Recovery after a chemical peel dermatology treatment will depend on the type and strength of the peel used. The treatment provider will discuss the estimated downtime involved and the symptoms that the patient may experience during the recovery.
They will also discuss the potential signs of complications, particularly in case of deep peels, to help the patient identify them and seek medical attention.
Superficial peels will usually not involve a significant recovery process, but in case of medium and deep peels, the patient should be well-prepared for downtime and recovery. Board certified dermatologists Dr. Tri H. Nguyen and Dr. George Hughes III provide chemical peel treatments to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding communities.
Avoiding Sun Exposure
Following any type of chemical peel treatment, the patient will be require to avoid direct or indirect sun exposure until the initial skin redness has subsided. Even after that, the dermatologist may recommend continued protection of the facial skin against sun. The patient should continue using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wherever possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat.
These measures are especially important if the patient has undergone a specific chemical peel dermatology treatment involving phenol, which curbs the skin’s ability to tan. If the treatment has been received around the eyes, the patient should wear good quality sunglasses when they go outdoors. Exposure to chlorinated water may also have to be avoided for some time after certain types of peels.
Immediate Recovery Phase
Following a deep peel treatment, the skin may be covered with a protective cream or petroleum jelly, and in a few cases, dressings may be applied. Mild pain and discomfort may be experienced after deeper peels. If the redness, swelling or pain appears severe, the patient should contact the dermatologist to monitor the condition.
Recovery Time Frame
Superficial Peels
A light or superficial chemical peel treatment will usually involve no downtime. The patient can expect to return to their normal routine immediately.
Medium to Deep Peels
A longer healing period will be required for deeper peels. The dermatologist will advise whether any ointments should be applied during recovery and how the cleansing of the skin should be performed. In case of men, shaving of the face will have to be delayed for a few days.
The patient should carefully follow the dermatologist’s care instructions during the recovery phase. Downtime may range from four days to two weeks, depending on the strength and depths of the deeper chemical peel used.
Scab formation over the treated area may or may not occur in case of medium and deep peels. This will depend on the post-treatment regimen recommended by the dermatologist. From week two to week eight, the skin may still be pink, but makeup may be used to camouflage it, as per the dermatologist’s advice.
Full results of deep peels will continue to establish over a few months. Board certified dermatologists Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Hughes receive patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and other cities and communities in this part of the state across the horizon for chemical peels.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Springs, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
