Chemical Peels NYC

Are you considering a chemical peel in the city of New York?  If so, then we will provide you with information about Dr. Sobel, a leading dermatologic cosmetic surgeon in New York City, as well as information about what you can expect from a chemical peel.

First, it is essential that when you are getting a chemical peel that you choose a person who is a licensed doctor in cosmetic surgery and dermatology.  This is why we are recommending Dr. Howard Sobel of the Skin & Spa Cosmetic Surgery Center of New York City. Dr. Sobel is a leading physician in the city of New York, and has been voted by NY Magazine as one of the best Dermatologic surgeons in manhattan. He has been performing procedures for over 25 years, so you can rest assured that he is well qualified to handle your unique needs.  

The indication for a chemical peel is to improve the smoothness and texture of the skin on your face.  This will essentially remove the outer layers of your skin, allowing fresh and beautiful new skin to shine through. Chemical peels can be very helpful to those who have wrinkles, skin pigmentation that is uneven, and facial blemishes.  There are different types of chemical peels, such as the trichloracetic acid or TCA peel, the Phenol peel, and the alphahydroxy acids (AHA) peel.  Each of these types of peels can be used for a different purpose, and each has a different strength, with the Phenol peel being the strongest, while the AHA peels are the mildest.  

If you interested in obtaining more information regarding facial peels, you should consult a cosmetic surgeon.  While some states will allow people who are not doctors to perform these peels, we highly recommend that you choose a reputable cosmetic surgeon, such as Dr. Sobel in New York City. Once you meet with your plastic surgeon, you will be able to discuss what your expectations are for the chemical peel.  Be sure to ask all questions and discuss any concerns you have, including any risks and side effects you can expect from the procedure.  Your doctor will discuss with you how to prepare for this peel.  In some cases, a prescription medication will be given to you in order to pre-treat your skin before the chemical peel.  This medication will allow your skin to thin out, which will let the TCA solution penetrate further into your skin more evenly and deeply.  It may actually take about a month of pre-treatment prior to having your chemical peel performed.  It is important that you arrange for a person to drive you back home after your peel, and if you are having a phenol or TCA peel, you will need to have some help at home.  

During the procedure, you will not need anesthesia for a TCA peel or a phenol peel because the chemical solution will actually be an anesthetic for you.  Yet sedation may be given to you prior to the procedure and during the procedure so that you will stay relaxed and comfortable.  If you are having an AHA peel, you will not need sedation since there is very little disconfort with this type of peel.  

Usually a peel will not take more than about fifteen minutes.  If you are getting a phenol peel, then the doctor may put petroleum jelly or adhesive tape that is waterproof over your skin.  If you have a lighter peel, then no covering will be needed.  If you are getting a phenol peel over your entire face, then this treatment will take a lot longer, as it usually takes about one or two hours.  

Following your treatment, you can expect to have some flaking or scaling, dryness, and redness to your skin.  Yet this is just temporary and will go away.  Following a TCA or a phenol peel, you may need a mild pain medication in order to control the throbbing and the tingling that you may experience afterwards.  If you have had tape covering your skin, this will be removed after just one or two days.  You will also have a scab or a crust that forms on the area that has been treated.  In order for your face to heal correctly, it is important that you listen to the directions of your doctor and follow them exactly.  If you have chosen to have a phenol peel, then your face may be rather swollen.  In fact, your eyes may even be swollen.  It is important that you have someone who can help take care of you for a couple of days.  

For an AHA peel, the recovery will be rather simple.  The redness, the dryness, and the flaking that you have should not keep you from being able to continue with your regular routine.  If you have a TCA peel, the discomfort and swelling will be mild, but should subside after just a week. In around seven to ten days, your new skin will show up and you will be able to go back to your regular activities.  If you have a phenol peel, the new skin will be forming in around seven to ten days.  While your face will be very red at first, it will then fade to a pink color over the next few weeks and months.  It is very important that with any of these peels that you use sunblock and try to avoid the sun as much as possible.

The improvements from the peels may seem to be subtle initially.  You will notice that your skin looks healthier with a glow to it.  With some peels, you can continue with more chemical peel treatments at specific intervals, but you will need to speak to your physician about this.

If you are interested in a chemical peel, contact Dr. Howard Sobel of the Skin & Spa Cosmetic Surgery Center in New York City.