What to Expect With a Chemical Peel

When preparing for any type of medical procedure, it is natural to be nervous. This is especially true if a patient doesn't know what to expect. When preparing for a medical procedure such as a chemical peel, it is important to know what will likely happen before, during and after the procedure.

General Peel Information

Chemical peels are done to help reduce wrinkles, scarring and other skin imperfections. Chemical peels essentially remove layers of the skin and allow new layers to grow in. These new layers are generally smoother and more even than the older skin layers that are removed during the chemical peel process.

Chemical peels usually work best for individuals with fairer skin tones, although superficial and medium peels can work well on individuals with darker skin tones. Deep chemical peels are generally not given to individuals with darker skin tones because this procedure can actually bleach the skin. This bleaching can be permanent.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are three basic types of chemical peels, divided by the deepness of the peel. These include peels that are superficial, medium and deep. The expectations a person should have vary depending on the type of peel that person is receiving.

Superficial Peels

Superficial peels are usually conducted with a liquid or paste that is applied directly to the face using gauze, a brush or other specialized applicator. After a few minutes, the chemical is then removed with water or alcohol. Superficial peels may require no time off of work and are generally not overly painful. This type of peel can be done every few weeks in many cases. This skin may turn pink for a couple of days after this procedure and the patient will generally see one round of peeling before his or her skin returns to normal.

Medium Depth Peels

Medium depth peels are conducted in a similar manner as superficial peels. However, the chemicals are left on the skin for a longer period of time. There is little pain after the procedure is complete however, there may be pain and stinging while the chemicals are still on. A patient may be given pain medication during this process to help with the pain. Many people that get this type of chemical peel take a day or two off of work to recover. This type of peel can generally be done every six to eight months. Medium peels can result in water blisters and a couple of rounds of peeling.

Deep chemical peels require general anesthetic and pain relievers as this can be very painful cosmetic plastic surgery. It is common for a patient recovering from this type of facial plastic surgery to take off of work to recover. It can take months to recover from this plastic surgery and it can only be done on the face.

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