Chemical Peel in Europe

What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel treats facial wrinkles, areas of skin discoloration, acne scars, enlarged pores and oily or red skin.
In a chemical peel, a solution is applied to the skin to remove layers of skin and allow new skin to grow in its place. Different strengths of chemical peel and different ingredients produce different results.

What are the types of Chemical Peel?
The most common Chemical Peel procedures are:

• Deep Peel

  The strongest procedure, the deep chemical peel or phenol peel, is designed to treat deep wrinkles from extensive sun exposure by peeling away the top layers of the skin. A deep chemical peel produces a second-degree burn on the skin. The solution is applied to the treatment area on the face or body. The solution is left on the skin then neutralized with water. The surgeon applies a layer of petroleum jelly to the face or covers the patient’s face with a mask in order for the protective crust to develop over the skin.
  
  Who is a suitable candidate for a Deep Chemical Peel?
  Deep chemical peels are not suitable for people with darker skin as they cause skin bleaching.
  
  Duration of procedure/surgery:
  A deep chemical peel takes around 1 to 2 hours to carry out.
  The skin peels off over the next one to 14 days.
  
  Number of sessions required:
  A deep chemical peel is done only once.
  
  Days admitted:
  None.
  
  Anesthesia:
  For a deep chemical peel, you will be given local anesthesia. General anesthesia is sometimes used.
  
  Recovery:
  - Patients can return to work after 1 to 2 weeks following a deep chemical peel.
  - Skin re-growth occurs after 10 to 14 days.
  - The skin will remain red for between three weeks and two months.
  
  Risks:
  - Changes in skin color.
  - Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
  - Redness.
  - Crusting and scaling.
  - Swelling.
  - Scarring.
  - Allergic reaction.
  - Infection.
  - Deep peels can cause heart, liver and kidney failure (rare).
  
  After care:
  - Avoid direct exposure to sunlight after the chemical peel and use sun block every day.
  - You may need to wear make-up to balance treated and untreated areas.
  - Cleanse the skin with water or special face wash and moisturize the skin daily.
  - Change the dressing on your wounds frequently following a deep chemical peel.
  - Take pain killers to reduce pain following a deep chemical peel.
  - Elevate the head to reduce swelling around the face and eyes.
  - You may be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection.

• Light Peel

  A light or superficial chemical peel is used to treat fine lines or wrinkles, mild sun damage and mild pigment changes. A light peel commonly uses alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), for example glycolic, lactic or fruit acids. The surgeon applies the acid solution to the areas being treated and removes only a small part of the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin.
  
  Who is a suitable candidate for a Light Chemical Peel?
  A light chemical peel is suitable for all skin types.
  
  Duration of procedure/surgery:
  A light chemical peel takes between 5 and 15 minutes to carry out.
  
  Number of sessions required:
  A series of light chemical peels may be carried out, 1 to 2 weeks apart, and maintenance peels once a month to achieve the required results.
  
  Days admitted:
  None.
  
  Anesthesia:
  None, but you may receive an oral sedative while a light chemical peel is carried out.
  
  Recovery:
  - Following a light chemical peel, skin pinkness and redness fade after a few days.
  - You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
  
  Risks:
  - Pinkness or redness on the skin.
  - Allergic reaction.
  
  After care:
  - Avoid exposure to sunlight directly after the light chemical peel and use sun block every day.
  - You may need to wear make-up to hide the redness as it fades.

• Medium Peel

  A medium chemical peel commonly uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Medium peels remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and part of the middle layer of the skin (dermis). Medium chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, pigmentation changes and sun damage. The solution is usually left on the skin for a longer period of time than a light chemical peel.
  
  Who is a suitable candidate for a Medium Chemical Peel?
  Medium chemical peels are suitable for all skin types.
  
  Duration of procedure/surgery:
  The medium chemical peel process lasts 40 to 60 minutes.
  
  Number of sessions required:
  A medium peel can be carried out again after 3 to 6 months to achieve the optimum result.
  
  Days admitted:
  None.
  
  Anesthesia:
  None, but you may receive an oral sedative while a medium chemical peel is carried out.
  
  Recovery:
  - You may need to take 2 or 3 days off work to recover after a medium chemical peel.
  - The skin heals in around 5 to 7 days and after this you can apply make up to conceal redness.
  
  Risks:
  - Changes in skin color.
  - Redness.
  - Crusting and scaling.
  - Swelling.
  - Scarring.
  - Allergic reaction.
  - Infection.
  
  After care:
  - Avoid exposure to sunlight directly after the medium chemical peel and use sun block every day.
  - Cleanse the skin with water or special face wash and moisturize the skin daily as the skin flakes and peels.
  - Change the dressing on your wounds frequently following a medium chemical peel.