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Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Azizzadeh is the author of the preeminent facial plastic surgery textbook "Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation", which is currently in second print. Surgical techniques are described in detail through text, photos, illustrations, and two comprehensive DVD's.

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Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Azizzadeh Course Director for Advances in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery October 25-26

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Facial Plastic Surgery:
Chemical Peels

In Beverly Hills and serving the Los Angeles area

Chemical peel is a facial plastic surgery treatment that uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs.

Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.

Chemical peel is the most commonly performed facial plastic surgery procedure for cosmetic reasons such as to enhance your appearance, which, in turn, can improve your self-confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

Types of Chemical Peels

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The results of TCA peel are usually less dramatic and not as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure or pre-cancerous growths. Since phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. Phenol is primarily used on the face; scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.

Minimal Risk

All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk. Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.

AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.

With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. Even though TCA is milder than phenol, it may also produce some unintended color changes in the skin.

With a phenol peel, the new skin frequently loses its ability to make pigment (that is, tan). This means that not only will the skin be lighter in color, but you'll always have to protect it from the sun. Phenol may pose a special risk for patients with a history of heart disease. It's important that you make your surgeon aware of any heart problems when your medical history is taken.

As we age, the accumulated effects of sun exposure, pollutants, acne and scarring may damage our skin and cause us to look older than we actually are. Such skin damage can be treated with chemical peel, a non-invasive procedure designed to promote cell growth and produce smoother, clearer skin.

If you would like to learn more about how chemical peels or other facial plastic surgery procedures can repair damaged skin and help restore a more youthful appearance, please contact Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh today to schedule an initial consultation.