ABOUT CHEMICAL PEEL
A chemical peel is the use of a combination of acids to remove the top layers of the skin. Over the course of a few days, the skin begins to peel and the skin which grows back is smoother and younger looking.
There are different types of chemical peels which vary depending on the skin type. Mild chemical peels apply alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’S) such as glycoloic acid and can help to remove fine wrinkles. Medium chemical peels use beta hydroxy acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid, as this penetrates the skin deeper. For the most deep chemical peel, phenol is usually used and this can cause a change in the pigmentation of the skin, making it lighter.
Recommended for
- Improving the appearance of pigment changes in the skin
- Acne scars
- Mild sun damage
- Fine wrinkles
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1.
Overnight stay not required
- Number of trips abroad needed: 1.
- Time off work: 1 – 2 weeks.
Patients usually able to return to work more or less immediately, but most prefer to take some time off to allow the appearance of their skin to improve.
COMPARE CHEMICAL PEEL PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
Country | Cost |
---|---|
Mexico | 449€ |
United Kingdom | 300€ |
Costa Rica | 179€ |
Spain | 90€ |
Poland | 72€ |
Turkey | 50€ |
Thailand | 30€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE CHEMICAL PEEL ABROAD
The doctor may test a small patch of skin first, before applying the chemical to the whole face. In the weeks before the procedure, the doctor may advise to cleanse the face twice each day.
The face is prepared by applying a barrier around the eyes, nose and mouth. Once protected, the whole face is then treated with a pretreatment solution.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
Depending on the depth of the peel, different combinations of acids will be applied to the face. All peels, however, involve the application of acid to remove the top layers of skin. If a deeper treatment is needed, once the pain has receded, the clinician will proceed to remove further layers of skin with another chemical acid.
Anesthesia
For a light chemical peel no painkiller is required. For a deeper chemical peel, patients may be recommended painkillers, sedation, or a local anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Chemical Peel takes 30 to 120 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CHEMICAL PEEL
Post procedure care
Depending on the type of peel, some patients may need to take painkillers in the first couple of days after the procedure. Patients should take more care than usual after treatment, with washing and should use suncream.
Possible discomfort
Following treatment, some discomfort, controlled by painkillers is normal for deep peels.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHEMICAL PEEL
Not recommended for
- Patients in poor health
Potential risks
- Redness
- Color changes in the skin
- Crusting and scaling
- Swelling
- Scarring
- Infection
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Chemical peels are associated with a number of side-effects, such as redness, scarring, hyper- or hypo-pigmentation, and infection. Deep chemical peels which use carbolic acid (phenol) can damage the heart, kidneys, and liver.
How painful the procedure is depends on how deep the chemical peel goes. For lighter chemical peels, there may be minor burning and stinging sensations. For medium or deeper chemical peels your doctor will likely use some kind of pain relief or sedation to keep you comfortable.
Chemical peels can be an effective and permanent solution for acne scarring, although it may require more than one treatment.
How often chemical peels may be used depends on the kind of peel and the condition being treated. Lighter chemical peels can be performed approximately every 4 weeks. For the treatment of certain conditions, your doctor may prescribe a protocol that involves a series of chemical peel treatments spaced out over several months in combination with other treatments.
More aggressive chemical peel treatments may be performed only once or twice per year.
Chemical peels may be performed by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other doctor with training in the technique. Lighter chemical peels may also be performed by a beautician or licensed cosmetologist with specialized training.