New York Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are able to produce healthier, more youthful looking skin by removing the outer damaged layers of skin using a chemical solution. Chemical peels come in varying strengths and are tailored to the individual patient. While often performed on their own, they can also be combined with other procedures, such as the facelift, for a more complete rejuvenation.

There are a number of skin conditions which can be improved with the chemical peel depending on its strength and these may include the following:

Dr. Roland will be happy to meet with you for a consultation at his Manhattan office to assess your skin and to determine if the chemical peel can help you to meet your needs. He may perform the chemical peel in his office or at one of the desirable hospitals or surgicenters in the New York City area.

Chemical peels may be performed in three strengths. Alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels are the mildest. This light peel can improve fine wrinkling, dry patches of skin, acne and uneven pigmentation to produce a generally smoother, brighter looking skin appearance. This is a quick treatment taking just ten minutes or so to complete and anesthesia is not necessary. AHA peels involve little downtime or recovery and work and other normal activities can be resumed immediately. For optimum results, periodic treatments may be needed.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are typically performed as a medium strength peel to improve fine surface wrinkles, pigment problems and superficial blemishes. They take about ten to fifteen minutes to complete and typically have some sort of anesthetic mixed into the chemical solution. TCA peels usually involve a short recovery during which patients may experience some temporary throbbing, tingling, swelling and redness. The new skin usually forms after five to ten days, and patients are generally able to return to work within seven to ten days. More than one peel may be required to achieve the desired results.

Phenol peels are the strongest. These deep peels are able to treat coarse facial wrinkles, sun damage, blotchiness and pre-cancerous growths. A full-face treatment can take an hour or more to complete. Though the chemical solution does contain an anesthetic, some patients opt for sedation as well. While phenol peels can produce dramatic results, they do involve a more lengthy recovery in which patients may experience throbbing, tingling, swelling, redness, and crusting. The new skin forms within seven to twenty-one days, and full healing of redness can take as much as three to six months. Patients are generally able to return to work after about two weeks. Because these peels may lighten the skin, they are generally not recommended for patients with dark skin.

Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Your Chemical Peel

What can a chemical peel do for me?

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the damaged, outer layers of skin. Afterward, the skin will appear healthier and more youthful. Chemical peels are effective for patients who want to correct:

• Uneven pigmentation
• Sun damage
• Texture problems
• Wrinkles
• Scarring
• Pre-cancerous growths
• Blemishes

Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are appropriate for individuals who are looking to improve wrinkled, blemished, or sun-damaged skin. Candidates should also have realistic expectations that they have discussed with their surgeon.

Chemical peels come in varying strengths. During your consultation with Dr. Roland at his Manhattan office, he will assess your skin and recommend the best procedure to help you meet your desired results.

How is a chemical peel performed?

Chemical peels may be performed in a surgeon's office based facility, a surgical center or a hospital. Procedure times range from ten minutes for milder peels up to an hour or more for deeper strength peels. The milder alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peel does not require anesthesia as it produces just a mild stinging sensation. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels and phenol peels have an anesthetic mixed into the chemical solution, and sedation may be requested as well for the stronger phenol peels.

What is the recovery from a chemical peel like?

There is little recovery or downtime associated with mild AHA peels, and work and other normal activities can be immediately resumed. Some amount of temporary throbbing, tingling, swelling and redness may occur after a TCA or phenol peel. TCA peels generally involve a short recovery and patients are able to return to work within seven to ten days. Recovery after a phenol peel can be somewhat lengthy and it may be two weeks before patients are able to return to work. Milder peels such as the AHA peel and sometimes the TCA peel may require more than one treatment to achieve optimal results.

What are the risks of a chemical peel?

Few risks are associated with AHA peels. Possible complications of TCA and phenol peels include infection, scarring, skin allergies, cold sores, and fever blisters. All risks and benefits will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Roland.

Click here to schedule a chemical peel consultation.

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