Chemical Peels

Chemical peels using alphahydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas. They can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin and are used to treat fine wrinkles, dryness uneven pigmentation and acne.

Chemical peels are topically applied acids that help "rejuvenate" the skin surface. They create an even and controlled shedding of several layers of skin cells. This allows new layers to be exposed and creates a "fresh" appearance to the skin surface. In addition, new cells and collagen are stimulated, creating a more even tone.

A peeling agent is placed on the skin surface, creating a superficial type wound. The depth of the peel is dependent on the concentration and type of acid, the duration of contact, and a person's skin type and sensitivity. We perform superficial and medium depth peels, extending from the superficial epidermis to the top layer of the dermis (papillary).

Peel Formulas at a Glance

Alphahydroxy Acid Peel (AHA)

• Smooths rough, dry skin
• Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
• Aids in control of acne
• Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
• Can be used as TCA pre-treatment

Trichloroacetic Acid Peel (TCA)

• Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
• Removes superficial blemishes
• Corrects pigment problems

Phenol Peel

• Corrects blotches caused by: sun exposure, birth-control pills, aging
• Smooths out coarse wrinkles
• Removes pre-cancerous growths

The Chemical Peel

AHA peels/treatments: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas Senderoff, MD, FACS, 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 plastic surgeon may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, your doctor will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.

Phenol and TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, then Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas Senderoff, MD, FACS, will carefully apply the phenol or 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.

If phenol solution has been used, the plastic surgeon may coat the treated area with petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape. With lighter peels, no covering is necessary.

A full-face phenol peel generally takes one or two hours to perform, while a phenol peel to a smaller facial region (perhaps the skin above the upper lip) may take only 10 or 15 minutes. A single treatment usually suffices.                                     

If you have any questions about chemical peels, or any other plastic or cosmetic surgery procedures please feel free to contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Douglas Senderoff, MD, FACS,  at his Manhattan, New York or Westchester, New York office.