not smoking will help you maintain the results of a facial peel for longer.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon.