Abstract
Chemical peels are an effective and time-tested treatment for photoaging, dyschromia, actinic changes, and superficial scarring. Treatment ranges from superficial to deep. The deeper the peel, the more significant the result and the higher the risk and downtime. Standard skin type classification systems including Fitzpatrick and Glogau scales are reviewed. Superficial peels, including Jessner’s solution and 10–20% TCA, can be used to treat epidermal issues without penetrating into the dermis. Medium-depth peels, including 35% TCA, cause injury extending into the papillary dermis and upper reticular dermis. Deep peels, including the Baker-Gordon peel or modified Hetter peels, cause injury into the reticular dermis. While deep peels can result in dramatic skin rejuvenation, the risk profile is increased. Risks include hypo- or hyperpigmentation, cardiac arrhythmias, and prolonged post-peel erythema (PPPE). Standard pre- and post-peel protocols are reviewed as well as management of complications.
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Lieberman, D.M., Roy, S. (2021). Chemical Peels. In: Wong, B.JF., Arnold, M.G., Boeckmann, J.O. (eds) Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45920-8_20
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45920-8_20
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