The chemical peel is a very popular skin-rejuvenating procedure. Like any cosmetic procedure, it comes with some risks and warnings. However, there are also many positive benefits to this beauty treatment. Chemical peels have been proven to dramatically reduce the effects of aging. They can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and they can restore your skin to give you a more youthful, smooth, and even complexion. For individuals with sun-damaged skin or skin that is blotchy and unevenly pigmented, chemical peels can really help. Before you get this procedure done, you should know what to expect and what the potential side effects are. This procedure isn’t for everyone.
If you have heart problems or a family history of heart disease, you should consult with your primary care physician before getting a chemical peel to make sure that it is safe for you. The reason that you should go to your regular doctor with this question and not to the person who is performing the peel is because your regular doctor will have a better understanding of your health and background, and he or she also will definitely not have any ulterior motives when making the judgment as to whether or not you should go ahead with the procedure. Also, if you have frequent cold sore breakouts, you should be warned that you may have a moderate to severe outbreak following your chemical peel. While this is not a major risk, it is something that you should consider because you may not want to deal with a breakout if you have professional or personal obligations.
Scarring is a potential risk associated with chemical peels, and so are skin infections. However, these risks are low if you are going to a professional, experienced plastic surgeon. Usually, the scarring is temporary if it occurs at all, but there have been reported cases of permanent scarring and even pigmentation damage. It is not uncommon to experience redness after a chemical peel, especially if you have somewhat sensitive skin. You also may have some crusting and stinging. Redness is likely to subside after about twenty-four to forty-eight hours, and crusting should stop after two weeks.
In order to reduce your side effects after a chemical peel, you should make sure to follow all of your post-peel instructions. Your plastic surgeon should give you these. You will most likely be told to stay out of the sun and to keep your skin moisturized with a moisturizer than contains sunscreen, at least SPF 15. Your doctor may also advise you to start using Retin A as a pre-treatment to your chemical peel. Depending on your skin type and the degree of your skin problems, you may be advised to use Retin A for over a month before getting a chemical peel. While this may be unwelcome news to you, it is best to follow the doctor’s orders explicitly so that your peel yields the best possible results. If you are getting your chemical peel so that you will look great for a special event, make sure that you get it done at least two weeks in advance so that any redness or swelling has stopped in time.
