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Chemical Peels and Facelifts
Why It is Preferred Not to Do Chemical Peels During a Facelift
In the world of plastic surgery, it’s no secret that more is not always more. Going too far– or too fast– can push aesthetic outcomes beyond the realm of authenticity and, more importantly, health. While there can be benefits to bolstering a facelift with a skin treatment, it is imperative to remember that even non-surgical treatments place strain on the body. Here, we talk about why combining a facelift with a chemical peel may impair your body’s ability to heal and, ultimately, compromise your overall results.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical rejuvenating procedure that addresses various signs of aging throughout the face. As aging takes place, collagen production declines and the skin and underlying tissues lose their youthful elasticity and volume. A facelift involves the removal of excess skin and the repositioning of facial tissues to create a lifted and youthful appearance. Through an incision along the hairline, the skin and tissue are gently lifted to diminish or eliminate sagging, wrinkles, and folds. Lastly, excess skin is removed, and the incision is closed.
A successful facelift is one that is virtually undetectable, meaning the skin is not pulled overly taut, and the underlying volume is lifted precisely into a naturally younger-looking position. The key is not only to create a naturally rejuvenated appearance in the face but also to create a seamless transition between the face and surrounding areas, such as the neck.
While some patients may be able to mitigate signs of aging with a partial or mini facelift, others may take a combined approach to achieve comprehensive and cohesive results. This may mean incorporating related procedures, such as a brow lift or neck lift, into a facelift. Combining surgical procedures offers enhanced results while reducing the costs and recovery time of multiple surgeries.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peel treatment offers a precise and customized solution to a broad range of skin-related concerns. From mild to deep, some chemical peels require minimal downtime, while others can involve weeks of downtime. Varying ingredients and chemical strengths can target specific surface concerns or penetrate deeper layers for substantial firming, lifting, and rejuvenating.
Similar to laser treatments, chemical peels offer comprehensive resurfacing. Following a thorough consultation to determine the right formula, a solution containing trichloroacetic, glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or carbolic acid is applied to the targeted area or areas and allowed to sit for a specified period of time, usually about 30 minutes. While it sits, the chemical solution causes controlled damage to the skin, beginning a natural renewal process that can last months.
At its highest potency, a chemical peel is arguably the most powerful non-surgical rejuvenating treatment available, penetrating deep beneath the skin’s surface and delivering widespread dermal regeneration. While the chemical peel triggers this response, the skin’s transformation is fueled by the body’s natural healing process.
As old, damaged skin cells slough away, a bright, fresh, and youthful complexion is revealed. The effects of chemical peel treatment can last months to years or even longer.
What are the risks and complications of combining a Chemical Peel and a Facelift?
Even though combining a facelift with a chemical peel can be a tempting option, performing these procedures at the same time can jeopardize the quality of your results. Because a chemical peel relies heavily on your body’s natural regenerative abilities, combining it with an involved surgical procedure such as a facelift can overwhelm your body and impair healing. The effects of this could mean a longer recovery, sub-optimal healing throughout the treated skin, or poor scar healing along the hairline.
Consider separating the treatments into stages. Under expert guidance, a carefully timed chemical peel several months after your facelift allows your skin to fully recover from the surgical procedure. This gives your body ample time for healing, preventing the overwhelming strain that could lead to suboptimal results.
What procedures can you combine with a facelift?
Even though a facelift alone can take years or even decades off of your appearance, it is human nature to want the best possible results. While combining a chemical peel with your facelift may not be in your best interest, there are safe and effective ways to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.
If you’re interested in maximizing your facelift, consult with an experienced and reputable expert so that you can explore your options with care. Potential solutions may include combined surgical treatments or scheduling your chemical peel following your facelift recovery. Whatever your concerns, there is a way to optimize your facelift without compromising your results.
