.....Tel. 510.204.8800
|
Chemical peel procedure uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing the damaged outer layers including facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. There are several different types of chemical peels. Dr. Javaheri will explain the differences between each in detail, and discuss which type will be best for you at the time of your consultation. A chemical peel can make you look younger and healthier, and may enhance your self-confidence as well. It is important to realize that a chemical peel cannot stop the process of aging. It can, however, slow it down and “set the clock back” for those desiring a more youthful appearance.
Most people decide to have a chemical peel for cosmetic reasons in order o enhance their appearance and self confidence. A chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. At the time of your consultation Dr. Javaheri will ask you about your general medical history, specifically pertaining to any medical conditions that could cause problems during or after your procedure. As noted, there are several different types of chemical peels. The most popular are described below: AHA peels/treatments: At the time of your procedure, Dr. Javaheri, or staff, will carefully apply an AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. Several more AHA treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results, and will be planned accordingly. For some patients, at-home will be recommended involving the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day, which should be sufficient to achieve the desired results. Dr. Javaheri may recommend adding Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, Dr. Javaheri will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment. No anesthesia is needed for AHA peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application. Phenol and TCA peels: At the time of your procedure, Dr. Javaheri will carefully apply either the phenol or TCA solution to your cleansed facial skin. Most patients feel a slight stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling usually passes quickly. A full-face TCA peel in most cases takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. If phenol solution has been used, Dr. Javaheri may coat the treated area with petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape. A full-face phenol peel normally takes one or two hours to completely perform, while a localized phenol peel to a specific facial region may take no more than fifteen minutes. In most cases, a single treatment is normally all that is needed to achieve the desired results. Anesthesia may not be required for phenol or TCA peels because the chemical solution acts as the anesthetic. A mild sedative, however, may be used before and during the procedure to help you relax. In most instances, your chemical peel procedure will be performed at one of Dr. Javaheri’s three convenient office locations. In some cases, Dr. Javaheri may want you to stay overnight in a facility or hospital if other cosmetic procedures are performed simultaneously.
Depending on the type of chemical peel, you may some or all of the following side effects: temporary flaking or scaling, redness and/or dryness of the skin, swelling, and moderate pain. In the case of TCA or phenol peels, the face may resemble a burn. In most cases, these conditions will disappear as your skin adjusts to the treatment. Depending on the chemical peel, your face may also experience significant swelling including the temporary swelling shut of your eyes. You will need someone to help care for you for at least a day or two. Dr. Javaheri may also limit you to a liquid diet and recommend that you do not to talk unless necessary during the first few days of recovery. Dr. Javaheri will explain the potential side-effects for your specific procedure and will provide appropriate post-operative instructions. In most cases, you will be able to return to work in about two weeks following your procedure. You will need to avoid any activity that could cause any harm to your face for at least two weeks. More active sports, particularly ball sports, should be avoided for four to six weeks. Most importantly, you must protect your skin from the sun until the pigment has completely returned to your skin, which can take as long as six to twelve months. About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities including wearing makeup. Individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable. As with any surgical procedure, the risk of infection is always a possibility. This can be minimized by the preventative administration of antibiotics both at the time of your surgery and afterwards while in recovery. However, on occasion, mild infection can occur and is relatively common, although it usually subsides after two weeks.
|
....>>> |
|
© 2007, Advanced Aesthetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use