subject: The Risks of Chemical Peels Can Be Substantial [print this page] The Risks of Chemical Peels Can Be Substantial
Let me ask you a quick question, have you thought of the risks of chemical peels? Chances are, if you've thought of them at all, you've wondered about the side effects, so, let's take a look.
What Does a Chemical Peel Do?
A chemical peel is a process by which damaged or dead layers of skin are removed, thereby refining, smoothing and correcting skin flaws.
Typically performed by trained professionals, chemical peels use an acid solution to effectively resurface the skin.
Chemical peels can enhance skin that has been marred by acne, aging, blotches, sun damage or other skin inconsistencies. These treatments can be classified into three categories depending on the depth of the skin being removed. Light, medium or deep peels may be used based on the type and level of skin damage.
What Are the Side Effects of Peels?
Although chemical peels may correct some skin flaws, the possibility of side effects or adverse reactions do exist.
Chemical peel risks, though reasonably rare can be many and varied. Adverse effects can range from common and benign to serious complications that could require medical attention.
The deeper the peel and the more layers of skin that are removed, the more likely that serious complications can occur. Certain medical conditions can also aggravate the preponderance of side-effects. Certain types of peels may pose additional risks for patients with particular health conditions.
Nearly everyone who undergoes one or more chemical peel treatments will experience ordinary side-effects such as redness, irritation and peeling of the skin.
These minor affects may become more pronounced with deeper peels and crusting of the skin may also occur. Although not typical, other risks experienced by those undergoing deeper peels can include permanent scarring and chemical burns.
If your family history includes heart disease, deeper peels like the phenol peel can put you at a higher risk.
Plus, if you are prone to scarring, cold sores or fever blisters, you may not want to risk a chemical peel. Additionally, anesthesia may be required for a deep chemical peel, so anesthesia risks and complications should be considered as an additional risk factor.
Very dark skin is typically not a good candidate for chemical peel procedures because it could cause discoloration with your skin.
What are Alternatives to the Risks of Chemical Peels?
A good skin care regimen that boosts collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) carries little risk and may be a preferred alternative to a chemical peel procedure.
Those considering undergoing a chemical peel procedure of any type should consult with a physician in the pre-treatment stages. Chemical peels and other medical cosmetic procedures should be considered treatments of last resort, after all other less invasive skin care possibilities have been exhausted.
Now that you know the risks of chemical peels, why not visit my website to learn more about the alternatives.
