Chemical Peel For Acne Scars
Chemical peels improve the appearance of acne scars by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less scarred in appearance.
Chemical Peel Benefits
Chemical peels are a good choice for fair-skinned individuals.
Chemical Peel Risks
- Temporary or permanent change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration.
- Scarring
- Reactivation of cold sores.
Preparing for the procedure
Before the procedure, the patient and Medical Aesthrtician should discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. Patients should also:
- Discuss their skin condition and treatment goals in order to determine the depth of chemical peel.
- Reveal any history of scarring, persistent cold sores or facial X-rays.
- Avoid any medications or supplements that an affect blood clotting – such as aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E – for 10 days before surgery.
- Avoid using medications such as Retin-A, Renova or glycolic acid.
- Determine in advance whether they will need someone to drive them home following the procedure.
What to expect after the procedure
Afterward, patients experience a reaction similar to sunburn in the treatment area. Patients may experience:
- Redness, followed by scaling within three to seven days.
- Swelling.
- Blisters that will crust, turn brown and peel off within seven to 14 days following medium and deep peels.
- Bandages over the treated areas for several days.
Chemical peel patients should avoid the sun for several months following a procedure. Light peels may be repeated in one- to four-week intervals. Medium-depth peels may be repeated every six to 12 months.