What are some of the conditions that can be treated by Chemical Peel / Skin Peel?
Chemical peel, although initially publicized as mainly a cosmetic procedure, is used therapeutically as well. Cosmetic indications for the use of chemical peel include wrinkles caused by aging, sun damage, hereditary factors, superficial acne scarring, and irregular pigmentation of the skin, including melasma, freckles or age spots. Therapeutic indications for this type of surgery are precancerous conditions such as keratosis (thick, rough, reddish growths).

What can be expected after the procedure?
The procedure lasts from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of chemical peel you're having - light or deep peel. A light peel may take 20 minutes while a deep peel will take longer. For a day or 2 following the procedure, the skin will feel as though it has been severely burned or sun-burned, but medication can alleviate much of the discomfort. Swelling of the affected area is to be expected for several days following the procedure. Moving around rather than lying in bed is recommended to keep swelling at a minimum. Within a few days after the procedure, the healing process begins as the affected areas start to crust. Direct or reflected sunlight should be avoided for several months after the treatment.

How much improvement can be expected following the procedure?
The amount of improvement is individual and depends on the initial condition of the patient's skin. Maximum improvement of damaged skin and wrinkling ranges from 75 to 85%, and although 100% improvement is not possible, most patients view the results as dramatic. Some patients, depending upon the condition of their skin, may require additional treatments to achieve desired results.

What are the risks involved?
Each year, thousands of chemical peel procedures are performed successfully. Although complications are rare, possible risks should be thoroughly discussed with the physician prior to surgery.

More About Chemical Peel / Skin Peel
More Before and After Photos