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Chemical Peels

  • Consultation: 30 min
  • Procedure: 1 hour
  • Recovery: 7-10 days
  • Duration of results: Years

For centuries, people have sought smoother, more beautiful skin. No sooner do we grow out of our teenage skin problems, then we begin the next phases of aging -- fine wrinkles, mild scarring and other irregularities of the skin caused by sun exposure, smoking and heredity to name a few. Today, new techniques and technologies in chemical peeling offer safe and effective ways to improve the texture of the skin.

Chemical peeling is a process whereby a chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin to peel away the top cell layers which will be replaced during the healing process with a fresh, new skin surface.

The following description will give you a basic idea of chemical peeling including peel types, who are the best candidates, what to expect, what each type of peel entails and what results you can expect. Chemical peels are not a substitute for facelifts, but can improve the texture of the skin. Dr. Rahimi can discuss your individual circumstances and review the procedure and the peel he plans to use with you. It is important that you understand the procedure, so be sure to ask Dr. Rahimi any questions you may still have.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Chemical peels can enhance the appearance of facial and other skin on men and women of all ages. While chemical peeling is available to almost everyone, skin type and coloring are important considerations. The best candidates are usually those with fair, thin skin that has a tendency toward fine wrinkling or scarring on the face. Deeper chemical peels are usually not recommended for highly pigmented skin, such as Asian, black and Mediterranean, or oily, complexions.

This procedure will not prevent aging, however, chemical peels can erase, fade or reduce fine facial wrinkles and remove other surface imperfections. Before your surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Rahimi. Remember, improvement, not perfection, is the goal.

There are now several different types of chemical peels depending upon your particular condition. For certain types of scars and pits, dermabrasion, which uses a tool to "sand" the surface of the skin, may be suggested. Dr. Rahimi will discuss your condition to see if and what type of chemical peel is right for you.

There are Risks in All Surgical Procedures

Like all surgery, chemical peels involve some level of risk. Chemical peels are a normally safe and popular way to treat facial wrinkling and fine scarring. While complications are extremely unusual, Dr. Rahimi will take the time to discuss the risks and possible side effects.

You should have realistic expectations and realize that the true results may not be apparent for up to a year. Chemical peels can offer softer, smoother skin to those who never thought it was possible. Discuss the benefits and risks with Dr. Rahimi given your particular circumstances.

Before Surgery

During your consultation, you and Dr. Rahimi will discuss the areas you'd like to enhance. An examination to thoroughly assess your skin type and areas of concern will be done. Your general health and medical history will also be addressed. Dr. Rahimi will discuss the expected outcome, timing and type of peel individualized for your unique problem. Then, you will discuss what medication, if any, you should avoid and you may be asked to stop smoking at least one to two weeks before and after the procedure.

Although you'll be mobile immediately following a full phenol or TCA peel, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, and to help around the house for a day or two. With glycolic or small, regional peels, this will not apply.

The Surgery -- How it is Done

Although nearly always performed on an outpatient basis, a full face phenol or TCA peel may require an overnight stay. Local anesthesia is usually not required for chemical peels, because the chemical solution itself acts as an anesthetic. Sedation before and after surgery is frequently used to keep you comfortable during the peeling operation.

Most peels, no matter the type, are performed in nearly the same way. Dr. Rahimi begins your peel by cleansing your skin to remove all oils, dirt and soap traces. Your hair will also be moved out of the way. Then, the chemical is carefully applied to the appropriate areas using a swab applicator. For some, this may be a full face peel, which would cover the entire face. Others may need a partial peel, such as around the mouth for those fine, vertical lines, the forehead for horizontal wrinkles, or on cheeks for fine wrinkles and age spots.

You will feel a light burning sensation that will subside and you will experience temporary throbbing. After the application, Dr. Rahimi may apply an ointment or for a deep peel, may apply a bandage mask. Dr. Rahimi has now "peeled" off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh, new surface skin. The entire procedure usually takes from 15 minutes to an hour depending upon the extent and type of peel used.

Note: None of the above is intended as medical advice.