Cosmetic Surgery

Chemical Peel Treatment at Mayo Clinic

During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to the face causing a chemical burn that peels away the top layers of skin and stimulates regrowth of new, younger-looking skin. The depth of a chemical peel will be determined by the surgeon based on the extent of wrinkles and skin damage. Chemical peels are especially effective for the fine wrinkles around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and forehead and when performed three to six months following a face-lift or eyelid surgery. A partial peel may be combined with other facial cosmetic procedures. The procedure is not used to treat large pores or serious acne scars.

What to Expect

Your surgeon may request six weeks of pretreatment with tretinoin (Retin-A™), a prescription cream containing retinoic acid, a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, prior to the chemical peel. Tretinoin can improve fine wrinkling, roughness and pigment changes. Patients should inform the surgeon if they have taken Accutane™ for acne or used any other facial creams.

After the peel, patients will be instructed how to manage any discomfort, and how to care for their skin, using ointments, moisturizing creams and gentle facial cleansers to remove the superficial layer of old skin. Within seven to 14 days after the peel, new, pink-colored skin will replace the old skin.

Risks

Risks associated with chemical peel include, but are not limited to:

• Pigmentation changes, either increased or usually lost pigmentation, particularly among patients with darker complexions
• Infection — rare, if instructions about skin care are closely followed

This procedure is performed by specialists in Dermatology and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Otorhinolaryngology).