A peel is a treatment consisting of accelerated skin exfoliation induced by an external agent. It can be performed using a surgical or non-surgical procedure, depending on its depth and the chosen technique.
Peels are classified according to the agent used to cause the exfoliation or burn and by their depth. In addition to eliminating the skin's upper layers, the peel also affects its deepest layers, causing an increase in the body's own production of collagen and the renewal of cells in the dermis.
Candidates
Any person, woman or man, experiencing facial aging as a result of sun exposure (photoaging), skin spots (hyperchromatism), acne scars, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and other problems related to sun damage.
Types of Peels
1.1 Superficial Peel
This is a very mild peel, indicated for tired, opaque complexions showing slight signs of photoaging. It is a desquamation that causes only a slight reddening of the skin, and patients can thus resume their regular activities.
The results are immediate. The skin recovers its transparent appearance and looks rejuvenated, while spots and fine expression lines are faded and smoothed away. Side effects are not frequent; however, then skin must be protected from the sun.
This peel can be performed with different substances: alpha hydroxy acids, fruit acids, retinol or salicylic acid.
For highly localized spots, erbium:YAG laser treatment is recommended. For very fine wrinkles, laser resurfacing (CO2 laser treatment) is preferable, as it enables greater precision and speed.
1.2 Medium Peel
This peel is recommended to enhance skin quality, reduce acne scars and pockmarks, smooth out wrinkles and strengthen skin tone.
It can be performed at the office without anesthesia. However, the patient will require approximately one week's sick leave, during which time the old skin will peel off, giving way to a finer skin free of the treated blemishes.
The treatment causes a complete renewal of the epidermis and intensely stimulates the dermis, thereby reinforcing its collagen and elastin networks.
The most commonly used agent is trichloroacetic acid and erbium:YAG laser.
1.3 Deep Peel
A deep peel consists of a deep exfoliation that destroys the entire epidermis. This wound penetrates to the dermis itself, which, upon healing, is thoroughly restructured, leading to an authentic reconstruction of the skin, which will look completely renewed. This notwithstanding, major care will be required in the following months and perhaps even throughout one's life if the peel is deep enough.
Deep peels tend to require hospitalization. The most commonly used methods are modified phenol formulas, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion.