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Chemical Peel
The results of a chemical peel depend in part on the depth of the peel.1
- A superficial peel may slightly reduce but does not eliminate sun damage and signs of aging. The results may not appear for some time, and when they do appear, they may be minimal. Repeated peels are often needed to produce the effect the person wants.
- A medium peel can be very effective in evening out pigment differences and in reducing fine wrinkles and signs of sun damage. Retreatment may be needed after 3 to 6 months to produce the best effect.
- A single deep peel eliminates wrinkles and may tighten the skin. The effects are often dramatic. In general, a person cannot have repeated deep phenol peels.
Your skin type, skin care before and after the peel, the doctor's level of experience, and your lifestyle after the procedure can also affect the results. Some types of skin problems respond better to chemical peeling than others. People with lighter skin who limit their sun exposure after the procedure tend to have better results than those with darker skin and those who continue to spend lots of time in the sun.
Before you decide to have a chemical peel, talk to your doctor about the kind of results you can expect.
Changes in the color and texture of the skin caused by aging and sun exposure may continue to develop after a chemical peel. Chemical peels are not a permanent solution for these problems.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Keith A. Denkler, MD - Plastic Surgery | |
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