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A Few Things to Know Before Getting Your Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that improves and smoothes the texture of the face using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Patients who are looking to reduce fine lines, improve mild scarring, alleviate acne, reduce age spots or freckles, improve the skin’s texture, or reduce the effects of sun damage may be good candidates for a chemical peel.

Before your peel:

Tell the doctor if you are taking any medication (pills, topical creams, etc.). Whether prescription or non-prescription, it may be necessary to discontinue these a few days or weeks prior to the chemical peel, so tell the doctor everything you ingest or use on your skin regularly.

Quit smoking or cut down as much as possible at least 30 days before your chemical peel. Nicotine hampers healing and can promote infection. Let the doctor know that you smoke before scheduling your chemical peel.

Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest so your skin is in good shape prior to your peel.

Do not shave, wax, bleach hairs or use hair removal creams and laser hair removal at least three (3) days prior to peel. Avoid irritating your skin.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not receive a chemical peel. Additionally, patients who use retinoids or depigmentation treatments and those with cold sores, flat warts, keloid scars or anyone with recent facial surgery should avoid peels. Patients with aspirin allergies are not candidates for chemical peels.

Anesthesia is not required for a chemical peel, but your surgeon may use a sedative to calm and relax you, or a topical cream to numb the skin and keep you comfortable.

Although chemical peels are relatively safe, all procedures come with some risk. Potential chemical peel risks may include: redness; burning; itching; pain; scarring; sun sensitivity; hypo-pigmentation (lightening of the skin). Most of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow the doctor’s instructions.

Chemical peels are most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Chemical peels may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. Chemical peels restore a healthier, more youthful, and even texture to the skin of the face, eyes, neck, chest and hands.

Contact us today to learn more about Los Angeles chemical peels at Cosmetique Aesthetics.