You must have heard about chemical peel many times when it comes to getting naturally beautiful and flawless skin. For treating irregular pigmentations, spots, freckles, and wrinkles, the chemical peel has become one of the most popular treatment procedures that more of the oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Charlotte NC, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, and Statesville recommend.
So, if you are looking for flawless and much younger-looking skin, then going for chemical peel treatments can be your best bet. However, if you are getting this procedure done for the first time, it is obvious that you will have various questions. So, here, you will find the answers to the frequently asked questions about a chemical peel. Take a look and clear your doubts.
What is Chemical Peel?
Chemical peel procedure is performed in the clinics of Davidson, Kenansville and Concord, and other places in North Carolina under the expert supervision of experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The process involves applying a chemical agent onto the skin of the face, neck, and hands. This chemical agent is made of glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, Salycylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid. This agent makes the upper layer of the skin peel off revealing the smoother and more even new skin underneath. This procedure is entirely designed to improve the appearance of the skin.
What Can I Expect Before, During, and After Chemical Peel Procedure?
Having some apprehensions and confusion about the process is natural. And that is why you need to know what you can expect during, before, and after the procedure.
- Before
- When you are going for a chemical peel in Charlotte NC, you will get an advance consultation from the doctor. In case if you have an allergy to isotretinoin, abnormal pigmentation or you are prone to cold, then you should avoid it.
- In case you have dark skin, you might experience uneven skin after the treatment.
- You need to avoid waxing, scrubbing, massages, or bleaching a week prior to the procedure.
- During
- After cleaning your face or the area where it will be applied, the doctor will cover your eyes and hair.
- For light peel, you don’t need any sedatives. For a medium peel, you will need a sedative. For deep peel, you will get local anesthesia.
- The peeling solution will be applied for the set time which will be followed by a neutralizing solution.
- You will experience a burning sensation for 5-10 minutes that will be eased with the help of pain medication and an ice compress.
- After
- Once the procedure is done, you will notice redness and scaling for 3-7 days.
- After the chemical peel is done, your skin will become sensitive to sun damage. That is why you need to limit your sun exposure. And you will be suggested to use SPF 30 or a broader spectrum of sunscreen.
What Age is the Right to Get Chemical Peel?
Chemical peel deals with the signs of aging. But it is not essentially designed for that. You can start with a chemical peel procedure from the age of 20s and 30s. The process helps in skin exfoliation and cell turnover.
How Long Does It Take for the Skin to Peel After the Procedure?
A chemical peel will be done in the clinic in just a few hours. Once you go back home, you will have to wait 48-72 hours to notice the skin as it starts peeling. This will continue for the next 3-5 days. Generally, the skin will be red and scaling during this time. Avoid picking on your skin. Use a good moisturizer for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.
What do I Need to Do After Getting Chemical Peel?
Once the chemical peel procedure is done and you are free to leave, there are certain steps of aftercare at home that you have to maintain. That will include the following tables.
- For Light Peels
- You will need to give 1-7 days for healing your skin. The redness will be there which is natural. Once the redness is gone, there might be scaling that will last from 3-7 days.
- You will be required to apply lotion or cream to your skin. Regularly use sunscreen to protect it from damage.
- Generally, after the peel, you can use makeup. However, it is better to give a day of rest to your skin.
- There is no need fora follow-up visit. But for light peels, you need to repeat the procedure 3-5 times to get the result that you desire.
- Medium Peel
- For medium peel, you need to allow 7-14 days for healing once you are done with the procedure. Swelling can increase for the next 48 hours after the peel was done. Swelling can be seen on your eyelids too. Often blisters can form and break open. The skin will start peeling off from 7 to 14 days.
- For aftercare at home, you need to soak your skin for a definite period of time. You will be prescribed an ointment that you will need to apply on your face after each soaking. You will be also prescribed antiviral medication that you will need to take for 10-14 days. Apply moisturizing lotion every day. Avoid sun exposure completely.
- Generally, after 5-7 days, you can wear camouflaging makeup.
- You need to go to the clinic for a follow-up visit.
- Deep Peel
- For deep peel, you will need a healing time of 14-21 days. For all this time, your face will be bandaged.
- Every day you will need to soak your face 4-6 times and each time it should be followed by the application of prescribed ointment for the next 14 days. After 14 days, you will need to use a moisturizer with thick consistency as prescribed. You will also take antiviral medication for the next 10-14 days. You need to avoid sun exposure for the next 3-6 months completely.
- Don’t wear any makeup before 14 days are over.
- You will have to visit the clinic the next day. And then you will need to visit several times.
What Else Do I Need to Take Care of a Home?
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will ask you to follow some more instructions too so that you can heal faster once the procedure is over. These instructions for aftercare at home will include:
- Using a moisturizer regularly as prescribed is necessary as this will keep your skin smooth and supple. Otherwise, your skin will tend to dry up and crack. This will leave some visible scarring.
- In case you notice any kind of abnormal sensation like burning, itching, or swelling too much, call the clinic right away. Avoid scratching or rubbing as that might lead to infection.
- Don’t opt for any kind of indoor tanning as that will disrupt the healing process.
- Once the skin is healed, continue applying sunscreen every day. This will help you retain the result for a long time.
Is there any Downtime?
For light peel, there is no downtime. For medium and deep peel, you will have to take rest. For medium peel, you will need 4-7 days of rest. A deep peel will require you to stay at home for 2-3 weeks.
Start searching for a chemical peel near me and schedule your appointment at a reputed clinic today. Don’t forget to get a consultation before you proceed with the procedure.