chemical peeling

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical peeling of the skin is one of the well-known treatments in the cosmetic world. It can turn back the hands of time. It rejuvenates the skin’s surface and visibly improves its appearance.

A chemical peel removes the top layer of the skin to allow it to grow back without blemishes. The deeper the peeling, the bigger and better the results. The risks are higher, the pain is stronger, and the treatment and recovery period is longer. The results depend on several factors, the most important of which are the type of skin and how well it is taken care of. before and after the operation, The doctor’s experience, the patient’s standard of living, and the conditions of the operation itself.

Some types of skin respond better to chemical peels. Therefore, it is always recommended to discuss all the details and possibilities with the doctor, before making any decision.

One of the most important possibilities is that the changes that occur in the color and structure of the skin as a result of old age and exposure to sunlight may appear again, Which makes the operation a temporary solution if it is superficial.

Peeling types

superficial peeling:
It is the cutest kind. It can be applied to all skin types. Usually a liquid containing a weak acid is used. It is glycolic acid. and sometimes, Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is used. This operation does not require anesthesia. It causes a slight feeling of discomfort. But most people who have it can return to their usual activities right away. Where the skin recovers quickly, And if there is a possibility that it will turn pink, However, some cosmetics can be used to hide any pink color until it fades.

Superficial peeling method:
Cleans the skin immediately before the operation, The chemical is applied to the skin using a small brush, gauze, or an applicator with a piece of cotton on top. The chemical is placed on the skin for minutes. Depending on the type of material used, Whether it is water or alcohol to neutralize the acid and eliminate the chemical reaction. after this, wipe off the chemical, Then the patient will feel a slight stinging, but it can be overcome with a hand fan.

Medium peel:
It penetrates the skin to a deeper level and causes a second degree burn to the skin. Trichloroacetic acid is the primary medium used in the process. And with this, Peeling can be done in several stages using different solutions, followed by trichloroacetic acid.

Here the patient needs a few days to heal and the skin needs 5 to 7 days to recover. The skin turns red-brown within two or three days of the procedure and then peels off over the next few days.

Medium peel method:
The same method is used for superficial peeling. But the substance may be left in for a longer period. Medium peels are more painful than superficial peels because the chemical used is stronger and more absorbed by the skin. However, a pain reliever can be taken to reduce the degree of pain and anxiety during the procedure. Fans can also be used to cool the sting and burning sensation caused by the chemical. This process takes about 40 minutes. And generates a slight feeling of pain after the operation, But some do not feel any pain.

Deep peeling:
It penetrates many layers of the skin and causes a second degree burn. It is applied to the face only. Carbolic acid is used in this process. This type of peeling may not be used if the skin is dark because it tends to bleach it. And even for those with lighter skin, Exfoliating with carbolic acid may cause it to bleach more. In most cases, deep peeling can be done once. Knowing that it causes second-degree burns and the skin takes 10 to 14 days to grow again. At this time, it acquires a red color that may last between three weeks to two months or more before the skin recovers completely. The patient here needs to take pain relievers after the operation, Especially since some are exposed to large bulges around the eye area. The degree of swelling can be reduced by using corticosteroids. You may take antibiotics or antivirals to prevent infection after peeling procedures. It is very important to take care of the wound after the operation to speed up healing and prevent infection, It needs to be cleaned several times a day to relieve dandruff. Sometimes it requires visiting the doctor several times to examine the wound and clean it.

Deep exfoliation method:
It takes a long time and is the most painful and complicated. You may be given a pain reliever or a sedative, in the form of doses or injections taken intravenously, and the person may also be completely sedated. A heart monitor can be used and the person is given intravenous fluids during the procedure because carbolic acid is toxic if the body absorbs it in large doses. These procedures may not be necessary if the peeling is limited to one or a small area. After the skin has been completely cleaned, the chemical is used and the skin is allowed to absorb it. There is a 15-minute rest period before moving to the other area to avoid the presence of large amounts of carbolic in the body. The operation takes in total from 60 to 90 minutes, and the patient needs a work leave of no less than two weeks to judge the operation.

What to do before the operation

Your doctor can help you determine what level of exfoliation is needed. And what kind of material is preferred to use. This depends on the type of skin and the areas you want to exfoliate. And the result you want. The doctor will also explain the level of risks and all possibilities, At this stage, it is preferable to peel the “test spot” to better show the results, Especially with people with dark skin.

Two or three weeks before the operation, Preparing the skin begins with cleaning it at least twice a day, With the use of a moisturizing cream every time, In addition to a daily sunscreen. In some cases, tretinoin acid is used, Which is used to treat acne because it speeds up recovery. This system will help protect the skin during the peeling process and recover from the effects of the procedure faster. It may also reduce the chances of infection or any other complications, Especially skin discoloration. For medium and deep peeling operations on the face, The doctor may give you treatment, such as acyclovir, To prevent viral infection. This is more likely to happen if you have had a cold sore in the past. Because peeling is in the areas near the mouth and eyes.

What to expect after a chemical peel?

Recovery time depends on the type of operation and how deep it is. It also depends on taking care of the skin afterwards. This is important in all types of peeling procedures to speed up recovery.

For long term results, prevent infection and avoid any change in skin color in the treated area, Which is usually caused by exposure to sunlight. The care of the skin after the peeling process is very similar to the care that should be obtained before the procedure and includes the following:
Constant cleaning
Change the dressing or ointment used on the wound (for medium and deep peels)
Moisturize the skin daily
Avoid the sun until the peeling stops. With the use of a protective cream from its rays all the time. After the peeling stops, It is recommended to use a protective cream on a daily basis because new skin is sensitive to the sun. Some doctors may advise using tretinoin cream at night. For two or three weeks after the operation.

Why do such operations take place?

Superficial peeling operations are used to improve skin that suffers from melasma or scars caused by acne or permanent exposure to the sun. Or to smooth out fine wrinkles. The operation may include the face and other parts of the body. And the effect is not strong.

Medium peels are used to treat light wrinkles and skin damage due to prolonged exposure to the sun. and changes in skin pigmentation. This operation is mostly performed in the face area. And the results are unbelievable.

Deep peeling operations are used to treat deep wrinkles, Skin damage due to long-term exposure to sunlight and visible changes in skin pigment. It is performed on the face area only. It does not take place on darker skin types because it causes bleaching. The results are strong and رامي . But it is not possible to perform the chemical peeling process.

before and after :