Chemical Peel 

As we age, the accumulated effects of sun exposure, pollutants, acne, and scarring can damage our skin and cause us to look older than we are. Such skin damage can be treated with a chemical peel, a non-invasive procedure designed to promote cell growth and produce smoother, clearer skin.

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs.

If you are considering a chemical peel, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.

Procedure:	Restore wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away skin's top layers. Works best on fair, thin skin with superficial wrinkles.
Length:	1 to 2 hours for full face.
Anesthesia:	None or sedation.
In/Outpatient:	Outpatient. Full-face phenol peel may require admission for 1 to 2 days.
Side Effects:	Temporary throbbing, tingling, swelling, redness; acute sensitivity to sun. Permanent lightening of treated skin; permanent loss of ability to tan.
Risks:	Tiny whiteheads (temporary); infection; scarring; flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, and cold sores. Abnormal color changes (permanent).