Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin and scars — usually on the face. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures. And they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more-dramatic results but also take longer to recover from.
While they may not completely remove deep or severe scars, they can significantly reduce the appearance of mild to moderate scars, particularly shallow atrophic scars. For shallow scars, chemical peels can smooth the skin's texture, reduce discoloration, and create a more even skin tone.
Dermabrasion. This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. Your doctor removes the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush or other device. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable.
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layer of dead skin cells to peel off. This can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation by revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.
However, that's an average estimate, whereas the cost can vary depending on the type of peel, the technology used, and other factors. Realistically speaking, the chemical peel price can range anywhere from $200 to $6,000.
Around the third day, you may start to see the initial signs of peeling. Your skin might appear dry and flaky, and small pieces may begin to shed. This is a normal part of the process as the old skin is being replaced by new skin underneath.
Mederma gel is designed to tackle a range of scar types including acne scars, burn scars, injury and surgical scars, old scars and more. It contains Cepalin® botanical extract, for old and new scars.
Vitamin E may be hailed as a new miracle regarding scar reduction and fading. However, the lack of clinical evidence suggests that using vitamin E for scars is ineffective and, thus, not necessary.
Chemical peels demonstrated a better overall response for icepick scars while microneedling was the better option for rolling scars. Both options were equally effective in treating boxcar scars.
More intensive peels are needed to deliver significant improvement to skin conditions and concerns, such as deep-set acne scarring, deeper wrinkles, and sun damage. Compared to the light and medium options, deep peels will have more dramatic results and usually only one treatment is needed.
A light peel or superficial peel will usually produce results that can last for one to two months, whereas a medium peel can last for six months. If you need to use a deep peel, such as to target extreme sun damage or address medical dermatology concerns, those results will typically last a lifetime.
Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly. Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal.
Ice-pick scars are a common type of scarring that can occur as a result of the acne healing process. They appear as small, sharp indentations that are wider at the skin's surface and narrow into a point as they reach down into the skin.
The revision may improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar, restore function to a part of the body that may have been restricted by the scar, or improve an itchy scar. It is important to remember that scars cannot be completely removed.
Topical treatments.
Topical creams such as Mederma, Aquaphor and Eucerine are known for softening scars. Make sure any topical cream you purchase doesn't contain anything your child is allergic to. Some ingredients to look for in a topical treatment include: Onion bulb extract: an anti-inflammatory.
Hypertrophic scars that result from burn wounds are more difficult to treat. Superficial burn wounds usually heal without forming hypertrophic scars. Deep burn wounds are harder to treat. Many dermatologic and plastic surgeons treat these by removing the burned area and then using a skin graft.
Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.
Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.
Again, multiple treatments may be recommended for best results. Deep chemical peels can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000.
After your chemical peel, you will be in recovery for 1-2 weeks, with days 3 and 4 being the worst in terms of peeling.
When you start to peel, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as AveenoⓇ, VanicreamⓇ, CetaphilⓇ, or CeraVeⓇ, until the skin feels back to normal. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of a bacterial infection, redness, and irritation.