5 Ways You Can Aid in the Recovery From a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments designed to remove damaged skin and reveal the healthy skin underneath. Once the healing is complete, patients enjoy a look that is more youthful and attractive. You can help the process by taking a few precautions once the peel is complete. Here are a few tips that will come in handy.

Keep Your Hands Off

The dead skin will continue to peel away for a short time. You may be tempted to use your fingers to pull the skin away as it begins to flake. This is the worst thing that you could do for a couple of reasons.

Attempting to remove the skin before it’s ready to let go could increase the potential for scarring. Contact with your bare hands combined with the pulling could also increase the odds of developing an infection. Your best bet is to remember that skin sloughs off after chemical skin peels without any help. Keep your hands away from your face unless it’s to perform some task that your surgeon specifically authorized.

Pull the Hair Back

If you have longer hair, make sure it’s kept away from the treated area. The natural oils from your hair could interfere with the healing process. Until you are told otherwise by the cosmetic surgeon, the only things that need to touch your hair are substances that the professional recommends. If necessary, use a hair band to ensure no stray locks settle on your forehead. Ties that keep the hair pulled back will also help.

Water and Moisturizing Ointments Are Your Friends

When cleaning the peeled areas, remember to use plain cool water. It will feel good to the skin and help the healing to continue at a normal pace. Your doctor may also supply an ointment that is designed to nourish the newly revealed skin and prevent infections. Make sure you apply the product according to the instructions given.

Change the Bandages According to the Schedule

Never attempt to use the same set of bandages a second time. This is true even when there does not appear to be anything on the latest set of bandages. After carefully cleaning the skin and applying a fresh layer of ointment, apply fresh bandaging. This helps to ensure the bacteria from the last set of bandages does not settle back on the skin surface.

Report Any Complications Immediately

While complications are rare, they can happen. Your surgeon will provide guidelines to help you determine if the healing is progressing normally or if something unusual has developed. If you notice that the redness is not fading as it should or there is any ongoing pain or blotching, it pays to contact the team at the plastic surgery service immediately. Prompt treatment will stop the problem before it can get any worse and put you back on the road to as full recovery.

After the healing is complete, you will love the way your skin looks. Be patient and follow all aftercare instructions to the letter. Patience now will pay off in the form of skin that looks better than it has in years.

Dr. Kristina Zakhary