Peeling — one of the most popular cosmetic methods for improving the condition of the skin and its appearance. However, it is accompanied by damage to the superficial and sometimes deep structural skin layers. Rare, but possible complications after peeling can negatively affect the final result of the procedure and greatly reduce the patient's quality of life, and sometimes require serious treatment. Therefore, the cosmetologist should carefully consider the collection of an anamnesis of patients and the choice of a peeling technique.
Causes of complications after chemical and physical peeling
Complications are divided into predictable, that is, expected, and unpredictable, which are consequences that are not typical for the procedure. The first, as a rule, occur shortly after the procedure and are explained by the normal reaction of the body to mechanical, chemical and other types of receptor irritation.
As a result of the removal of the protective upper layer of the epithelium, dehydration of this zone occurs, its sensitivity to ultraviolet and thermal radiation increases, the reaction of blood vessels and metabolic processes change, which is also affected by the individual sensitivity of the body. The deeper the affected skin layer, the stronger the reaction: deeper peeling leads to more significant complications.
The type and severity of complications are also affected by factors such as an incorrect assessment by the cosmetologist of the initial state of the skin, its thickness, phototype, sensitivity, individual regenerative capabilities, the severity of dermatological changes, the presence of concomitant chronic diseases, and age-related features of the patient.
Some patients require a course of antibiotics or antihistamines before and after peeling to prevent complications. This will help reduce the risk of allergic, inflammatory reactions and suppuration.
What is the danger of acid peeling of the face?
Dangerous are some complications after chemical peeling, which may occur in patients suffering from chronic diseases of the heart and blood vessels, kidneys and liver. This is due to the easy and rapid absorption of chemical reagents from the wound surface and their toxic effect on internal organs.
In addition, with increased skin sensitivity or non-compliance with the acid peeling technique, there is a high risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, persistent erythema, and the formation of a demarcation line.
Risks Associated with Laser Facial Peeling
If complications after dry cleaning are associated with the aggressive action of drugs, then complications after laser peeling have their own characteristics. In addition to general consequences, there may be specific procedures for this type of procedure:
- the occurrence of blisters filled with serous (as in a solar or thermal burn) or bloody contents, at the site of opening of which erosions form, followed by pigmentation or scarring;
- point hemorrhages from damaged small vessels with the formation of small hematomas; these hemorrhages may come to the surface and look like bloody dew on the skin;
- Gauze effect or multiple punctate atrophic scars; such a complication is due to incorrect determination of the thickness of the skin layers (ultrasound scanning devices are used for this), inaccurate selection of the parameters of the procedure, and the tendency of the body to form hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Types of complications after peeling procedures
Despite the fact that all types of peeling procedures differ in depth of effect and mechanism of action, their goal is the same — removal of superficial skin layers, which means that the main possible complications after their implementation are similar.
Predictable or possible regular complications
Erythema, which is a persistent pronounced redness of the treated area. The severity and duration of its preservation depend on the aggressiveness of the technique. This complication is common in people with extended facial vasculature after deep peeling.
Swelling of the face and eyelids, which occurs due to an increase in the permeability of small vessels and the release of the liquid part of the blood into the tissues. It may appear 1-3 days after exposure and persist for several days. Occurs more often after chemical cleaning with the use of retinoids or trichloroacetate, laser and mechanical peels.
Scaling — this is the basis of the peeling mechanism as such. It is a common consequence and disappears in 1-3 days. However, after the use of trichloroacetic acid or resorcinol, coarse scaly peeling may occur, which persists for a week or longer. In these cases, it is necessary to use moisturizing creams.
Even darkening of the skin, which resolves on its own after exfoliation (after 1-2 weeks).
Skin hypersensitivity — It is expressed in an excessive reaction to temperature, pain, mechanical influences or sunlight. This complication resolves in 1-2 weeks, but may persist up to 1 year.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the cellular response is inadequate and the cells produce too much melanin, resulting in dark patches. This most often occurs after treatment with trichloroacetic acid or exposure to a laser beam.
Unpredictable complications after facial peeling
This type of complication is not natural. It includes complications that lead to negative consequences in terms of the aesthetic result or may pose a threat to the health of the patient.
Persistent erythema, more common in individuals with telangiectasia or rosacea after laser resurfacing or deep peeling. A skin reaction in the form of persistent intense redness can persist for up to 1 year, but mostly resolves on its own. In order to shorten this period, the patient should be advised to avoid visiting a bath or sauna, to exclude the use of spicy foods, spices and alcoholic beverages.
When it occurs, it is recommended to take drugs that strengthen and increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels (omega-3 fatty acids). They prevent the appearance of new telangiectasias. To improve microcirculation, heparin and hepatothrombin ointments or gels, creams with arnica extract, lioton gel, microcurrent physiotherapy are used to improve lymph outflow, blood microcirculation and cell regeneration.
Allergic reactions can manifest as itching, spotty rashes all over the body, Quincke's edema and in more serious forms, up to respiratory failure and anaphylactic shock. Such reactions are possible mainly to the auxiliary components of drugs used in chemical peeling — kojic or ascorbic acid. In mild cases, it is necessary to take antihistamines, more severe — emergency intensive care.
Exacerbation of herpetic infection is dangerous by rashes on the wound surface, followed by the formation of atrophic or (less often) hypertrophic type scars. In this regard, persons who experience such exacerbations at least 2 times in 1 year, it is necessary to conduct a preventive course of treatment with acyclovir or other antiherpetic drugs and prescribe them and identical ointments in cases of a rash on the wound surface after the procedure.
Inflammation of tissues, accompanied by hyperemia (redness), swelling and soreness for more than 3 days. Local treatment is carried out with a homeopathic preparation traumeel, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin ointment, voltaren).
Marble coloration associated with the destruction of a large number of melanocytes during rough peeling or excessively deep exposure to chemicals. Such a complication cannot be corrected, only a slight correction of tone uniformity is possible.
Demarcation (separation) line sometimes possible in individuals with dark porous skin after laser or other deep cleansing. It is possible to smooth the border with the help of additional peeling.
Exacerbation of acne is provoked by irritation and activation of the function of the sebaceous glands. Antibiotics and vitamin complexes are used as therapeutic drugs.
are treated with combined methods — surgery, cryotherapy, steroid drugs, laser resurfacing, etc. Compliance with the rules of preparation for peeling and care measures after the procedure, the correct choice of method and its implementation minimize the likelihood of unforeseen complications.
A feature of Japanese glycol peels is minimal trauma while achieving the highest efficiency and an invisible recovery period; after even 40% peeling, you can go not only to work, but also to festive events. Also, a distinctive feature of Japanese peels is the use of 10% of peels at any time of the year, absolutely safe and convenient use and the ability to perform procedures from the age of 23. An interesting property of peelings is a persistent therapeutic effect in demodex: