English - Change 
Arabic
Chinese
French
German
Greek
Italian
Japanese
Lithuanian
Russian
Turkish
Chemical Peel treatment is peeling of the skin using chemical peels to remove the outer layers of the skin and to accelerate the removal of old, dead skin cells at the surface of the skin to promote new cell growth, and can be used to treat a particular area (such as lines around the eyes or mouth), or all over the face, arms, hands and neck.
 Before |
 Before |
 After |
 After |
Many skin problems are due to an excessive build up of dead skin cells, which make the skin thick and dull, usually clogging the pores. Skin chemical peels can effectively treat ageing skin, sun damage and reduce hyper pigmentation. As a result the skin will appear smoother, healthier and plumper after chemical peel treatment.
Cleopatra and the ancient Romans used various food acids to peel their skin. In the early 1900s, women underwent 'non-medical' peels in salons with secret formulae, which were probably mild acids.
In the early 1950s, the phenol peel was developed. This was a deep chemical peel that could remove years of wrinkles, but also gave peeling a reputation for complications, such as pigmentation, depigmentation, scarring and even abnormal heart rhythms due to absorption of the deep chemical peels. However, deep chemical peel treatment (phenol chemical peeling) when carried-out under controlled conditions by an experienced doctor is safe and effective.
Trichloroacetic acid, being a gentler chemical peel acid, has made a comeback in popularity, it rejuvenates the skin without the risk of serious side effects.
Chemical peels are basically an accelerated form of exfoliation induced by the use of chemical peel products. There are different types of chemical peels which aim to remove pigmentation, reduce lines and wrinkles and treat acne and scarring.
During a free consultation our experienced staff will advise you on what types of chemical peel are most suitable to address your condition and how many chemical peel treatments are required..
click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of chemical peels
Superficial Chemical Peels
Superficial chemical peels remove skin cells from the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) and can be performed by some qualified beauty therapists as well as medical staff.
.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium chemical peels can remove skin cells from both the epidermis and upper part of the dermis (the middle layer of the skin). These chemical peels are performed by doctors and nurses.
These chemical peels usually contain trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and this is sometimes used in combination with glycolic acid. The chemical peel remains on your face for a few minutes before being neutralised. A burning or stinging sensation may be felt during the application of the chemical peel and the skin may go brown or red in the days after the chemical peel treatment.
It can take up to six weeks for the skin to return to normal. Medium chemical peels may need to be repeated every 6 - 12 months to maintain the effect of the chemical peel treatment.
Deep Chemical Peels
This procedure should be carried out by a surgeon or dermatologist only with relevant skills and experience in a medical establishment. Deep chemical peels go deeper into the lower part of the dermis. They are performed using phenol (a strong form of TCA) and may require a local anaesthetic and sedative.
The chemical peel is applied to the face, and the chemical peel treatment feels as if the face is 'freezing'. The chemical peel may be left on the face for up to 30 minutes or more, depending in the desired affect. Post-chemical peel pain is treated with painkillers.
There will be some peeling, redness and discomfort for a few days depending on the type of the chemical peel used. You should use the recommended cleanser and cream, wear no make up for the first 24 hours and use sunscreen.
Most of the swelling should disappear within 14 days, although there may be some redness of the skin for some time after that - up to three months in some people. A deep chemical peel is a 'one-off' treatment with lasting effects, unlike superficial and medium chemical peels.
Who is suitable?
Fine wrinkling can be reduced, though deeper lines will remain, (some of which can be improved by other methods) with chemical peeling. Most brown marks, freckles and pigmentation can be removed or lessened, especially age and liver spots (lentigines).
However, pigment changes can be caused by a chemical peel in people prone to this complication due to their skin type. People known to develop brown discolouration after injury such as a mild burn should have a test area peeled first before undergoing a full face chemical peel.
Scaly patches and rough skin (keratoses) can be removed. Very thick keratoses may need additional treatment for complete removal. Skin that is thin and fragile e.g. sun-damaged skin, bald scalp skin, can be significantly rejuvenated.
.
What is the chemical peel procedure?
Chemical peels may be performed with local anaesthesia, which will numb the area to be treated. First your skin will be thoroughly cleansed.
Then, the doctor will carefully apply the chemical solution and perform the chemical peel. At the conclusion, appropriate dressings will be applied. The chemical peel treatment typically will take 30 to 45 minutes. Sometimes the skin may have had preparation with Vitamin A, Alpha Hydroxy Acid or other preparations.
Firstly the skin is thoroughly cleansed with acetone or other cleanser. The acid is then painted onto the face and monitored. If burning or stinging is a problem, a cold pack or cold air may be helpful. Usually the treatment is carried out in sections. Patients who find it particularly uncomfortable may choose intravenous anaesthetic, but then would not be able to drive a car for several hours.
What happens afterwards?
The doctor will coat the chemical peel treated area with protective gel. If you had a lighter chemical peel, no covering is necessary and you will be given postoperative instructions before sending you home.
The skin will go red and swollen over the next 24 hours. Once the initial burning has worn off it is not painful, but feels tight.
Over the next few days the skin dries and looks like brownish leather. Vaseline should be applied several times a day to prevent cracking. Water will do no harm but soap should be avoided. The skin will begin to chemical peel between 5 and 7 days later, and must be left to come off at its own pace.
As soon as the skin has healed, make up may be applied over the new, pink skin. Sometimes a secondary peel occurs during the second week in the form of dry scaling skin. Sunscreen is mandatory for at least three months, and moisturisers are helpful.
Chemical peel treatment can be repeated after three months, but this is not usually necessary. It can be repeated at any time in the future and will not harm the skin. The habitual use of sunscreen will prevent further sun damage and therefore maintain the improved skin quality.
Are there any complications of chemical peel treatment ?
Scarring can occur with strong acids, but is unusual with weaker ones. The most common causes of scarring are infection, and pulling off the skin before it is ready to chemical peel. Both of these are avoidable.
Cold sores can be activated in those prone to this kind of condition. Anti viral medication can prevent this. Increased pigmentation may occur, and resolves with time. It can be largely prevented by religious use of sunscreen for three months after the chemical peel.
Which chemical skin peel is for you?
Our experienced staff - during the free consultation - will examine your skin and apply a Designer Chemical Peel; one which will meet the demands and requirements of your skin by using a combination of different chemical peels.
TCA skin chemical peels
The TCA skin chemical peel is designed to be used to fight the most noticeable signs of photo ageing, such as little lines and dry, uneven skin colour tone.
.
OBAGI Blue skin chemical peels
Designed to improve the appearance and health of your skin, Obagi blue skin chemical peel enables our experienced staff to achieve the best possible results on a broad range of skin conditions including:
* Epidermal and dermal pigmentation problems
* Fine lines, shallow stretchable scars, large pores
* Acne
This process removes the thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin from the face and other parts of the body. These dead skin cells are replaced by new ones, allowing the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface.
Obagi blue skin chemical peel can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs and is appropriate for all skin types. Application of the Blue Skin Peel takes about 40 - 60 minutes, depending on the number of coats your doctor chooses.
You will experience a slight burning sensation that lasts a few minutes with each coat. The aesthetician will use a fan to reduce the burning sensation. The bluish tint will be gently washed off with a special cleanser immediately following the Blue Skin chemical Peel.
PHENOL skin chemical peels
London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic is one of very few clinics in the UK to offer Phenol skin chemical peel.
This is a highly effective chemical peel with very long lasting results. A phenol skin chemical peel is suitable for patients who suffer from sun-damaged skin, or from pronounced facial wrinkles or blotches.
The phenol peel technique is also useful for treating crow's feet lines and crinkly skin around the eyes and the upper and lower lips, for vertical lines and sun damage. The doctor begins by thoroughly washing the skin and then applying the chemical peel solution.
The phenol acts as its own topical anaesthetic so any discomfort is brief. A phenol skin chemical peel is combined with a lighter chemical peel to the remainder of the face and in most cases, is performed on an outpatient basis. After the phenol skin chemical peel, the treated area is swollen and red.
The doctor may use petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape to soothe and protect the treated area. New skin cells form in ten to fifteen days after the peel. This new skin does not have the ability to tan and, thereafter, must be protected from ultraviolet rays.
Patients can expect to return to work after two - three weeks of the chemical peel treatment, though the treated areas remain red for several weeks. This can usually be concealed by makeup.
How about aftercare?
At London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, we take a special pride in our excellent levels of support and aftercare. We will invite you back to the Clinic for follow-up examinations with your doctor or our nursing staff.
How much does a chemical skin peel cost?
For an estimate on how much a skin chemical peel may cost, we recommend that you call us on 0208 342 1100 for our latest skin chemical peel prices. For specific information based on your individual needs, we will be happy to arrange a free consultation with our experienced staff.
|
|
Before |
After |
| For more before and after photos click here | |
