The Risks and Benefits Associated With a Chemical Peel

When it comes to plastic surgery, many patients look to a chemical peel for returning to a more youthful skin texture. These procedures are noninvasive facial plastic surgical procedures and offer recovery options to meet every patient's needs. However, as with all cosmetic procedures, these treatments involve an unavoidable level of risk. Learn more about the risks and benefits to decide if this method is the right choice for you.

There are different levels of the chemical peel-- each with its own set of risks and benefits. Procedures can be light, medium or deep. All work to exfoliate damaged outer layers of the skin. They also reduce acne and acne scars, eliminate sun damage and produce an even skin tone.

The Risk and Benefits Associated with Light Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels are performed with alpha-hydroxy acids. The solution is made according to the chemistry of your skin. Commonly referred to as AHA peels, light peels are a perfect choice for patients wishing to create an even skin texture, reduce acne scars, fine lines and mild sun damage. The result is fresh looking, healthier skin.

The AHA treatment is performed in an outpatient facility and takes as little as 15 minutes. Side effects are mild and patients can immediately return to normal activities. Following the procedure, the patient may feel slight irritation or redness. Flakes and dryness are other common side effects.

Because the AHA peel is mild compared with other similar procedures, your treatment plan may require repeat treatments to achieve desired results. Your doctor may also prescribe facial creams filled with alpha-hydroxy acids to maintain results. Sun protection is also necessary, as skin is more susceptible after any chemical peel.

Medium Chemical Peels: Risks and Benefits

Medium chemical peels use solutions with trichloroacetic acid. The procedure, also referred to as a TCA treatment, goes deeper into the skin to reduce acne and acne scars. It also helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other signs of sun damage.

The TCA treatment is a midpoint between mild and deep chemical peels. This type can also be used on various parts of the body. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.

Depending on your circumstances, a medium peel may provide better results. But this level of cosmetic plastic surgery requires some recovery time. Following the procedure, the skin may begin to crust and form scabs. Patients may also experience facial swelling, throbbing, irritation and redness.

Recovery time usually lasts about one week. Keep in mind that while TCA does not prevent you from producing pigment, slight discoloration of the skin is a possible risk. Your doctor may recommend a treatment plan, scheduling a series of TCA peels in intervals separated by a few months.

Deep Chemical Peels: Risks and Benefits

Deep chemical peels involve a one to two hour procedure performed with a phenol solution. Phenol provides a dramatic improvement to the skin, penetrating deep wrinkles, restoring pigmentation and eliminating pre-cancerous growths. No follow up treatments are necessary and results are long lasting.

Phenol peels require a lengthy recovery period. While you may be able to return to most daily activities after a couple of weeks, the healing period can take several months. Substantial facial swelling, crusting and scabbing are common. Symptoms usually subside within the first two weeks.

Phenol treatments are not recommended for patients with dark skin or freckles. This type of facial plastic surgery permanently lightens the skin tone and can only be performed on the face. Treated areas will no longer will able to produce pigmentation. Sun protection is necessary indefinitely.

Patients with a history of heart disease may not be eligible for a deep chemical peel. If you have a skin condition that produces cold sores, you will need to take medication prior to the procedure to avoid outbreaks. If your skin is prone to keloid formation, this procedure may not be an appropriate choice.

An important thing to note about the chemical peel is that it will not stop your skin from aging. They also cannot eliminate sagging skin.

Other plastic surgery can be combined with a chemical peel to achieve desired results, such as a face lift. To find out more about facial plastic surgery options, go to DocShop.com and get some answers on plastic surgery cost, risks and benefits.

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