Chemical peels are a topical means of providing cosmesis for a number of dermatologic conditions of the face. The hazards increase with the depth of the peel.
Skin Problem |
Superficial |
Medium Depth |
actinic damage, photoaging |
mild |
moderate to severe |
wrinkling (rhytidosis) |
superficial |
moderate to severe |
dyschromia |
mild |
moderate to severe |
actinic keratoses |
limited |
more extensive |
acne |
active |
NA |
skin laxity |
NA |
moderate to severe |
Deep chemical peels should only be performed with caution and by an experienced clinician. It may be appropriate for severe photoaging. An alternative is to combine a medium depth chemical peel with laser ablative resurfacing.
Specialty: Dermatology
ICD-10: ,