Not everybody is a candidate for a chemical peel,
especially the peels that have dramatic results. Peels are
divided into two different categories: minor peels that are
outpatient procedures and deep peels which require deep
sedation and long, often painful recovery periods.
The light chemical peels mainly include the alphahydroxy
acids. This family of chemical peels includes fruit acid
peels (from citrus acids), glycolic acid peels (created
from sugar cane), lactic acid peels (derived from sour milk
or berries), malic acid peels (made from apples), and
tartaric acid peels (made from grapes.) These peels can
assist with skin that is mildly wrinkled, sun-damaged,
scarred by acne or marred by blackheads. Be aware that
spottiness, scarring and burning can be a consequence of
even the mildest of chemical peels.
The heavier chemical peels contain greater concentrations
of acids. You are essentially burning your old skin off so
that new skin cells can replace it. Be aware that these
types of peels require you to be completely sedated and
have a recovery time of at least a month and in many cases
up to three or four months.
Be aware too that many people find the recovery phase
which can involved a bandaged face, pus, bleeding, scabbing
and an unpleasant odor to be very difficult to handle
emotionally. You must be mentally and emotionally stable
to undergo a cosmetic procedure such as this. Many people
experience a psychological low or depression after a deep
chemical peel. This is why people who already suffer from
depression, manic depression or chronically low self-esteem
are not great candidates for a chemical peel. The emotional
devastation that comes with looking in the mirror and
seeing a bloodied face as well the isolation from other
people can trigger an existing emotional condition or
cognitive disorder and make it worse.
You might also want to consider that your face may appear
red or inflamed for several days before you even have the
operation. This is because most practitioners of these
procedures prescribe a topical acid to be applied to the
skin to soften it and prepare it for the actual chemical
peel. This may mean going to work or attending important
meeting looking less than your usual attractive self as
often these topical applications also cause make up to
sting if it is applied.
You can also experience quite a bit of discomfort after
the operation as well. Your skin may feel different in
texture or dry and cracked. It may feel tight and like a
taut mask if you try to smile.
Chemical peels are also not recommended for individuals
with herpes. This is because the virus can be triggered by
the trauma of procedure and if sores spread to any part of
the face during the recovery period then unattractive and
permanent scarring can result.
As with all invasive procedures, make sure you consider
the cosmetician or plastic surgeons credentials and
qualifications before you book an appointment. A good
practitioner will have a large book of Before and After
photographs for you to look at so you can assess which type
of chemical peel will be most effective for you.
(c) 2005 Kelly Altodona - All Rights Reserved
Kelly Altodona is a cosmetic surgery freelance author.
http://www.CosmeticSurgeryLinks.com