The Chemical Face Peel - Potential Risks And Complications
The chemical face peel sounds like some type of torture treatment you would see in a science fiction movie. In truth, this type of procedure does use chemicals to strip away layers of facial skin. But it goes beyond science fiction. It is a common cosmetic procedure used by thousands of people each year.
But it has certain risks as well, and that's what we will talk about in this article. Let's start with the basics of what this procedure is and how it works.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
As mentioned, these treatments use certain types of chemicals to remove outer layers of the skin that may be damaged. The idea is that, by stripping away the outer layer, a smoother and more youthful layer will emerge.
In most cases, the facial peel consists of three different chemicals used together. They are phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). While the exact formula may vary from one practitioner to the next, these three ingredients are typically present for most procedures.
What Are the Risks?
This is not a surgical procedure, in the sense that there are no incisions involved with the process. But it still has potential risks associated with it.
For one thing, a local anesthetic is sometimes used with some of the deeper chemical peel treatments. This brings up the possibility of an allergic reaction, and other complications that are commonly associated with anesthetics. With that being said, it's only a local anesthetic (meaning you won't be put under completely), so there is less risk than with a full / general anesthetic.
A Deeper Treatment is Riskier
Generally speaking, the deeper the treatment the higher the level of risk. While a deep chemical peel will often produce the best results, it also comes with a higher level of pain. The reason for this is that a higher concentration of chemicals is used. As you would imagine, this can increase the level of discomfort during the procedure and can also lengthen the recovery time. The deeper procedures typically have a 2 - 3 week recovery period, before the skin is normal again.
Also, face peels are typically not recommended for people with dark skin tones. The reason is that hypo-pigmentation, or a permanent lightening of the skin tone, may occur.
There are additional risks for these treatments that may be specific to the individual patient, such as allergies. Always seek medical advice of a doctor or dermatologist before undergoing a procedure of this type.
Brandon Cornett is the editor of My Outer Self, a website that offers objective, unbiased information on many cosmetic procedures. Learn more about chemical peel risks and related topics by visiting www.myouterself.com/chemical-peel.php
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