CHEMICAL FACE PEEL

INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SURGERY

1. DO NOT wear any make-up, cosmetics, or other creams and lotions.

2. There are varying degrees of chemical peels. Light peels can often be performed in the office without an anaesthetic. You will be in the office for one hour after. Strong chemical peels are performed in theatre as a day only procedure with a general anaesthetic or light intravenous sedation. You will not be able to drive immediately afterwards and you will be required to be escorted home by a relative or a friend. You will be kept for 2-3 hours after surgery.

3. YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO TAKE HOME AFTER THE PEEL IS DONE, whether it is done in the office or in the hospital or day surgical facility.

4. Before you leave the office, make certain you have a return time.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE DURING FACIAL PEELS

Initially you may feel cold and develop a fever. This usually lasts a few hours until the body temperature returns to normal.

DIET
1. a. A light diet after an anaesthetic is best to avoid vomiting for the first 24 hours.

b. To avoid premature cracking due to tightness, cut food into small pieces and avoid foods that require a lot of chewing e.g. eat yoghurts, soups, mashed vegetables, pasta.

WOUND CARE
2. a. Use a mild cleanser e.g. Cetaphil lotion (chemist) or Oxy Radical daily skin repair cleanser available at our office) to wash your face gently for 20 to 30 seconds twice a day.

b. Lather the cleanser on your hands and gently pat the cleanser on your face, rather than rub.

c. Then splash lukewarm water onto your face to rinse off the cleanser. d. Dry your face by gently patting it with a clean towel.

3. a. Apply moisturiser e.g Sorbolene, (often more soothing if it is kept in the fridge) as often as necessary to keep your skin from getting dry and cracked.

b. Do not let your skin dry out, it will pull on the new tissue underneath and may cause red irritated areas. You can apply your moisturiser five times a day if you want!!! This will reduce the tightness and will make you more comfortable.

c. Don’t worry if all of the ointment doesn’t come off when you wash your face, it won’t harm you to leave some on your face. But do not apply layer upon layer without washing twice daily.

d. If large pieces of skin are hanging from your face, they may be cut off carefully with a pair of blunt ended scissors. DO NOT PULL THE SKIN OFF.

WHAT TO EXPECT
4. a. Some mild itching and burning is normal at this time. This usually lasts 7-10 days.

b. You may also develop an occasional whitehead due to all the ointment on your skin - this is normal, do not be alarmed. You will be able to apply lighter creams and make-up after 2 weeks. Whiteheads can usually be removed by the nurse after 2 weeks.

c. Tightness of the face - minimise facial expressions during your peel, excessive facial movements will cause it to crack prematurely. This is not a good time to see a funny movie, see your dentist or eat a hamburger.

d. If you are experiencing a lot of itching - Be sure you use plenty of moisturising cream e.g. Sorbolene, as many times a day as you like. Sometimes at first, you need to apply the cream every 2 hours. (Refrigerating your lotion will make it feel more soothing).

e. During your peel think of your dark old skin (which is peeling off) as a bandage which protects the fresh new skin underneath. The longer you can keep this natural bandage in place, the better the result your peel will have.

SWELLING
5. a. You may have some swelling during the first 2 to 3 days of your peel, particularly if it is a deeper peel. In extreme cases, your eyes may swell almost closed during the first few mornings. This is a normal response and it will resolve on its own.

b. However, sleeping with an extra pillow to elevate your head will help to decrease your swelling.

REDNESS
6. a. Your skin heals by initially being inflamed - i.e. pinkish - red.

b. This will fade in 3 - 6 weeks. c. Your doctor will prescribe a steroid cream if the redness is persistent.

WHAT NOT TO DO
7. a. Do not pick or rub your skin at all.

SHOWERING
b. If you must wash your hair, wash it with your head tilted backward in the shower.

c. Do not wet your face in the shower, too much water will cause you to peel prematurely and leave you with red, sore areas that may need to be treated again by your doctor.

ALSO DO NOT
8. a. Do not sit in a sauna or jacuzzi for 4 weeks, or do strenuous exercise. Sweating will make your face sting and it will cause you to peel too soon.

b. Do not expose your face to sunlight at all during this time.

c. Do not use the cleansing or moisturiser routines as excuses to speed up peeling of your skin, it will only increase your risk of complications.

d. Do not be alarmed if you bend over and your feel flushed or warm.

SUNSCREEN
9. a. After the peel, sunscreen must be used to protect the skin from the rays of the sun.

b. You need to use it even if you are wearing a hat or in the shade, as the reflective rays may cause damage also.

c. Ask for sunscreen or samples if available after your peel at your post-operative visit usually the 10th day.

d. If you see any signs of brownness after 14 days, you could be developing pigmentation and may require a prescription cream. Ring the nurse to check.

EXERCISE
10. a. If you feel you have to do some exercise, you may go out for a walk in the early morning or evening when the sun is not out.

b. Building up a sweat will cause stinging and swelling in the first 2 weeks.

SLEEPING
11. a. It is important that you try to sleep on your back with your head elevated on pillows if possible.

b. This is so you don’t rub the skin off the chin or cheek area prematurely.

MAKE-UP
12. a. Make-up may be used after finishing the peel, usually in approximately 10-14 days.

b. It is important to use hypoallergenic make-up with sun block.

c. Your nurse will recommend brands and when you can wear it on your visit usually the 10th day. Your skin will be sensitive for 3 months and you may not be able to use your normal creams or make-up.

CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY
13. a. If you have unexpected irritation, pustules or persistent yellowness of the skin. b. This is especially important if you feel you may be developing a cold sore. You may require a prescription.

c. If you have any signs of sudden darkness in the skin after the peeling has stopped in 14 days, you may require a new cream to your routine.

d. Do not wait until your next appointment.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Cetaphil Lotion - 500 ml.
• Sorbolene - 500 gm approx.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036