Chemical Peels - Health Tips

What is a chemical peel?

This is a surgical procedure involving the use of different chemicals such as aquaglycolic acid or trichloracetic acid. The trichloracetic peel results in a deeper peel than does the aquaglycolic acid. The chemical peel can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Sometimes, it is helpful in reducing excessive pigmentation.  The peel can often create a more youthful appearance.

How is it performed?

After the face has been prepared by cleansing with certain agents, the peeling agent is applied for a specified time.  Depending upon the peel, the chemical may be neutralized and washed off.

Is it painful?

A chemical peel may create a tingling or burning sensation for a short period.

Should I avoid the sun?

The face may be sensitive to the sun for several days to weeks.  With the trichloracetic peel, the sun must be avoided for a minimum of 2 weeks and sunscreen must be worn thereafter.

Are there complications?

With any procedure, there are some risks.  There are fewer risks with the aquaglycolic acid peel because it is a more superficial peel.  The potential side effects for both peels include uneven pigmentation.  Rarely, the trichloracetic acid can cause scar formation and persistent redness.

Is a peel for everyone?

It can improve your looks but it cannot undo every scar or remove all wrinkles.

Additional questions?

Please ask Dr Parish or one of our staff.

Author: Parish Dermatology

Chemical peel New York City is one of the most frequently searched phrases amongst dermatology patients today. Little wonder, as chemical peel treatments are among the oldest and most trusted cosmetic procedures in the world, performed in ancient Egypt and Greece. Today peel treatment in NYC helps people achieve smoother, more beautiful skin. The Glycolic Acid Peel performed in our New York City and Brooklyn Dermatology Offices offers nearly immediate results restoring a more youthful appearance to skin.

Glycolic, Salicylic, and trichloraceitc acids all stimulate the new growth of skin cells and collagen by removing dead and unwanted superficial layers of skin that build-up, creating a dull complexion. Peels induce a temporary and effective inflammatory response that promotes blood flow and signals the body to generate new tissue. A peel in one of our dermatology offices can vary in strength from a mild to strong concentration that will be determined by several factors including age, acne severity, skin sensitivities and desired results.  Used in conjunction with our proprietary New York skin regimen, we’ll watch together as your skin looks more rejuvenated, leaving a healthy, glowing complexion.

NYC Peel

In our NYC and Brooklyn Dermatology Offices we offer Chemical peels to treat early photo-aging changes, fine wrinkles, coarse skin texture, sallow skin tone, age spots and other pigmentary abnormalities. Peels gently rejuvenate skin and stimulate renewal at a cellular level, for long-lasting, more visible results. Peels also help to unclog pores for people that are prone to oily skin and blackheads.

Our Dermatologists recommend Glycolic Peels for the treatment of:

• Lines & wrinkles 
• Pigmentation variance over face
• Unclog pores
• Post-inflammatory effects of hyper pigmentation after acne. 
• Aging due to sun damage.

Some fascinating new data suggests that chemical peels may even prevent skin cancer by delaying and reducing tumor formation after exposure to UV light (J Dermatol Sci 2010 Oct;60:21).

Schedule an appointment at our NYC Dermatology Office or our Brooklyn Dermatology Office by calling 212-385-3700.

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©2012 Bobby Buka, M.D. 220 Front Street | New York, NY 10038. 212-385-3700. 

Chemical Peels are acidic solutions used to rejuvenate the surface of your skin. The solution acts on the outermost skin layers – causing them to disintegrate and be "peeled" away to reveal the underlying, unaffected skin.

OVERVIEW

There are different types of facial peels ranging from mild to deep depending on the severity of the skin conditions to be treated. Mild peels usually consist of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) while deeper peels are made from trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Your Trillium Creek medical professional has the training and experience needed to determine the best solution for you based on your skin type.

• Chemical Peels are effective in treating:
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Sun Damage
• Age Spots
• Freckling
• Acne Scarring
• Uneven Pigmentation

TREATMENT

Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils and the eyes and hair are protected. The solution is then applied to small areas on the skin. Most patients experience a warm sensation that usually lasts up to 10 minutes. Stronger treatments will have a greater skin reaction.
After treatment, your skin will have a healthy, rosy glow. You may experience some shedding of the skin from a light peel. The effect is similar to a sunburn. Medium to deep peels may result in swelling and blisters, followed by a peeling of the skin. This peeling generally lasts up to 1 week.

RESULTS

Your skin will look and feel smoother and tighter. A series of 3 to 5 light peels are usually recommended for longer lasting results. It is essential that you avoid any sun exposure following a peel. Your new skin is sensitive and therefore susceptible to injury. Applying sunblock on a daily basis is highly recommended to maintain results. Your Trillium Creek medical professional will recommend a proper skin care regimen to help you maintain your fresh new skin.

Chemical Peels are cosmetic procedures in which chemical agents are applied to the skin in order to cause exfoliation of the damaged, more superficial skin cell layers. These old skin cell layers are replaced by new, healthier, more youthful looking skin. This will result in firmer appearance to the skin, homogenization of skin tone, and color smoothening of the texture and reduction of fine lines. Chemical peels are administered in a series of increasing concentrations spaced several weeks apart, in order to achieve the desired amount of correction. Chemical peels are the least aggressive skin rejuvenation treatments available and are also the most affordable. They are usually the treatment of choice by younger patients with minimal damage to be corrected.

The following problems can be corrected or improved by chemical peels:

• Fine wrinkles and lines
• Dull, uneven skin tone
• Rough texture of skin
• Dark skin patches and spots
• Active acne
• Very superficial acne scars
• Chronic sun damage
• Enlarged pores

Chemical peels can be classified, according to their depth of exfoliation as superficial, medium or deep peels. Most of the peels offered nowadays in an office setting are superficial to medium depth peels. Examples are alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) peels (Glycolic acid peels), salicylic acid peels and retinoic acid peels. The procedure is done in the office and it takes from 15 to 30 minutes to be completed.

The majority of patients who undergo chemical peels are very pleased with the immediate results. Some patients may require additional treatments to achieve the desired results and some choose to have a monthly chemical peel to ensure maintenance of fresh, healthy looking skin.

Superficial peels result in mild facial redness and occasional swelling which usually resolve within 48 hours. The peeling is similar to a sunburn and most people can continue their normal activities. Make-up can be applied a few hours after the procedure.

Glycolic Acid Peels- The typical alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel involves the use of glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane, at concentrations of 50% or higher.