Chemical Peel

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Chemical Peel - Medium
Chemical peels are one of the most
popular non-invasive cosmetic
procedures performed to rejuvenate
the appearance of the skin. Over
time, factors such as sun damage,
heredity, diet, and repetitive muscle
movement contribute to the
formation of lines and wrinkles in the
face. Additionally, the development
of pigmentation irregularities or acne
scars can cause skin to lose its
smooth, youthful appearance. Often
performed on the face, neck, and
hands, various types of chemical
peels can reduce the appearance of
facial wrinkles, scars, and uneven
pigmentation, as well as treat precancerous skin lesions.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alex Karidis FRCS • Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth • London, London nw8 • 00447768294520
www.nipntuck.co.uk
Medium Peel Introduction
Chemical peels are one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic
procedures performed to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.
Over time, factors such as sun damage, heredity, diet, and
repetitive muscle movement contribute to the formation of lines
and wrinkles in the face. Additionally, the development of
pigmentation irregularities or acne scars can cause skin to lose its
smooth, youthful appearance. Often performed on the face, neck,
and hands, various types of chemical peels can reduce the
appearance of facial wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation, as
well as treat pre-cancerous skin lesions.
Medium Peels
Medium peels generally produce more dramatic results than
superficial peels, because they penetrate more deeply into the
layers of the skin. Medium peels are usually performed using what
is known as trichloroacetic acid, which may be used with Jessner's
solution or glycolic acid to improve treatment results. Like
superficial peels, treatment results depend on the concentration of
trichloroacetic acid applied during the procedure. This is because
solutions with a higher concentration penetrate more deeply into
the skin. Although individuals with dark complexions are at an
increased risk for skin discoloration, medium peels can be used
successfully on individuals with fair and olive complexions. One of
the most common types of chemical peels, medium peels are a
safe, effective method of treating fine to moderate lines,
pigmentation abnormalities, acne scars, and blotchiness of the
skin.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alex Karidis FRCS • Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth • London, London nw8 • 00447768294520
www.nipntuck.co.uk
Overview of the Skin
The skin is composed of two layers known as the epidermis and
dermis. The epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, acts as the skin's
primary defense against the environment. As a result, these layers
sustain the most damage. The dermis, or innermost layer, is
responsible for providing structure and support to the skin.
What Causes Skin Damage?
The dermis is comprised primarily of connective tissue, which is
made mostly of collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers form a
network that provides the skin with structure, support, and
elasticity. Over time, the aging process and sun damage cause a
decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin fibers. As this
network of fibers breaks down, the skin loses its elasticity and
becomes more lax. Together, aging, sun damage, and additional
factors contribute to wrinkle formation and other changes in
appearance.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alex Karidis FRCS • Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth • London, London nw8 • 00447768294520
www.nipntuck.co.uk
How Do Medium Peels Work?
During a medium peel, a chemical solution is applied to the face.
The solution causes trauma, or injury, to the skin's layers. In
general, the top layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum
corneum, may be removed in addition to other portions of the
epidermis. When higher concentrations of trichloroacetic acid are
used, the treatment may extend into the upper regions of the
dermis. Similar to exfoliating your skin, the damaged outer layers
of the epidermis will peel away. As part of the healing process,
increased cell growth as well as collagen production and
reorganization in the dermis will produce new, healthier skin
layers, giving the face a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Procedure Preparation
Medium peels may last between fifteen and sixty minutes. A few
weeks before your procedure, you may be asked to use a facial
product that contains trans retinoic acid. This is because trans
retinoic acid is believed to prepare the outer layers of skin for
treatment as well as allow the chemical peel solution to soak
evenly through your skin. Prior to the start of your procedure, the
treatment areas will be cleansed. As you may feel a warming or
burning sensation during treatment, a topical anesthetic or pain
medication will be administered to help you stay comfortable and
relaxed during your procedure.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alex Karidis FRCS • Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth • London, London nw8 • 00447768294520
www.nipntuck.co.uk
Medium Peel Procedure
A sponge or a brush will be used to apply the chemical solution to
individual areas over the entire face. Medium peels primarily
damage the epidermis. However, unlike superficial peels, the
solution used during a medium peel may penetrate into the
papillary, or upper dermis, which is why the effects of treatment
are more significant with a medium peel.
Effects of a Medium Peel Procedure
Trichloroacetic acid application causes what is known as frosting
of the skin, in which the treatment areas turn white. The degree of
frosting will be used to assess the depth of treatment. Once the
desired level of treatment has been achieved, the chemical
solution will be removed or neutralized with a different substance.
The damaged layers of the epidermis will peel away over time. The
healing process triggers cell growth which generates new skin
layers. In addition, deep within the dermis, the healing process
also stimulates collagen production and reorganization, which
improves the structure of the skin's framework. As you heal, the
new skin is revealed, giving the face a smoother, revitalized
appearance.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alex Karidis FRCS • Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth • London, London nw8 • 00447768294520
www.nipntuck.co.uk
Medium Peel Recovery
Immediately following your procedure, you may continue to
experience some frosting which will fade in approximately thirty
minutes, and be replaced by redness and irritation similar to
sunburn. Although bandaging is not necessary, like any wound it is
important to keep the area moist and protected. Therefore, a
protective ointment such as petroleum jelly may be applied to your
face in the days following your procedure. You will most likely
notice the outer layers of the skin peeling away within several days
following treatment. New skin will begin to appear in approximately
one to two weeks. Your skin will be more sensitive to sun exposure
as it heals. Therefore, it is extremely important that you protect
your skin from the sun with UVA and UVB protection while you
heal.
Medium Peel Results
The effects of a medium peel procedure are generally more
noticeable than a superficial peel because the procedure causes
more injury to the skin. The results from a medium peel procedure
may last between six and twelve months. In order to maintain the
desired results, you may repeat the procedure approximately every
three to six months. It is important to realize that the appearance of
your skin will continue to change and age after you have had a
medium peel treatment. However, medium peels are a fast,
effective method of improving the tone and texture of your skin,
which will restore a more youthful appearance.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alex Karidis FRCS • Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth • London, London nw8 • 00447768294520
www.nipntuck.co.uk
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR
1.
What guidelines should I follow prior to my procedure?
2.
How long will the procedure last?
3.
How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my
recovery? Are there special instructions for eating, sleeping, or bathing?
4.
When can I return to work, resume normal activity, drive, and exercise?
5.
Are there any health and beauty aids that you recommend I should use or avoid (sunscreen,
anti-scar remedies)?
6.
Will I need to come back for appointments after the procedure?
7.
Is there anything else I should know?
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something in
this printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Alex Karidis FRCS • Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth • London, London nw8 • 00447768294520