CHEMICAL PEEL RELEASE FORM

Chemical peels can improve the skin’s appearance. In this treatment, a solution is applied to the skin, which makes it “blister” and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck or hands. They can be used to:

-Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth.

-Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging.

-Improve the appearance of mild scars.

-Treat certain types of acne.

-Reduce age spots, freckles and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills.

-Improve the look and feel of skin.

-Areas of sun damage may improve after chemical peeling. Skin is temporarily more sensitive to the so post procedure. It’s important to wear sunscreen daily. We can advise you on sunscreens and sun protection. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10am-2pm, and wear a wide brimmed hat.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels. If you have darker skin, you may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated. You may also be more likely to have an uneven skin tone after the procedure.

Skin sags, bulges and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may need other types of cosmetic surgical procedures such as laser resurfacing, facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift or soft tissue filler (collagen or fat). A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for you.

Before You Get a Chemical Peel

Tell us if you have any history of scarring, cold sores that keep coming back or facial x-rays. Before you get a chemical peel, you should consult your doctor who may advise you to stop taking certain medications or to prepare your skin by using other medications such as antibiotics or antiviral drugs. Work with us to determine the depth of your peel. This decision depends upon the condition of your skin and your goals for treatment.

Description of the Procedure

The professional who does your peel will first clean your skin thoroughly. Then she will apply one or more chemical solutions- such as a glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol)- to small areas of your skin. This creates a controlled wound, letting new skin take its place. During the chemical peel, most people feel a burning sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Putting cool compresses on the skin may ease that stinging. You may need pain medication during or after a deeper peel.

What to Expect After the Chemical Peel

Depending upon the type of chemical peel, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Mild peels may be repeated at one to four-week intervals until you get the look you’re after. Medium-depth and deep peeling may result in swelling as well as blister that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of seven to 14 days. Medium-depth peels may be repeated in six to 12 month, if necessary. After treatment, you may need bandages for several days on part or all of the skin that was treated. You’ll need to avoid the sun for several months after a chemical peel since your skin will be fragile.

Possible Complications

Some skin types are more likely to develop a temporary or permanent color change in the skin after a chemical peel. Taking birth control pills, subsequent pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may make that more likely. There is a low risk of scarring in certain areas on the face. Some people may be more likely to scar. If scarring does happen, it can usually be treated with good results. For people with a history of herpes outbreaks, there is a small risk of reactivating cold sores. Your doctor can prescribe medication to prevent or treat that.