What to expect when having a Medium Chemical Peel?

A medium chemical peel involves the use of three different chemicals (acids) to help even out your complexion, as well as, removing lines and wrinkles. This peel can also be beneficial to patients with acne problems and acne scaring. While you will not get 100% improvement in all areas depending on the severity of your problems you will notice significant improvement in the health and overall appearance of your skin. You will be given prescriptions or a little sedation to take prior to the procedure if you desire. Also a prescription or an antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-nausea may be given. Valium (2 tablets) are to be taken an hour prior to the procedure. Pain medication (2 tablets) are to be taken 30 minutes prior to the procedure. Please eat % hour prior to taking these medications. You will need someone to drive you to and from the office. Antiviral (Valtrex, Famvir, Acylovir) is a drug used to prevent the outbreak of fever blisters or cold sores. This medication is to be taken a day prior to the procedure. Antibiotics are not always given however; if they are indicated you will start them the night of the procedure. Anti-nausea medications are given in case you develop nausea due to the pain medications.

Day of Procedure:

he procedure should take about 15 to 30 minutes total. Please do not wear any makeup on the day of the procedure. First your face will be cleansed. The first two chemicals stay on for a couple of minutes you may feel a stinging or slight burning sensation. The next chemical will stay on for 3-5 minutes. During this time you will feel a strong burning sensation. At this time you will want to take slow deep breaths. For some patients this is a scary sensation, because your face feels extremely hot. The strong burning sensation lasts for only 3-5 minutes. Just try and relax! After 3-5 minutes ice cold compresses will be placed over your face. This provides almost immediate relief for most patients. Then a numbing cream is applied to further soother the face. Most patients experience no pain to very slight pain after the peel is done. You may take pain medication if you need it, but it is not likely that you will need to take any at all following the procedure through the recovery.

After the Procedure:

The day after the procedure your skin may turn darker or a brownish color. Some patients may not experience this and may just be a little redder. Both are normal responses depending on your skin type and the amount of damage on your face. Day 2-4 is when swelling will be at its peak. The swelling can be quiet significant to the point of having difficulty opening your eyes, your face will have a rounded appearance. This does not occur in all patients some only experience slight to moderate swelling. The face starts to peel on about day 4 or 5 and it usually starts around the mouth. The peeling process can take up to 7-10 days. After the peeling process your skin will have a reddish/pinkish glow. It is extremely important to protect your face from the sun until the healing process is complete. Failure to avoid sun can lead to a dark pigmentation problem. These problems are treatable; however this can take time. It is best to avoid the sun until the healing process is complete usually by 7- 10 days. The pinkish/reddish glow reduces usually in 10-14 days.