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Chemical
Peels
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peeling involves the careful application of a chemical
exfoliant to the epidermis skin specifically for the removal of
superficial lesion and blemishes and thus to improve the texture
of the skin. Various acids and basic chemical agents can be used
for this purpose. The nature of the compound, the concentration
of the chemical and the length of time it is in skin contact together
determine the level of skin penetration and the level of peeling.
At Enhance UK we generally only use and recommend light and medium
peeling procedures as these are safe, and require no downtime.
Usually a series of peels will be recommended to achieve a clinically
pleasing result. We use salicylic acid, glycolic acid and trichloracetic
acid (TCA) peels as well as other acid depending on our patients
needs.
What are AHA Acids?
Alpha hydroxy acids (commonly referred to as Glycolic Acid) are
found in plants and food such as citrus fruits, apples, grapes,
sugar cane and sour milk. The acid breaks the intracellular bonds
of the epidermis and accelerates the sloughing of the superficial
dead skin cells of the epidermis. Lactic acid and glycolic acids
are the two most common AHA acids found in skin care products.
This peel is considered a light peel and patients will require
multiple treatments to see results.
What is Trichloracetic Acid?
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations,
but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. TCA is
a stronger chemical than the AHA acids. TCA acid will penetrate
the skin much faster and deeper producing quicker and more dramatic
results. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment
problems are commonly treated with TCA. Paints will usually require
multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.
Commonly asked questions about Chemical Peels:
Does it hurt?
AHA and TCA peels can provide some patient discomfort. You will
experience a slight stinging to the skin when the chemical is
applied to your skin. Your skin is exposed to the chemical for
approximately 2-3 minutes.
Do I need to take time off work to have a treatment?
It is not necessary to take time off work but your skin may look
a little rosy right after the treatment.
Who can benefit from this treatment?
Most people who have sun damage such as multiple solar keratosis,
pigmentation abnormalities, certain types of acne, and fine wrinkling
might benefit from a chemical peel. Peels are often used to treat
fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused
by sun damage, aging, and hereditary factors can often be reduced
with this procedure.
What is the procedure like?
After cleansing the skin to remove oils, the peeling agent is
carefully applied. Within minutes, there is a very warm sensation
that feels like sunburn. This lasts for a few minutes and is rapidly
relieved by the application of cool compresses. In rare instances,
there may be some swelling, especially around the eyes for the
first two days, but discomfort is minimal. By the third or fourth
day, the skin has a tight feeling and will begin to exfoliate.
Your new skin will be smoother and more toned. The process usually
takes at least 5-7 days.
How much improvement will I have?
The amount of improvement is individual and depends on the initial
condition of the patient's skin. Maximum improvement of damaged
skin and wrinkling ranges from 50%-85% and, although 100% improvement
is not possible, most patients view the results as dramatic.
How Much Does the Treatment Cost?
Glycolic treatments are £70 for a single treatment or £250
for a course of 4 treatments.
Easy TCA treatments are £600 for a course of 4 treatments
and £1100 for a course of 8 treatments.
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