411 for the Medical Spa Professional: Client Care With Chemical Peels - Educating Patients on After Treatment Care
Clients who are considering undergoing a chemical peel may have very good reasons, and many have had success with light, medium and deep peels. All, however, should be educated on after treatment care.
Clients Should Check Their Reasons and Expectations
The first thing that should be considered by the client are their own personal reasons for wanting the chemical peel, their expectations and their mind set. A positive attitude and good physical health are prerequisites for undergoing the procedure and are essential for rapid healing and lack of complications after the procedure. Making sure that a client is getting the peel for themselves and not because they think it is a cure all for their ailments or because it will make them more attractive to a boyfriend is essential.
Each Type of Peel Requires Different Levels of Aftercare
When it comes to after care when the treatment is over, each type of peel is different. After an AHA or alphahydroxy acid peel, flaking or scaling of skin is common, as is dryness and redness. These are temporary conditions that will disappear as the skin adjusts. A mild pain reliever or analgesic may be needed due to possible tingling. If a tape was used to cover the face it will need to be removed after a day or two. An AHA peel also requires sun protection.
Pain Relievers May Be Prescribed
With a medium or TCA peel a pain reliever may be prescribed. Swelling often occurs with a medium peel as well as throbbing and tingling. Also the treated area will have a crust or scab which will go away after time. Extra care should be taken with the skin. In particular protection from the sun by using a sun block, wide brimmed hats and avoidance of sun exposure. The moderate discomfort experienced will go away after about a week.
A Deep Peel Requires More Recovery Time
A phenol peel is a deep peel and requires more recovery time. About two weeks after treatment the skin, which will have been red will have a pinkish color. There will also be more scabbing and it is even more important to stay away from sun exposure as it could result in uneven blotching. New skin will form within ten days and after two weeks a client may return to work. The skin at this time will be healed enough to allow the wearing of makeup, and that is often used for camouflage until the healing process is complete.
