Medical Peels

A chemical peel is the application of an acid to the skin to achieve a controlled burn to the top layers of skin. Chemical peels are used to remove fine lines, especially around the mouth small scars discolourations such as freckles or liver spots areas of sun damaged skin and spots of precancerous keratoses.

Peels can be applied to the whole face or to an isolated area, such as the upper lip. A full-face peel is usually done as a separate procedure before or after a face lift or eyelid surgery. However, if only a small area is being treated, the peel may be done at the same time as the surgical procedure. Chemical peels cannot be done around the eyes.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) are used to create superficial peels (glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids). AHA peels are used to improve the texture of rough, dry skin. To correct uneven pigmentation, combine these acids with a bleaching agent. Trichloroacetic acid is commonly used in medium peels (TCA). TCA peels are used to treat fine wrinkles and blemishes on the skin. Carbolic acid is used to create deep peels (phenol). It is used to treat wrinkles, blotches caused by the sun, birth control pills, or ageing, as well as precancerous growths. Phenol is almost always only applied to the face. Scarring on the neck or other parts of the body is possible.