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Laser + Skin Institute • 417 Main Street • Chatham, NJ 07928
phone: 973.635.5050 • fax: 973.635.4567 |
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1) What exactly is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical Peels use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigment.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Chemical Peels may be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic dermatology services.
2) Who typically gets a Chemical Peel?
Chemical Peels are most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Anyone looking to improve the overall appearance of the skin...from the texture to the look, is a typical candidate for a Chemical Peel. Chemical Peels may also soften acne facial scars and even help control acne.
3) What are the expected results of a Chemical Peel?
Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin, and may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your Medical Aesthetician will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
The results of a TCA peel are usually longer-lasting than AHA peels, and your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The results of TCA peels are usually more dramatic than AHA peels.
3.5) How much does a Chemical Peel cost?
Let's come back to this one after we give you a little more valuable information. But don't worry, the answer to this question can be found at the end of this document.
Bonus Information that you should know about Chemical Peels
Peel Formulas at a Glance Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) Uses: * Smooths rough, dry skin Considerations: * A series of peels may be needed Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) Uses: * Smooths out fine surface wrinkles Considerations: * Can be used on neck or other body areas |
4) How should I prepare for a Chemical Peel?
Your Medical Aesthetician at the Laser + Skin Institute may offer you a choice of peel techniques or suggest a combination of peels to obtain the best result for you.
During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with your Medical Aesthetician. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Expect your Medical Aesthetician to explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. If you have a history of cold sores, you should inform them prior to the procedure.
5) Where will your Chemical Peel be performed?
Most chemical peels may be safely performed in a physician's office, or MediSpa.
6) How is a Chemical Peel performed?
AHA peels/treatments: Your Medical Aesthetician will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal. Your Medical Aesthetician may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, your Medical Aesthetician will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.
TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, the Medical Aesthetician will carefully apply the TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass.
A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.
7) What should I see after my treatment?
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.
After a TCA peel, it is essential that you follow your Medical Aesthetician's specific post-operative instructions. A TCA peel may also cause your skin to appear slightly pinkish or red, depending on the strength of the peel used. This will subside rather quickly however.
8) Is there any downtime?
With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask the Medical Aesthetician to recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.
With a TCA peel, in about a few days to a week, your skin should start to slowly shed, and new skin will be apparent. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.
3.5) How much does a Chemical Peel cost?
As with any service that is customized to meet your skins needs, price ranges vary. At the Laser + Skin Institute, our introductory AHA Chemical Peels are the least expensive, starting at $100.
A TCA Chemical Peel is a little more costly, and prices range from $130 up to $200 for advanced treatments. Our Medical Aesthetician will need to see your skin in order to recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your specific needs.
| Now that I know all about Chemical Peels, what do I do now? Now that you have a few answers (if you actually read this whole document), you should schedule an appointment with our Medical Aesthetician today! 973-635-5050 |
Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This
information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure
performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details
regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with Dr. Lisa Breslauer.
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Our staff offers the personal relationship you expect, and provides many ways for you to conveniently schedule an appointment.
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Press Contact
Glenn C. Breslauer
973.635.5050
Lisa Breslauer, M.D.
© Laser + Skin Institute
(source: ASPS)