Chemical peels are used to treat irregularities and signs of ageing of the skin. It is a non-surgical procedure, meaning no scalpel is used; instead, the treatment is carried out by applying acid mixtures of varying intensity to the outer layer of skin. This removes the superficial layers of the skin, which are replaced by new ones as part of the healing process. The skin then appears fresher, plumper and more even.
Chemical peels are thus particularly good for treating fine wrinkles, acne scars and impure skin as well as pigment spots. This procedure primarily improves the skin on the face, but it is also effective on the neck, décolleté and backs of the hands.
What can a chemical peel do?
Human skin is exposed to a multitude of damaging influences. These include sun exposure, nicotine, stress and the natural ageing process of the skin structure. This leads to changes in the complexion such as wrinkle formation, skin impurities and pigment spots. Chemical peels have a very regenerating effect on the skin by removing the upper parts of the skin layer, i.e. dead skin cells and skin flakes, and thereby stimulating collagen formation in deeper skin layers. In response to this, the skin reforms itself firmer and smoother.
For this, acids of varying intensity are used, for example fruit acids, salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Depending on the penetration depth of the substances, the peels have different effects: the stronger the peel, the more skin layers are removed, meaning that regeneration does not take place only in the epidermis, but even reaches the dermis. Depending on the intensity and depth of the peel, skin irregularities of differing severity can thus be treated.
The primary area of application for chemical peels is the facial region. There they are used for:
- Optimising the complexion
- Removing pigment spots
- Tightening small fine lines in the eye area
- Treating acne scars and large-pored skin as well as sun damage.
Chemical peels are very effective; the first improvements can be detected after just one treatment. The course of wound healing and the associated repair processes depend on the penetration depth of the peeling substances. Once the skin has completely healed, no traces of treatment remain. Chemical peels can thus be applied several times at certain intervals, so that even more severe scars or wrinkles can be treated well in several phases.
What different types of chemical peels are there?
Chemical peels are available with different active substances and intensities. They differ in the penetration depth of the applied substances. There are superficial, medium-depth and deep peels. The deeper the peeling substance penetrates the skin and removes it, the more effective the effect – but the longer the healing phase of the skin also takes.
Which type of peel is suitable for the patient depends, among other things, on your skin structure and the intended treatment goals. Gentle fruit-acid peels, for example, only result in slight redness that can be covered with make-up. More serious skin problems, on the other hand, are treated with a stronger peel application using trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which is very effective but also puts more strain on the body and leads to longer downtimes.
The following active substances and treatments are the most frequently used:
Fruit-acid peel with glycolic acid
This is a light peel that is ideal for beginners. Glycolic acid acts only superficially, so deeper skin layers remain unaffected. The application tightens the skin and reduces fine lines, but is also very effective for sun damage, small pigment spots and superficial acne scars. For an optimal result, the application should be repeated several times. Due to the superficial application, the skin only flakes slightly, so that no impairment in everyday life arises and the patient remains able to socialise throughout.
Beta peel with salicylic acid
The substance known from the medication aspirin is recommended above all for acne-prone skin and acne scars. It acts antiseptically and leads to a fine flaking of the thickened callus. The sebaceous gland production is reduced and the pores contract again. The complexion improves after just one treatment. With this application, too, the patient need not fear any impairment of everyday life.
TCA peel with trichloroacetic acid
The peel with this stronger acid is a major procedure with subsequent peeling processes lasting several days. This causes a darkening of the treated skin, which then has to regenerate slowly. As a result of this process, a visible thickening and tightening of the skin occurs. The TCA peel is an effective anti-ageing peel, but also achieves excellent results with severe acne scars and pigment spots. As several skin layers are peeled off here, you should expect a social downtime of up to 14 days. The skin must also not be exposed to any sunlight for the following four months.
A combination of the various active substances and types of peel is also possible. Through the then increased penetration depth of the substances, even more far-reaching effects can be achieved.
Course of the chemical peel in Vienna
With all chemical peels, the skin is first thoroughly cleaned and degreased before the treatment begins.
Dr. Özdemir offers his patients above all a peel with trichloroacetic acid, in the application of which he has many years of experience. The peeling substance is applied evenly in several layers with cotton swabs or compresses until an even white colouring (also called “frost”) appears. When applying the trichloroacetic acid, a strong burning sensation occurs for 1–2 minutes, which is why the skin has to be cooled during this phase with a fan or cold-air device. Afterwards, damp saline compresses are applied for 10 minutes and a greasy care ointment is then applied.
The “frost” that has formed is replaced after a few minutes by redness and swelling that last about 48 hours. After that, brownish crusts form, which flake off completely between the 7th and 12th day after the treatment.
As this method is very demanding on the skin, regular check-ups and a home treatment prescribed by Dr. Özdemir with suitable care products are absolutely necessary. In return, this type of chemical peel is very effective and is usually only carried out once.
Why have a chemical peel with Dr. Özdemir in Vienna?
A chemical peel is a procedure that should definitely be carried out by an experienced doctor in order to ensure a high level of medical safety. Here you are in the best hands with Dr. Özdemir.
He attaches great importance to a detailed consultation, in which he tailors the treatment precisely to your wishes and informs you about the course and the risks and opportunities of peel applications. Which peel is suitable for you depends, among other things, on the treatment goals you are aiming for as well as your skin structure.
During the personal consultation, Dr. Özdemir forms a precise picture of your skin type and selects, together with you, the peel that is individually matched to your skin and your requirements. You will also receive a detailed cost estimate for your personal treatment.
For the time after the procedure, Dr. Özdemir guarantees you regular check-ups and thorough aftercare in order to minimise side effects and ensure an optimal result.
What do I need to consider before and after a chemical peel?
As the sun must be strictly avoided after chemical peels, they should not be carried out in high summer; the ideal treatment time for this is autumn and winter.
Whether you are suitable for a chemical peel is something Dr. Özdemir will clarify with you in the consultation. There are some medical restrictions, for example an increased susceptibility to herpes infections, strong suntan as well as an existing pregnancy or breastfeeding.
In general, the downtime after a chemical peel has to be taken into account: the deeper the peel removes the skin, the longer the healing time during which you are not able to socialise.
After the peel, you receive suitable care products and ones for sun protection. In the first few weeks you should avoid direct sunlight and always use a high sun protection factor outside your own four walls; otherwise scars and pigmentation on the skin can occur. Due to the high germ load, you should also avoid visiting the gym, sauna and swimming pool.
With a strong chemical peel, good aftercare by your treating doctor is essential in order to prevent pain, scars and infections. Dr. Özdemir will draw up a detailed plan for the home treatment for you, which you should definitely follow. It is particularly important that you do not scratch, rub or pick at the peeling skin.
