| There are a total of 81 articles in the category All |
See the full list
|
08.10.06 12:27 PM
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solutions to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. For individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Phenol, and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used. The formuls and strengths are adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it's not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. Chemical peels are also used to remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic, glycolic, and fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who don't have the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, acne, and uneven pigmentation. Various concentrations of an AHA can be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain optimal results. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in smaller concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but in most instances it's used for medium-depth peeling. Surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The result of the TCA peel is usually less dramatic than or as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. Many times more than one TCA peel is used to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.
Phenol is the strongest of all the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, and damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. The skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you as phenol peels sometimes lightens the areas treated. Phenol is primarily used on the face, and scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.
Chemical peels are normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection or scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
|
|
|
