Dra. Luísa Magalhães Ramos - Peelings - How to get a younger skin!
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEELING?
Chemical peeling is a treatment that consists in applying a liquid to the skin in order to eliminate some of the more superficial layers of the skin to provide a younger appearance, while also improving flaccidity, porosity, fine lines, blemishes, etc. The type of product to be used is chosen according to each individual’s phototype and the desired results. The most frequently used are surface peels, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc. As the depth of the peeling increases, the results improve, but the deeper the peeling, the longer the recovery time.
FOR WHOM IS
A CHEMICAL PEELING INDICATED?
Good candidates for a facial peel usually have one or more of the following complaints:
-
Blemishes caused by sun exposure;
-
Presence of small wrinkles (lip lines, “crow’s feet”, smile lines, etc.);
-
Flaccidity;
-
Porous and dull skin;
-
Acne scars;
Depending on the type of skin and the severity of the symptoms presented, there are 3 types of chemical peels that can be performed: superficial, medium and deep.
Superficial peeling – acts only on the epidermis’ most superficial imperfections. It attenuates small wrinkles and light blemishes and makes the skin more homogeneous and radiant.
Medium peeling – more intense than a superficial peeling, it is used to treat acne scars, deeper wrinkles, skin blemishes and rough and porous skin texture.
Deep Peeling – generates scabs, which implies recovery time. It treats deeper and more noticeable skin imperfections, such as acne scars, blemishes, pronounced wrinkles and more noticeable flaccidity. A deep peeling is often combined with a facelift to improve skin texture and enable a more rejuvenated appearance.
IN WHICH AREAS CAN A CHEMICAL PEELING BE PERFORMED?
Although the peeling can be performed in several areas of the body, the most common areas are:
- Face;
- Neck;
- Chest;
- Hands.
CHEMICAL PEELING
PROCEDURE
Superficial/medium facial peels take an average of 30 minutes and are performed in the consultation room and without anesthesia.
Treatment involves:
- Skin cleansing;
- Application of a chemical solution;
- Application of a soothing and regenerating solution.
TYPE OF CHEMICAL PEELING
Treatment is patient specific and should always be carried out by an experienced professional expert.
The 3 types of chemical peels have different characteristics, advantages and recovery periods.
1. SURFACE PEELING:
Advantages: No recovery time, it provides a more radiant, homogeneous and hydrated skin. Disadvantages: It does not deal with more profound changes.
2. MEDIUM PEELING:
Advantages: Very effective on acne scars and moderate aging. It improves the appearance of fine wrinkles, lightens blemishes and tones the skin. Disadvantages: It is insufficient for the deeper layers of the skin.
3. DEEP PEELING:
Advantages: Treats skins with many wrinkles and high flaccidity, especially when there is a major change around the eyes and mouth. Disadvantages: It requires recovery time and is associated with a higher risk of complications than surface or medium peels.
1. Superficial Peeling
The superficial peeling acts only on the superficial layer of the skin.
- It takes about 30 minutes;
- It is performed in the consultation room without anesthesia;
- A few days after the treatment, the skin peels discreetly, which totally compatible with social life;
- More than one session may be necessary, depending on the initial condition of the skin and the desired result.
2. Medium Peeling
The medium peeling produces a skin peel that can reach the superficial part of the dermis.
- A few weeks before the procedure, it might be necessary to prepare the skin with creams, for a faster and without complications recovery;
- It takes about 30 minutes;
- It is performed in the consultation room, without anesthesia;
- Although it does not affect the daily routine, the skin will have a brownish tone and the skin peel is deeper and more visible than in the superficial peeling. The recovery shall take about one week, and extra care with your daily life is required, especially regarding sun exposure;
- More than one session may be necessary, depending on the initial condition of the skin and the desired result.
3. Deep Peeling
In a deep peeling, the applied product reaches the greatest depth in the skin. This type of peeling:
- Takes about 1 hour;
- Is performed in an operating room with sedation and local anesthesia;
- Affects daily routine after the procedure;
- Has a recovery time of about 15 days.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT
AFTER A CHEMICAL PEELING?
The result of the treatment is not immediately visible. The skin will be sensitive and will undergo a process of peeling and cell regeneration that may last a few days, depending on the depth of the procedure. After the peeling phase is complete, you can expect the following results:
- Improvement of brownish blemishes;
- Improvement of fine wrinkles;
- Smoother and more radiant skin.
The results will depend on the depth of the peeling and the number of sessions performed.
CHEMICAL PEELING STEP-BY-STEP
SKIN CLEANSING
The skin is prepared by careful cleaning and oil removal.
PROTECTION
Eyes, hair and sensitive areas are protected.
TREATMENT ADMINISTRATION
The chemical solution is applied on the skin.
REMOVAL
The chemical solution is removed and the skin is cleansed.
SKIN HYDRATION
A soothing and regenerating solution is applied.
PREPARATION FOR A CHEMICAL PEELING
Depending on the depth of the peeling, some preparation may be necessary in order to achieve better results and reduce the risk of complications. The preparation for a facial peeling may include some of the following precautions:
- Avoiding sun exposure;
- Using sunscreen;
- Applying depigmenting agents;
- Using glycolic acid creams to promote a uniform peeling.
BENEFITS OF CHEMICAL PEELING
The benefits of chemical peelings go far beyond the aesthetic part.
Some problems, namely acne scars, skin blemishes, etc., can have serious consequences on self-esteem, quality of life and social life. Apart from the aesthetics, the treatment also may also entail psychological benefits.
Some of the benefits of peelings are:
- Improvements in blemishes caused by sun exposure;
- Improvements in acne scars and other irregularities;
- Softened expression wrinkles;
- Treatment of enlarged pores;
- Skin homogenization;
- Improvements in flaccidity.
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Joana Alves Barbosa / Dermatologist
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: n.º 64457, Dermatologist.
Master in Medicine from the Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute.
She completed her medical internship in Dermatovenereology at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, having complemented her training in Dermatology with internships in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO do Porto.
Her main areas of interest include General, Surgical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
About
Dr. Nelia Cunha / Dermatologist
BIOGRAPHY AND CAREER
Medical license n.º 52765
She completed her Integrated Master in Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, and her Internship in the Dermatovenereology Specialty at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central.
Dra. Nelia complemented her specific training in Dermatology with internships in Aesthetic Dermatology and LASER, at the Dermalas Clinic of the Teknon Medical Centre in Barcelona, in Hair and Nail Diseases, at the Dermatology Service of the University Hospital Centre of Brussels, and in Cutaneous Oncology at the IPO of Lisbon. Additionally, she has attended courses in several areas including Dermatoscopy, Cosmetic Dermatology, Peelings and LASERs.
Her activity encompasses General Dermatology (acne, rosacea, eczema, screening/evaluation of “signs”, pigmented and non-pigmented skin blemishes and lesions, among others), Hair and Nail Diseases, Dermatologic Surgery and Laser therapy, including skin rejuvenation procedures, such as Fractional CO2 Laser.
Assiduously participates in national and international courses and congresses of the specialty and areas of differentiation. She collaborates in the training of doctors in the area of Dermatology. Additionally, she teaches Dermatology at the Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa and she is an investigator in Multicenter Clinical Trials. She has authored and co-authored articles in scientific journals and book chapters in the field of Dermatology.
FAQ about
Chemical Peeling
HOW MUCH DOES A CHEMICAL PEELING IN LISBON COST?
The cost will depend on the type of peeling and the number of sessions required. For example, while a superficial peel is performed in the consultation room, a deep peel might be performed in an operating room, which will involve additional costs. The exact price for your peeling will be defined after the diagnostic medical appointment.
IS A PEELING A SAFE TREATMENT?
Any treatment has associated risks and peelings are no exception. For the treatment to be carried out safely and to minimize the risk of complications, you must choose a certified professional, with proven results and several years of experience in performing peelings.
WHAT TYPE OF PEELING SHOULD I DO?
Skin evaluation by the dermatologist is essential to decide the adequate type of peeling. Some factors, such as the skin phototype, and the type and severity of alterations, are extremely important when choosing the type of peeling.
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NECESSARY?
You may need one or several sessions. The number of peeling sessions required will depend on the depth of the peeling, the severity of the alterations and the desired results. During your medical appointment, you will be presented with a treatment plan with the number of sessions indicated for your case.
IS CHEMICAL PEELING A PAINFUL TREATMENT?
The peeling is usually not a painful treatment, but you may experience some discomfort, depending on the depth of the peeling performed. The superficial peeling is well tolerated, you will only feel a few soft stings that fade away as soon as the product is removed. In medium peelings, you may experience some discomfort or burning sensation, but this is usually brief. Deep peelings are usually performed under anesthesia, so you will feel no pain during the procedure.
CAN WRINKLES AND OTHER AGING SIGNS BE TREATED WITH A PEELING?
Fine wrinkles, some irregularities and dull skin, common features in aged skin, can be improved with a peeling. Peelings are particularly useful for treating fine wrinkles like lip lines and under the eye wrinkles. However, peeling does not treat deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds. To improve the appearance of these deeper wrinkles and improve the facial contour, you can combine a peeling with other treatments such as hyaluronic acid fillers.
CAN MEN UNDERGO THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT TOO?
Anyone can benefit from a peeling. Currently, 1 in 4 patients who perform a peeling are male.
CAN ANY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL PERFORM PEELINGS?
As it is a procedure where chemical substances with harmful effects are used, it should be performed only by dermatologists or specialists in aesthetic medicine with experience in this type of treatment. When performed improperly, peeling is associated with risks such as skin burns.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER A PEELING?
Returning to your everyday activities is a personal choice. Although superficial/medium peelings do not require recovery time as surgeries do, not everyone feels comfortable going back to work the next day, as their skin may be reddish and peeling. Deep peelings do require recovery time – usually 1 to 2 weeks. Regardless of the type of peeling performed, you should take extra precaution regarding sun exposure. You must not get sun exposure and you should use high protection.
