Medium-depth Chemical peels

The medium-depth chemical peel penetrates deeper into the epidermis than the superficial chemical peel. The active ingredient used in medium-depth peels are Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), normally in concentrations of 20%-35%. Concentrations higher than 35% is known to penetrate into the reticular dermis, and is not recommended because of the high risk of scarring involved. When TCA is applied during treatments, it produces a frost or whitening of the skin, known as frosting. Afterwards a superficial crust forms over the treated area and flakes within 3-7 days. The new skin may be reddish for a while but it will dissipate within a week. The average healing time for a medium chemical peel is 2 weeks.

Medium peels has the same benefits of a superficial peel. It may be more effective for deeper wrinkles, it improves acne scars and lightens dark spots. The results

can appear more rapidly and are more prominent than a superficial peel. The drawbacks are that there is more irritation to the skin and skin appears to have severe sunburn for a week or more, thus requiring the patient to stay at home for a a while. The patient's skin condition and overall health determines if they are a good candidate for TCA peels and also what strength and depth to do it at. The spacing in between TCA treatments are normally 2-4 months depending on the depth and strength.

Deep Chemical Peels

A Phenol peel is the deepest and the strongest chemical peel. It is used to treat severe aged skin with deep and coarse wrinkles, especially the ones around the chin and mouth area and it also improves extremely sun-damaged and pigmented skin. Effects of a deep chemical peel are long-lasting, it can last up to 20 years, and the results can be dramatic.

There are significant risks and side-effects involved in Phenol peels one has to consider. The recovery time for deep chemical peels are the longest and most uncomfortable. One is advised to take off about 2 weeks from work in order to recover. During this time, the patient will experience redness, swelling, blistering, oozing and discomfort. A crust will form over the face which will start to peel and flake off over the following couple of days. The new revealing skin may appear pink or red for a couple of weeks, during which proper sun protection is vital for a successful recovery. Two weeks after the treatment, the discoloration can be covered with make-up. Proper post-treatment care is extremely important to avoid unwanted side-effects. Avoid going into the sun for a couple of months after the treatment, do not pick or scratch the skin when it crusts and flakes and use an intensely rich and moisturizing cream to nourish the skin.

More severe side-effects include scarring, permanently pale skin, uneven skin pigmentation and an inability to tan. If you are considering a phenol peel, make sure you go to a reputable and trusted plastic surgeon in your area. A deep chemical peel, if done correctly and looked after properly, can take years off your face and will provide you with dramatic rejuvenation.

Are you a suitable candidate for a chemical peel?

The ideal chemical peel patient is in good, physical health and has a thorough understanding of the treatment process, outcome and risks involved. If you suffer from acne, acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, or you want to improve your skin tone and texture, wrinkles and fine lines and the general health of your skin, you will make a good candidate for chemical peeling. Patients who have been treated with systemic isotretinoin (Accutane) within a year or two are not good candidates for chemical peels, as well as patients who suffer regularly from fever blisters.