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Chemical Peels

Although sags and bulges in the face can be corrected with surgery, fine wrinkles associated with aging are best treated with chemical peels, laser, Botox or fillers. As your skin ages its texture changes, and different types of skin require different peels. In general, there are complexion peels and wrinkle peels. The appropriate peel treatment for your needs will be discussed during your consultation.

A chemical peel is a procedure where a liquid is placed on the face and produces an inflammation of the top layers of the skin very similar to sunburn. The peeled skin is then replaced by a new layer of skin. The deeper chemical peel usually results in greater improvement of the wrinkles and may also improve elasticity of skin by laying down of new Collagen. It is important to remember that wrinkles present at rest are best treated with chemical peels. Wrinkles that are caused by facial expression are more difficult to treat and may need Botox, a peel, or laser treatment. This will be discussed during your consultation.

The new skin formed after the peel takes time before it becomes more tolerable, therefore, you must avoid direct sun exposure. This will prevent uneven pigmentation from forming. Instructions will be given on application of sunscreen as well as ways of avoiding the sun. It is important to maintain the condition of the new skin after your treatment. Along with avoidance of the sun, skin care tips will be provided to you after your peel. It is important to let us know of any skin sensitivities that you have as well as previous use of Accutane during your consultation.

Some frequently asked questions regarding skin peel procedures include:

1. What is meant by light, medium, or deep peels?
The difference between the various peel procedures is essentially the depth at which the peel solution penetrates the skin. Different solutions can be placed on the face such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol. Each of these solutions penetrate the skin at a different level and therefore results in a different depth of injury to the skin. The deeper the peel, the more dramatic the result and the longer it takes the skin to heal. The type of peel best suited for you is determined by your skin characteristics, such as degree of pigmentation and texture. Therefore, as in other facial cosmetic procedures, it is necessary to individually select the best peel. This is a very important part to achieving successful results and this will be discussed during your consultation.

2. How long will it take for the skin to heal?
This depends on the type of peel which has been performed as mentioned. It usually takes about two weeks for the deeper peels to heal. This is usually when patients can return to work or be seen in public. The peel causes blistering of the skin much like a sunburn and the skin then sheds several days after to reveal a new fresh pink layer of skin. There may be some persistent redness for several weeks after this. It is rare for redness to last more than a few months. With lighter peels patients can usually put makeup on and return to work and be seen in public after one week.

3. What should I expect immediately after the peel?
This may vary with the depth of your peel. A lighter peel may produce redness while a deeper peel can cause swelling and more pronounced redness. Postoperatively you will be instructed to wash the areas with lukewarm water and apply a skin cream.

4. How long will it be before I can wear makeup?
The deeper peel requires at least two weeks before makeup can be applied. With the lighter peels you can usually wear makeup within a week after the peel. We will provide you with explicit instructions regarding the treatment of your peel as well as when makeup can be applied.

5. Does it require just one procedure?
The process of facial skin peeling is as much an art as it is a science. This is true with facial plastic surgery in general. Patients may require a different kind of peel after their initial peel or another application of the same peel solution. At times touch ups may be necessary after the initial procedure.

6. Is there much discomfort?
There will be some stinging as the solution is initially applied but this usually subsides in seconds. The stinging may return with a deeper peel but usually discomfort can be treated adequately with oral medication. Numbing medication will be used for deeper peels in order to provide comfort.

7. What are the risks?
The risks associated with peeling depend on the solution used. Any peel can lead to uneven pigmentation as well as scarring. Both are rare complications.

Dr. Greco's practice is limited solely to
excellence in aesthetic surgery of the face.

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