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Chemical peel

What it is: A chemical peel is a skincare procedure that involves chemical solution being applied to facial skin. A chemical peel is intended to remove damaged outer layers of skin and the blemishes that come with it. There are a number of different chemical peel concentrations typically classified as mild, moderate, or deep peel.

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Is a chemical peel painful?

I've heard that most chemical peels are really painful.  are some peels more painful than others?

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Asked by: Mints, San Francisco, CA

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July 31, 2008

Are chemical peels painful?

D.J. Verret, MD
D.J. Verret, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by D.J. Verret, MD

Chemical peels generally are not that painful.

Superficial chemical peels such as those bought 'over the counter' or those administered in spa environments just treat the outer layer of skin and may produce a light burning sensation at worst.

Deeper chemical peels such as TCA peels or phenol peels will be more uncomfortable but these are generally the physician administering the peel will also provide some type of pain medication. For phenol peels, heart monitoring must be done and an IV started. This allows for administration of intravenous sedation at the same time.

After the actual peel is done, pain is usually minimal. The worst part that some patients complain of is itching while the skin is healing, but not in all cases.

Web reference: http://innovationsfps.com
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