Chemical Peel Consent Form
This is an informed consent form that has been prepared to help inform you of the potential benefits and risks of chemical peel. It is important that you read this information carefully and discuss fully with your practitioner before proceeding with treatment.
It is also important that you take as much time as you need to consider the treatment carefully, weighing up all your options before reaching an informed decision. It is essential that you are aware of your right to have a second opinion and you are encouraged to ask any questions that come to mind throughout the entirety of the process.
A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin which acts to remove the top layers of the skin. The skin that regrows is smoother with improved cosmetic appearance. A chemical peel can be used to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, tired skin, fine scars, acne and areas of skin pigmentation.
There are 3 different types of chemical peels light, medium and deep. These relate to the different depths of skin layer removal. Deeper chemical peels take longer to heal but will tend to produce more significant results. Light chemical peels are less aggressive to the skin but may need to be done more frequently to achieve desired results. A deep chemical peel should only be done once as repeated deep peels would damage the skin.
Multiple treatments for lighter peels are often required to obtain optimal results spaced apart. Due to variables such as age, condition of your skin, sun damage, smoking, skincare products, climate, lifestyle, and general health, you acknowledge that there are no guarantees, warranties or assurances that you will be satisfied with your results. The skin can take up to 14 days to heal after a chemical peel and repeat peels should not be done within this 2 week period. You should have repeat peels at 4-6 weeks.
I understand that several appointments may be necessary to produce optimal results and I will be notified, in advance of each session of treatment, about the location where the next treatment session is going to take place and the identity of who is going to be involved in my care at each stage. I also understand that I will be kept informed of progress and that I can change my mind at any point.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS: As with any procedure there are risks and complications involved. It is important that you are aware of these before proceeding. I am aware of the following risks/complications that may occur:
Common side effects include, mild to moderate discomfort or pain following the procedure, slight redness or swelling of the skin following the peel, increased sun sensitivity of the skin and general increased skin sensitivity. These effects can last up to 14 days as this is the skins healing time following the peel. Occasionally skin redness may persist for longer than 14 days. Less commonly pigment changes to the skin can occur, the skin may become lighter or darker in pigment after the peel. Occasionally these pigment changes can be permanent.
Rare complications include allergic reaction to the chemical product, which could include anaphylaxis requiring emergency medical attention. Bacterial infection of the skin (cellulitis) or reactivation of herpes virus infections. Permanent scarring is also a rare possibility.
I understand that the treatment may involve risks of complication or injury from both known and unknown causes, and I freely assume those risks. Before receiving treatment, I have been candid in revealing any condition that may have a bearing on this procedure.
I have been advised of the relevant information associated with this treatment and I confirm that I fully understand this advice. This includes advice about:
- the aims/motivations for having the procedure and the desired outcome
- the risks inherent in the procedure
- the risks inherent in refusing the procedure
- the risks specific to me
- the expected benefits of the treatment
- the potential disadvantages of the treatment
- alternative procedures and their pros and cons - including the option of no treatment at all
- any uncertainties about and the likelihood of success of the procedure
- any follow-up treatment that may be required
CLINICAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: I agree to and authorise the taking of clinical photographs and videos. I understand that these clinical photographs and videos will form part of and will be kept with my confidential medical records.
I have been asked what information I want and would need in order to make an informed decision. I have been given the opportunity to discuss my desired outcome fully in order for me to make an informed decision.
I certify that I have read the above consent and that I fully understand it. I have been given ample opportunity for discussion and all my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. No new information has become available that affects my decision to have the treatment or my decision to consent. I hereby consent to this procedure. This constitutes the full disclosure and supersedes any previous verbal or written disclosures.