Chemical Surgery

Chemical surgery is usually performed as a cosmetic procedure.  An acid is applied to the skin of the face for deep exfoliation of the epidermis, or surface layer of  skin.  Chemosurgery can be used to remove fine facial lines and wrinkles, diminish the appearance of acne scars and to remove precancerous skin lesions on the face.  The acids used are usually chloracetic acid or glycolic (fruit) acid.  The concentration is usually a fifty percent solution.

For the phenol peel, the patient is usually sedated.  It is common to use an EKG (heart) monitor during the procedure.  A phenol peel may be used on the entire face, or on segments of the face.  It can be used to remove precancerous skin lesions on the face.  It is the most effective treatment for lines around the mouth.  Prior to applying the solution, the surgeon will carefully cleanse the face with an antiseptic solution.

As the phenol solution is applied, the patient may experience a stinging sensation.  Following the procedure a waterproof facial mask of surgical tape is applied.  It needs to remain in in place for twenty four to forty eight hours.  The is moderate to severe pain for the first day following surgery.  After the surgeon removes the tape, he will apply either thymol iodide powder or petroleum jelly and Neosporin powder to the treated area.  The area will be weepy.  The skin will be reddened and the redness may last for several months.

While the skin remains red, patients are advised to avoid exposure to sunlight.  One complication of the surgery is keloid scarring.  This is usually treated with repeated injections of cortisone.  Only a board certified plastic or dermatological surgeon should perform this type of surgery.  You should research your surgeon's qualifications and experience before undergoing any serious procedure. Phenol facial peels have a long recovery period.

If scarring occurs following chemosurgery, it can be treated with the application of pressure or cortisone injections.  Z-plasty or W-plasty can improve the appearance of scars.  These are surgical procedures.  Scarring is  permanent, and treatment and revision, while it will improve the appearance of scars, will not eradicate them.  A combination of several of these techniques can be used to treat scars.

Chemosurgery produces temporary results.  How long the  the results last varies with the individual and depends, at least in part, on lifestyle.  Over exposure to sunlight, smoking tobacco and excessive use of alcohol are all factors.  Stress also plays a role.  Sudden weight gain or weight loss can effect the results.  People who maintain healthy lifestyles will have the longest lasting results.  Additional procedures should give to maintain the improved appearance should give satisfactory results.

Glycolic acid peels can be performed by patients at home, or by licensed cosmeticians in their place of business.  These peels involve no pain or risk of complications.  These are not deep skin peels and effect only the top layer of skin.This type of peel can be repeated regularly to maintain the results.

Http://www.asds.net/

http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/

http://www.plasticsurgeryadvisor.com