UTMB Cosmetic Surgery - Chemical Peels

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chemical Peels

Looking for that Fountain of Youth? Wish you could take years off your appearance? If so, you’re not alone. Most of us wish we could maintain that youthful look of our early years. While there may not be a Fountain of Youth, you do have options! Chemical peels can help you look younger and feel better about your appearance.

Chemical peels work by improving and smoothing smooth facial skin that shows signs of wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, shallow acne scars, age spots, freckling, and sun-damaged skin. While there are several types of peels, the Plastic Surgery Clinic at UTMB uses the AHA (alphahydroxy acid) peel.. Alphahydroxy acids are often referred to as the “fruit acids”. They are used to rapidly remove the damaged layer of dead cells from the skin surface. This action stimulates healthy growth of new skin cells, reveals fresh undamaged underlying skin, and results in a healthier appearance.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions, and the respective answers.

Q: I have heard there are different types of chemical peels. What are the differences?
Q: What improvements can I expect from a chemical peel?
Q: On what areas of my face will the AHA/Glycolic Acid Peel be used?
Q: How long will I be out of circulation after the treatments?
Q: Will I need more than one peel treatment?
Q: What should I do before the peel treatment?
Q: How will I look immediately after the peel treatment?
Q: What kind(s) of discomfort will I feel after the peel treatment?
Q: Are there any negative reactions to peel treatments?
Q: If additional peel treatments are required, what is the recommended time between treatments?
Q: Where can I find more information on this topic?

Q: I have heard there are different types of chemical peels. What are the differences?
A: The hydroxyacid (AHA) or Glycolic Acid peel performed in the Plastic Surgery Clinic is the gentlest of peels. It is administered in a serious of controlled applications, requires a shorter recovery period, and results in fewer complications than the Phenol and trichloracetic acid (TCA) treatments.

Q: What improvements can I expect?
A: It’s important for you to discuss your expectations with your doctor. Typical results include:

Softening of fine lines

Diminution of coarse lines from sun damaged skin

Increased smoothness of your skin texture

Mild or moderate leveling of acne scars

Lightening of pigmentation, such as brown spots due to age or hormonal changes

Increasing the natural glow of skin

Some minimization of skin pore size

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Q: On what areas of my face will the AHA/Glycolic Acid Peel be used?
A: All areas, including the forehead, brow line, cheeks, mouth lines, crow’s feet and chin.

Q: How long will I be out of circulation after the treatments?
A: You can return to your regular routine the day after an AHA peel. With deeper peels, one may be out a few days to a week, at most.

Q: Will I need more than one peel?
A: This depends on what the peel is being used for, the desired improvement wanted, the time to achieve it, and the acceptable amount of discomfort and downtime. Generally, the process may take several peel treatments over a period of time.

Q: What should I do before the peel treatment?
A: Usually, your doctor will recommend a daily treatment regimen of skin preparation products two weeks prior to your first treatment. Your doctor will ask you to stop using some products, like Retin-A, electrolysis, waxing, depilatories, masks, and hair dyes.

Q: How will I look immediately after the peel treatment?
A: Your skin may feel somewhat puffy with some redness until your skin heals itself.

Q: What kinds of discomfort will I feel after the peel treatment?
A: You may experience some stinging, itching, burning, mild pain or discomfort, tightness and peeling of the skin. Peeling is expected, but not necessary for the improvement you desire. There may be some crusting and puffing, particularly if the peel has been deep. Ice packs or compresses may be used in the first 24 to 48 hours after the peel to diminish discomfort. Analgesics can be used for any mild pain encountered.

Q: Are there any negative reactions to peel treatments?
A: Deeper peels carry a small risk of scarring and/or infection. Patients may also experience a flare-up of allergies, fever blisters and/or cold sores. There may also be some redness and swelling of the tissue around the mouth, and coloration or discoloration after the peel procedure. These usually resolve themselves in four weeks. To avoid possible scarring, remember not to peel, pick, scrape or scratch the skin, and not to use a mask or wear tight fitting hats or headbands over the treated area.

Q: If additional peel treatments are required, what is the recommended time between treatments?
A: If you experience little discomfort with little shedding of the skin’s surface, a second peel may be done a week later. This can cause increased reactivity, so it’s recommended to space treatments four to six weeks apart.

Q: Where can I find more information on this topic?
A: Additional information is available online courtesy of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at http://www.plasticsurgery.org/surgery/face/chemical_peel/chemical_peel.cfm or by contacting one of our technicians at (409) 772-7364 between 8:00-9:00 Mon-Thursday, or 3:30-4:30 Mon/Wed/Fri.

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