Chemical skin peeling for a facial feminization during sex reassignment
A chemical skin peeling can make a face look younger and fresher. This is the reason why it is often requested by patients who want to match their gender and consequently also their face.
A chemical peeling gives the female face a more even complexion and may look up to 15 years younger. Depending on the strength of the substance, a distinction is made between a superficial, a medium-deep and a deep peeling type.
What happens during a chemical peeling?
A chemical peeling involves the application of an acidic substance to the facial skin. This results in the removal of the thickened and flaky skin and in the stimulation of the collagen production. Fine wrinkles and skin discoloration may also become invisible. The chemical peeling gives the female face an even complexion.
Furthermore, it results in a deep cleaning of the pores and in a visible improvement in terms of skin elasticity. The whole skin surface structure is significantly improved by the chemical peeling.
Process of chemical peeling
In the course of a chemical peeling, various substances can be used. The so-called glycolic acid, the trichloroacetic acid or the phenol peeling are frequently used. Our choice of the substances depends on the depth effect we would like to achieve. Regardless of the peeling acid used, the process of a chemical peeling is almost always the same.
The physician rubs the acid on the face, on the chin and on the eyelids so that there are no contrasts at a later stage, because the deeper layers of the skin do not yet have any pigmentation. If the chemical peeling is only used in certain places, the skin will later appear blotchy. The peeling acid penetrates the skin layers until the so-called frosting begins. During this process, the protein molecules inside the skin are destroyed and the face begins to redden. After that, the wound created this way is treated with fatty creams. The devitalization of the skin begins after 3 days. After that, new cells form and result in tightening of the face. The final result will be visible after about 2 to 3 weeks.
Risks involved in a chemical peeling
The chemical peeling should always be performed by an experienced physician. This way the risks such as infections with viruses and bacteria, scarring and wound healing disorders can be reduced to a minimum. It is crucial to choose the correct acid concentration. In addition, it is fundamental that the acid does not penetrate too deeply. In persons whose skin is too dark, a permanent skin lightening may occur. Rare risks include a prolonged skin reddening.
FAQ on the chemical peeling in the course of facial feminization
Click on the questions to view the answers.
The penetration of the acid and the destruction of the protein molecules is a painful process. This is the reason why most physicians use appropriate sedation or put the patient into a twilight sleep. Immediately after the treatment, the skin may burn uncomfortably.
No, it won't. When used correctly, only the upper areas of the skin are deliberately damaged so to permit the formation of new skin cells.
The treatment shows a long-term effect. Exactly how long the effect will be visible depends on the individual factors of the patient.
Generally speaking, there are hardly any restrictions on who can undergo a chemical peeling. If patients want a young, fresh face in the context of a gender reassignment and only minor corrections are required, the chemical peeling will be the minimally invasive method of choice.
The chemical peeling should not be confused with a drugstore peeling. The acids used in the chemical peeling are far more concentrated and effective, so this form of facial treatment can be only performed in a doctor's surgery.