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What Does a Chemical Peel Do?
The skin is the largest organ and forms a resilient protective covering over your body. Over time, it is exposed to external damage by excessive sunlight, pollution and other environmental factors, which causes signs of aging such as uneven skin tone, patchiness, acne, spots and scarring. A chemical peel offers a less invasive method of tackling these problems for a fresher appearance. Known also as derma peeling or chemexfoliation, a chemical peel is typically used on the face, but can also be used on the neck and hands. Chemical peels are generally used to:
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Treat wrinkles and rough skin
- Reduce age spots, dark patches, sun damage and freckles
- Reduce the appearance of scarring and acne
- Improve the look and texture of dull and aged skin
A chemical peel is done by applying a chemical mixture including alphahydroxy, trichloroacetic and phenol acids to the skin for a period of time before it is washed off and neutralized with saline solution. The acids cause the surface skin to peel off, leaving new fresh skin in its place. Slight burning and stinging sensations may be felt during the process.
There are three degrees of chemical peels: light, medium and deep. Light chemical peels provide surface exfoliation and can be repeated weekly intervals to get the desired effect. Medium chemical peels are used to treat deeper skin issues, such as heavy wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone, and has a slightly longer recovery time. Deep chemical peels have more dramatic effects and are used to treat sun damaged skin, severe wrinkles, blotchiness and pre-cancerous skin growths. This procedure can require a local anesthetic along with sedatives for discomfort and a lengthier time to heal.
Learning About Toronto Chemical Peel
The right skin care differs between individuals. Dr. Colin Hong, a leading cosmetic surgeon in Toronto, recommends patients discuss with their doctors the need for a chemical peel versus other options, what degree of chemical peel is required for their specific skin condition and the type of chemicals to be used during the process, so patients fully understand what the procedure entails and the expected results.
In Toronto, a chemical peel is an outpatient procedure, so patients are able to return home soon after. Treated skin will continue to peel for a few days up to weeks depending on the types of chemicals used, the depth of the peeling and skin sensitivity. There may be redness, swelling, discomfort and slight pain, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Toronto’s Dr. Hong advises patients follow the post-procedure care and precautions. Except for redness and swelling, there are few side effects, and patients may resume their normal activity almost immediately. Exposure to the sun should be avoided until the new skin is less sensitive to sunlight.
Dr. Hong is a distinctly qualified plastic surgeon. His surgical techniques result in the great admiration and gratitude of the many patients for whom he does procedures for the body, breasts and face. Among the procedures most often requested are liposuction and breast augmentation in Toronto. He also assists rhinoplasty and Toronto tummy tuck patients achieve their body refinement goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are concerned with the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and other form of skin damage caused by environmental factors or aging.
Chemical peels can leave the skin to look more youthful, radiant, fresh and healthy. A mixture of chemicals is applied onto the skin and it strips off dead/damaged skin cells to allow for new and healthier skin growth.
Any form of treatment comes with the risk of infection. Patients will experience a burning sensation, redness, and sensitivity to the sunlight. If you are no protecting yourself from sun exposure and not using bleaching agents you may develop hyperpigmentation. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the chemical peel and swelling.
Microdermabrasion and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), laser and RF devices are possible alternative.
Surgical options are mostly effective for reducing fine lines/wrinkles, such as different types of laser resurfacing, face-lift and autologous fat grafting. It is best to discuss this during your consultation.
It is not mandatory and patients will not experience serious adverse effects, therefore it is dependent whether the patient is willing to take time off from their daily routine and set aside a week to avoid any contact with other people.
The chemical peel will be done in my office.
Yes and it is dependent on the sensitivity of your skin, skin colour/pigmentation, age, the severity of skin damage, and degree of chemical peel.
Photos previous patients that have undergone different types of chemical peels are provided and can be found on my website or through consultation.
Photos (before & after) of previous patients are provided and can be found on my website or through consultation.
The results usually last for months to years, however the duration is dependent on how well the patient is able to follow preoperative and post operative skin care instructions and their efforts to avoid excess exposure to sunlight.
This will depend on the amount of sessions needed and the degree of chemical peel needed.
The first week, there will be redness and possible scabbing but it will go down as time goes by.
The procedure can vary from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
There is no pain but patients will feel a burning sensation.
Patients can return to their normal routine right away, however to look presentable (reduce in redness), it may take up to a week or even longer if the peel is deeper.
It is suggested patient comes in 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time, and that the patient has set aside some time for the procedure and recovery.
The contact information is available on my website.
- Call your doctor if you think of other questions
Please email or call my office. - Make sure you have the doctor’s contact information
- How long will my procedure take?
It can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. - Make sure your procedure has been confirmed
- Confirm any allergies and side-effects you might have
- Make sure you understand and have signed the informed consent forms
Patients should strictly follow all postoperative care instructions.
Patients should take all efforts to avoid sunlight and avoid swimming.
Patients are allowed to shower as soon as they wish.
Patients should book an appointment to return in 10 days.
- You have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- You notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around your procedural area
- You have persistent stiffness, numbness/tingling, or weakness of your face
- You have pain that your existing pain medications cannot control
Apply lotions and sunscreens to sun-exposed areas until the healing process is complete Please follow our post treatment instruction and cream. Follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming normal daily activities
Related Services:
Laser ACNE Treatment
Laser Hair & Vein Removal
Tattoo Removal
Amazing experience, Doctor Hong is very confident and good at what he does. Every time I go to him I always get good results that I love and feel safe. Very friendly and helpful staff!