As we age, it’s normal for our skin to lose its elasticity and become wrinkled, which is usually most evident on and around the face. Fine lines and wrinkles can make you feel less confident, and your reflection in the mirror can be at odds with how you would like to see yourself.
For some men and women, facial surgery is a good option because it provides immediate and long lasting results. However, surgery is not practical for everyone. Many patients opt for a chemical peel as an alternative because it is:
Less expensive
Less time consuming
Less painful
Is a Chemical Peel Right for Me?
If you are growing increasingly concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, or sun damage, you might consider a chemical peel as a way to achieve a more youthful looking appearance. Chemical peels are a great alternative to surgery for many people, but it should be noted that chemical peels are not the best choice for everyone.
Chemical peels are most successful when treating patients with fair hair and light skin. Patients with darker hair can expect some positive effects, but should be aware that chemical peels could leave them with pigmentation marks on their skin following the procedure.
There are different levels of chemical peel that can be used depending upon your desired results and skin sensitivity. Chemical peels work best when treating fine lines, and are not considered effective at treating deep wrinkles. In this case, surgery would be a more effective option.
Some people choose chemical peels to correct skin issues, such as scarring or age spots. It may be necessary to repeat a chemical peel over the space of a number of weeks or months to achieve the desired result, especially if your chemical peel consists of a milder formulation.
Chemical peels are most suitable when treating:
Fine lines
Sun damage
Fair haired patients
Light skinned patients
What is the Recovery Time for Chemical Peels?
One of the advantages of chemical peels is the short recovery time associated with the process. Following a chemical peel you will experience some redness and swelling on your face, and a feeling of mild discomfort that resembles sunburn. The pain is not usually severe and can be easily managed with over-the-counter medication if necessary. Your skin will peel over the course of several days, and you may wish to take a break from work if this is something you feel self-conscious about. You should also avoid direct exposure to the sun’s rays while your skin heals, and protect it from outside elements.
Aside from protecting your skin from the sun, you can continue with your regular routine, such as working out. By comparison, surgery has a longer recovery period and will involve much greater pain and a need for longer rest.
Recovery from chemical peel involves:
Mild discomfort
Minimal downtime
Minimal aftercare
