Removing Acne Scars - Chemical Skin Peels
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Treating Acne Scars -
Chemical Skin Peels |
Physical procedures such as micro-dermabrasion, dermabrasion,
dermaplaning, chemical skin peels and laser surgery plus topical creams are
often used to improve the skin quality of acne sufferers by removing thickened
skin and scar tissue. These procedures are not designed to prevent or treat
outbreaks of lesions - in fact most dermatologists will not undertake the more
invasive of these treatments while a patient is experiencing an outbreak for
fear of infection. They are then, to be treated as cosmetic procedures, having
no impact on the acne itself.
Is A Chemical Skin Peel Procedure Right For Me?
It is vital that if you are considering
undergoing these therapies, you seek out a properly qualified and experienced
practitioner to undertake the work, and consult thoroughly about what gains you
can realistically expect to make from the treatment.
While the results of these procedures can be startling for some people, others
will be disappointed that the appearance their scars has not improved as much as
they'd hoped. Many people also fail to realise the seriousness of procedure and
are unprepared both for the amount of post-operative pain, bruising and swelling
involved in some of the more aggressive techniques.
Remember also that the facial skin cannot afford to undergo repeated exposure to
the more aggressive of these procedures without sustaining some weakening.
Forewarned Is Forearmed
You can improve your chances of success by doing a little
research before you pay out any money. Most people wouldn't invest in a house or
a car without having it checked out first, yet they are prepared to entrust
their most precious commodity, their body to a stranger.
Don't allow yourself to be reassured simply by a wall full of diplomas and
degrees - you have the right to ask your dermatologist and/or technician;
- How many times have you performed this procedure? Over how many years?
- How many times have you performed this procedure on patients of my skin type?
- Can I see photos?
- Is facial surgery your specialism, or just one of a number of areas you work
on?
- Can I speak with some of your patients?
Also, check online to see if your practitioner has been sued before.
Chemical Skin Peels
Although not primarily designed as a treatment for
acne scarring, chemical peels are widely used by people who have problem skin as
a result of acne. They are useful in reducing mild scarring, and improving dark
skin discoloration brought about by scarring., since the peel removes layers of
skin via the application of an acidic solution. The underlying skin is left to
regenerate without the old scar tissue.
Broadly speaking, there are three different grades
of chemical peel: superficial, mid or medium, and deep, each type referring to
how deep a level of skin the peel removes.
If you are considering getting a peel done professionally by anyone other than a
medically trained dermatologist, you should check the following;
Superficial Skin Peels
What chemical(s) are to be used and in what strengths? Peels
done in a spa/salon or with a home peel kit should typically be removing a
portion of or all the epidermis (superficial layer of skin) using only chemicals
from the following list, and in strengths of well under 30%:
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Glycolic Acid(AHA)
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Salicylic Acid (BHA)
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Lactic Acid
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Jessner's Peel (salicyclic acid, resorcinol and
lactic acid mixed in ethanol)
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Resorcinol
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TCA 10-20% (Trichloracetic Acid)
If you look hard enough, you will of course find
medical-grade peeling solutions available on the internet, but since the
potential for severely damaging your skin is so great, I definitely advise
against using these yourself - in the wrong hands, it takes just seconds to end
up with significantly worse problems than you currently have!
If you are going to have a peel, it's important to follow some common sense
rules:
- don't carry out a peel when you have a live acne flare-up - it will cause you
needless pain and may lead to infection.
- make sure you carry out all the pre-peel preparation work as instructed.
- don't be tempted to leave the acid on for longer than the stated time in the
hope of getting better results.
Cost:
Superficial (home) - prices start at around £50.00 per product.
Superficial (salon) - $100 -$300 (repeated treatments will often be necessary).
Best Buys
SkinStore.com carry a good range of products, which all have reviews and ratings
by users. The following products all received 5 star reviews from users:
Mid - Deep Skin Peels
Peels done using stronger solutions and will
penetrate down into the pillary dermis (mid depth peel) and reticular dermis
(deep peel), and as such have greater potential to lead to complications. For
this reason, the recommendation is that such peels take place in a medical
setting. These peels may require that you undergo pre-op preparation including
the use of a strong exfoliant agent such as Renova, a skin bleaching agent such
as hydroquinone to reduce the risk of post-op irregular skin discoloration, the
use of a sunscreen and the use of anti-viral and anti-biotic medication to
reduce the risk of infection.
Cost:
Mid - $1000 - $2000 (repeated treatments may be necessary).
Deep peels are done using phenol, and because of the associated risk of cardiac
arrest, should only be done under general anaesthetic, with full cardiac and
pulmonary monitoring. There will be an increased sensitivity to sunlight, with a
loss of the skin's ability to tan. They are not generally recommended or
necessary for acne scarring.
Important: Because of the potential for skin to be permanently lightened,
chemical peels (of any strength) are not recommended for patients with dark
skin.
Cost :
Deep - $2500 - $6000 - one-time only.
Comparison of Scar Treatment Procedures
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Procedure |
Mild Scars |
Severe Scars |
Side Effect Free |
Affordability |
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Superficial Peel |
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Mid-Deep Peel |
    |
   |
 |
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Microdermabrasion |
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|
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    |
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Dermabrasion |
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   |
  |
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Dermaplaning |
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Ablative Lasers |
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 |
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Non-ablative Lasers |
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Punch Techniques |
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Augmentation |
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Topical Creams |
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See Also
Or read our free 39-page report with descriptions and commentary on ALL
available acne treatments by sending a blank e-mail to
treatingacne@getresponse.com