Chemical Peel in Toronto

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Chemical Peel FAQs

What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a chemical solution which is applied to the face or facial areas to smooth and improve the skin's texture by removing the damaged top layers of skin. Chemical peels can help treat wrinkles, blemishes, uneven skin pigmentation, and sun-damaged skin. They may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

What types of chemical peels are there?
There are three different types of chemical peels using three different types of chemical solutions: alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol. AHA peels are the mildest while phenol peels are the strongest.

What is an AHA peel?
An AHA peel is one which uses alphahydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids. AHA peels are the mildest peels and provide a light peel that can result in smoother, brighter-looking skin while treating fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, areas of dryness, and acne. These peels are typically repeated, being applied weekly or at longer intervals. They may also be mixed in lesser concentrations to a face wash or face cream and used daily.

What is a TCA peel?
A TCA peel uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Though TCA can be used in varying concentrations, most TCA peels are a medium-depth peel. TCA peels can treat superficial blemishes, fine surface wrinkles and pigment problems, though the results are typically less dramatic than a phenol peel. TCA peels may require more than one treatment.

What is a phenol peel?
Phenol peels are the strongest of the chemical peel, producing a deep peel that can treat coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, and even pre-cancerous growths. Phenol peels should not be used on dark-skinned individuals because they often lighten the treated areas.

Are there any limitations to what a chemical peel can achieve?
Chemical peels are not a substitute for a facelift and will not prevent or slow the aging process.

Who is the best candidate for a chemical peel?
The best candidate for a chemical peel is a physically healthy, psychologically stable person with realistic expectations of the procedure who wants to look younger and more refreshed and improve the appearance of wrinkles or brown spots. Patients should not smoke, should be free of active skin infections, and must understand that there are limitations involved in the healing process. Some peels work best on certain skin pigmentations, for instance phenol peels are not recommended for dark-skinned individuals.

Where can a chemical peel be performed?
Most chemical peels take place in a surgeon's office or in an outpatient surgical center. The peel may be performed in a hospital if combined with other cosmetic procedures.

What type of anesthesia is used for a chemical peel?
Anesthesia is not required for a chemical peel. The AHA peels produce only a slight stinging sensation while the chemical solutions of the phenol and TCA peels act as an anesthetic. If necessary, sedation may be given during phenol and TCA peels to help relax the patient.

How is the actual chemical peel procedure performed?
AHA peels are applied to cleansed facial skin and typically take no longer than ten minutes, though repeat procedures are typically needed. AHA peels can also be mixed in lesser concentrations into face washes or creams and used daily. Phenol and TCA peels are applied to thoroughly cleansed skin. During application, patients may experience a stinging sensation. Full-face TCA peels take no more than fifteen minutes, though may require two or more applications over a period of months. Full-face phenol peels can take between one and two hours, while phenol peels applied to smaller regions of the face can take as little as ten to fifteen minutes. Phenol peels usually require a single treatment only, and petroleum jelly or adhesive tape may be used to cover the treated areas.

How long does the actual chemical peel process last?
AHA peels take no more than ten minutes. Full-face TCA peels take no more than 15 minutes, though two or more peels spaced out over several months may be required. Phenol peels typically require a single treatment lasting between one and two hours for a full-face peel and as little as ten to fifteen minutes for a smaller region.

Are there any scars from a chemical peel?
Phenol peels applied to the neck or other body areas can result in scars and are, thus, typically restricted to use on the face.

Is the chemical peel procedure painful?
The AHA peel typically produces just a slight stinging. Phenol and TCA peels can also produce a stinging sensation as they're applied, and some patients experience tingling or throbbing after the procedure. Your surgeon can prescribe mild pain medication to help relieve any discomfort you may feel.

Will I be able to drive myself home after a chemical peel?
You should be able to drive yourself home after an AHA peel or a superficial TCA peel. If you're having a deeper TCA peel or a phenol peel, however, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.

Will I need someone to help me out at home after a chemical peel?
You likely will not need assistance at home if you're having an AHA peel or superficial peel. If you're having a deeper TCA peel or a phenol peel, however, you will need to arrange for someone to help you out at home for the first day or two.

What is the recovery like after a chemical peel?
Temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin is common after an AHA peel. TCA peels often result in moderate discomfort and mild swelling, which typically fades within a week. The new skin will form after five to ten days. After a phenol peel, the skin is typically very red at first and will fade to a pinkish color after several weeks. Phenol peels can also result in tingling, throbbing and significant swelling. The new skin will begin to form after seven to twenty-one days and you can expect full healing and fading of redness within three to six months. Any tape used to cover the face after a TCA or phenol peel is typically removed after a day or two.

How much time will I need to take off from work after a chemical peel?
Though an AHA peel can result in temporary redness, flaking and dryness, this typically does not prevent patients form working or engaging in normal activities. Patients are typically able to return to work within a week to ten days after a TCA peel and within two to four weeks after a phenol peel. Sun exposure will need to be avoided for several months.

What are the risks or complications of a chemical peel?
The potential risks that can occur with phenol and TCA peels include tiny acute sensitivity to sun, cold sores, fever blisters, flare-up of skin allergies, infection, scarring, temporary redness, temporary swelling, temporary throbbing, temporary tingling and temporary whiteheads. Phenol peels include the added risks of abnormal color changes which can be permanent, heart irregularities, and inability to tan.

How much does the chemical peel procedure cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon/physician fee charged by their member doctors for chemical peels in 2004 was $607.

Does insurance cover chemical peels?
Chemical peel treatments are typically not covered by insurance, though coverage may be available to some degree when performed for medically related problems. Be sure to check with your own insurance carrier regarding the degree and/or availability of coverage.

Is it possible to get chemical peel treatments financed?
Financing is available for facial plastic surgery procedures. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with further information about financing.

What should I look for in a doctor to perform my chemical peel?
Some states do not require that those performing chemical peels hold medical degrees. Nevertheless, it's important that you find a doctor who is well-trained and has sufficient experience in skin resurfacing. To find a qualified plastic surgeon, make sure that he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure according ABPS standards. You can visit the ABPS's website at www.plasticsurgery.org to locate a certified plastic surgeon in your area. You should also ask any potential surgeon the following questions:

• How many chemical peels has the surgeon performed?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• Is the facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization?
• What are the risks of your particular procedure?

Is Retin A always used before a chemical peel?
Your doctor should provide you with specific instructions to prepare you for your chemical peel. In general, Retin A or, if your skin will not tolerate it, an AHA cream is often used to pre-treat the skin prior to a chemical peel. This may be used for a month or more before your treatment.

Can the neck be treated with a chemical peel?
Medium peels can be used on the neck, thus improving the texture of the skin.

Are the results of a chemical peel permanent?
AHA peels can result in noticeable improvement to the skin's texture with continued treatments. The results of a phenol peel tend to be permanent, though new wrinkles can form as the skin ages. The results of a TCA peel are typically not as long-lasting as those provided by a phenol peel.

Quentions about chemical peels long term side effects.