After Your Peel

Light Peel

For the next few days after a light peel your skin is likely to be somewhat pink and you may notice some mild dryness or flakiness. All these effects are easily camouflaged with light makeup, and soon you'll be aware only that your skin is fresher and smoother and that you're looking more rested than usual.

The flaking and dryness that follow an AHA peel are temporary and easily soothed with rich moisturizers and generous daily applications of a good, high-SPF sunscreen. Beyond that, there's no change in your daily skin routine; you can wear no makeup or as much as you wish.

Medium Peel

After a medium peel your skin will turn red, darken, peel, and in some cases may (or may not) develop some soft scabbed areas - better described as soft crusts - during the next several days. Crusting will depend on your skin condition and response to the treatment.The areas that received the greatest penetration of acid will be more likely to crust over.

You'll probably not want to go out. It usually takes up to two weeks to feel presentable again, although with makeup, you may feel comfortable after a week.Your skin color will gradually fade from red to a light pink. Once your new skin emerges, most of your fine wrinkles and blotches will have disappeared.

You shouldn't experience much discomfort, but if you do, ask your doctor for pain medication.Take the medication as needed over the next few days.

Avoid scratching or picking at your face and any crusts that may develop. Cleanse gently using the products your doctor provides for you to take home.Washing with water may be too drying, and your doctor will want you to protect your skin with appropriate cleansers and ointments.Avoid the sun completely for as long as possible, and once you do go out, never skip your full-spectrum sunblock.

Modified Deep Peel

	Every day I receive tremendous satisfaction in knowing that the relationships I have developed with my patients will last a lifetime. I enjoy educating and being educated by them. - Dr. Jon Mendelsohn

The good news is that a modified deep peel produces remarkable results.The bad news? You'll look a whole lot worse before you look better. After the peel, your face will be very swollen for a day or so. During the first week, the swelling will be followed by peeling like that from a severe sunburn. Parts of your face will ooze.

Many patients report that while they don't have a lot of pain after this peel, they do feel a burning sensation for the first six to eight hours. Keeping the entire face moist with prescribed creams will prevent pain.Your doctor will prescribe mild pain medication, which you may wish to use, depending on how you're feeling.

You may find it uncomfortable to move your face. So you may not feel like talking for the first few days, and you may be more comfortable eating soft foods and drinking liquids, which require less chewing.

If you had any crusting, most of it will usually be gone after six to eight days.Your face will be very red, but you can begin to cover the redness with makeup. About a month after the procedure, your new skin will feel rough or even finely wrinkled. This will smooth out over the next six to eight weeks, and the redness will fade to baby-skin pink.The risk of permanent change in pigmentation is less with a modified deep peel than with the original deep peel.Your new skin is likely to be somewhat lighter, though a darker shade is also possible. If your entire face was peeled, any overall color change is less likely to be noticeable.

During the first five to ten days after your peel, you will need to keep the peel area covered with emollient cream or petroleum jelly, prescribed by your doctor.The peeled area must remain moist at all times until the oozing stops. Keeping the skin moist will prevent the skin from drying or crusting, which will create scarring. Also, avoid scarring by not picking or scratching your face as it heals.

To cleanse your face, gently use your fingertips and cool water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel and apply the cream your doctor has ordered. You'll need to continue this washing and moisturizing for seven to ten days.Your doctor will tell you when it's safe to wear makeup again and what cleansers and cosmetics to use.

Sleep on your back and use extra pillows until the swelling subsides. Keeping your head elevated will encourage the dissipation of the excess fluids that have collected in the tissue of your face.

[back][next]