Chemical Peels
Mokhtar Asaadi MD, FACS
Facial Peels
Plastic Surgery New Jersey Office:
101 OLD SHORT HILLS RD, WEST ORANGE, NJ 07052
973.731.7000
Plastic Surgery New York Office:
620 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10065
212.938.0158

Chemical Peel NJ

Facial Peels

Chemical peels are facial treatments that can help restore your complexion by treating an imperfection, discoloration, or blemish. An uneven complexion can be the result of aging, genetics, or excessive sun exposure. By restoring healthy skin and removing damaged tissues and cells, chemical peels can create a clear complexion and even skin tone. Dr. Asaadi can help you decide which type of chemical peel is best to treat your particular skin blemish or irregularity.

What Are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a chemical solution that can be applied to your face, neck, or body to rejuvenate the skin through exfoliation. Different chemical solutions work at different depths to correct various types of cosmetic irregularities. There are 3 types of chemical peels, which vary in depth of treatment and chemical composition. The 3 types of chemical peels include light chemical peels, medium chemical peels, and deep chemical peels.

Light Chemical Peel

Light chemical peels, also known as alpha hydroxy acid chemical peels or glycolic acid peels, are the least invasive chemical peels that are used to treat fine lines, acne, and discoloration by gently removing dead or damaged layers of skin. Light chemical peels exfoliate the skin and promote proper skin cell regeneration, which encourages new skin to grow and replace damaged cells that are stripped away during your chemical peel treatment. The exact chemical formula for glycolic acid peels can vary depending on what you wish to target and treat with a light chemical peel. Stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, light chemical peels rejuvenate your face by promoting your body’s natural production of healthy skin.

Your face will be gently cleansed prior to your light chemical peel treatment, and the chemical peel will then be applied. Light chemical peels can be applied to certain facial areas or over the entire face for complete facial rejuvenation. A slight tingling sensation is normal to feel during your light chemical peel treatment. This sensation is the chemical solution actively removing unhealthy skin cells while promoting the production of collagen and elastin. After your light chemical peel, an unscented lotion may be applied to soothe your skin. While the length of your chemical peel treatment will vary depending on the size of the treatment area, the majority of light chemical peel treatments can be completed in 40-60 minutes.

Medium Chemical Peel

Medium chemical peels are also known as trichloroacetic (TCA) chemical peels and are often used for patients who are looking to improve discoloration and facial lines. Medium chemical peels provide deeper facial rejuvenation than light chemical peels but do not have the downtime associated with deep chemical peels. The formula for medium chemical peels will be customized to best meet your individual needs and goals.

At the beginning of your medium chemical peel treatment, your face will be gently washed. The medium chemical peel can be applied to treat certain areas, or you may choose for a full-face chemical peel for the most noticeable results. Medium chemical peels are often used to treat small areas, so the length of your medium chemical peel treatment may last from 15-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Deep Chemical Peel

Deep chemical peels, commonly referred to as phenol peels, deliver the most noticeable results because they provide facial rejuvenation at the deepest layers that cause blemishes and cosmetic irregularities. Patients often opt for phenol peels when they wish to treat deep wrinkles, facial lines, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation. Phenol peels can also help remove pre-cancerous growths in some patients. Because phenol peels use carbolic acid, they are not suitable for treating certain areas of the face; patients must undergo a full-face chemical peel when choosing phenol peels. Working deeply to restore a beautiful complexion, phenol peels require only 1 treatment to provide noticeably smoother skin.

In most cases, phenol peels are performed under sedation with a local anesthetic for comfort. To start your deep chemical peel treatment, your face will be gently washed. The phenol peel will then be evenly applied over your skin. At the end of your deep chemical peel treatment, the chemical solution will be gently washed away. A phenol peel treatment usually lasts between 1-2 hours.

Light Chemical Peel Medium Chemical Peel Deep Chemical Peel
Also called alpha hydroxy acid chemical peels or glycolic acid peels Commonly named trichloroacetic (TCA) chemical peels Uses carbolic acid and also referred to as a phenol peel
Treats dry, sun-damaged skin and acne Treats wrinkles, blemishes, and uneven pigmentation Can treat deep wrinkles, remove pre-cancerous growths, and correct discoloration
Light scabbing or flaking may occur (falls off naturally) A productive scab may form (falls off naturally) A productive crust will form (falls off naturally)
Patients can return to work almost immediately 2 week recovery period 2-3 month recovery period

What Can I Expect Before My Chemical Peel?

For light chemical peels and medium chemical peels, multiple chemical peel sessions may be needed for the best results. Some medium or deep chemical peels require pre-treatments before application. In the case of medium chemical peels, Dr. Asaadi may prescribe Retin-A or alpha hydroxy acid creams. Medium chemical peels may be applied on the face, neck, and other areas of the body. On the other hand, if you are receiving a phenol peel, you must bring a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure. Ideal candidates for chemical peels are those looking to treat moderate-to-severe blemishes such as age spots, wrinkles, scars, acne, or uneven pigmentation.

What Can I Expect After My Chemical Peel?

With chemical peels, you may experience skin flaking, scabbing, or crusting during your recovery period. Your skin’s reaction depends on what chemical peel you choose. Chemical peels that work at a deeper level produce more crusting than light chemical peels do. It is possible that your skin may be sensitive following your chemical peel treatment and may appear pink or red. Pain medication may be prescribed to reduce any slight discomfort during your recovery. In some cases, bandages or tape may be applied after your chemical peel, which will be removed 2 days after your chemical peel treatment.

The Importance Of Choosing A Highly Experienced Chemical Peel Doctor

It is important that you choose a skilled chemical peel doctor who understands your individual anatomy, as every patient’s facial structure is different. Dr. Asaadi stresses the importance of choosing a qualified, experienced, and board-certified plastic surgeon when considering chemical peels.

How Can I Get Started With Chemical Peels?

Dr. Mokhtar Asaadi and our staff will be happy to discuss chemical peels with you. Please contact our New Jersey office at 973.731.7000 or our New York office at 212.938.0158 to schedule a private consultation. You may also request an appointment online to meet with our chemical peel doctor.

 

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