Chemical Peel – Powerful Skin Rejuvenation
This weekend I was on an exciting course in chemical peeling , an incredibly powerful treatment!
It was really wonderful to sit on the train and read up on the subject in a packed factual book. The author is a very experienced doctor on the subject and the pictures in the book speak for themselves.
Like so much else we do in plastic surgery, chemical peels are nothing new. For a very long time, humans have tried to maintain the glow and elasticity of youth in the skin. Cleopatra is said to have bathed in sour milk in ancient Egypt to get more beautiful skin! Lactic acid is one of the many acids that can give a fresher and more youthful complexion.
During the 1800th century, chemical peeling was very popular and it is much the same acids that are used today. However, there has been great variation in how potent different mixtures have been and different pharmacies and doctors have had their own recipes. The difficulties and risks of this have perhaps been the reason why I have not previously really taken on the task, even though the demand has existed longer than I have been a plastic surgeon. Now we have a palette of different acids and different strengths but still in standardized doses. This makes the treatments much easier, with fewer risks, and with better results for our patients. All plastic surgery operations and also chemical peeling have risks but they should be small risks in relation to the gains and improvements that can be achieved. It is just as important with strong chemical peels as with powerful laser treatments, or surgery for that matter, that the therapist is well trained and understands the full potential and risks of the treatment. The principle of chemical peeling is to cause controlled damage, to a controlled depth, which forces the skin to form new cells and collagen, which gives the skin a rejuvenation with fewer wrinkles. And better structure.
Chemical peeling of sun-damaged or unevenly pigmented skin gives a very nice effect. Depending on how the patient looks and what they want, we choose everything from a simple peel that can be done on their lunch break to powerful phenol peels that require anesthesia and overnight stay for the treatment.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate and a consultation always precedes the treatment. For us plastic surgeons, chemical peeling is an excellent complement to surgery , but it may also be the only thing needed.
Chemical peels can definitely have a certain firming effect, but are primarily a treatment for the skin's structure, elasticity and radiance. It feels fantastic to now be able to offer patients this in addition, or solely, depending on their needs and desires!
Welcome if you are interested in hearing more!
Dr. Carolina Borén
