A survey of American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members found that chemical peels are extremely popular with women, and even some men, specifically those between the ages of 35 and 60. These treatments vary in intensity and are excellent ways to reduce uneven pigmentation, lines and winkles, and even acne scars.
Residents of New York experience many sunny days, but other conditions that affect your skin’s health include the bitter cold winter breezes and dry air experience every winter when furnaces, pellet stoves, and other heaters kick in to help keep homes warm. With the sun leading to age and sun spots and dry air stripping the skin of moisture, sometimes a little help is needed to restore a youthful glow. Chemical peels are popular skin resurfacing procedures for busy New Yorkers.
At the Rejuva Center in New York, Dr. Edwin Williams recommends two specific chemical peels. Learn more about the benefits of each.
TCA Chemical Peel
The trichloracetic acid peel (TCA)are very effective peels that reach the deeper layers of skin to remove fine lines and wrinkles, age and sun spots, and uneven pigmentation. Your recovery depends on the level of peel. Following a 10 percent solution, you need approximately three days to recover, but the 35 percent peel requires a much longer recovery of up to two weeks.For the deeper peels, during the recovery, the skin will appear red after layers of skin peel off. Some mild discomfort is noted by some patients but does not require pain medication. As the skin peels away, the lower layers of skin are revealed. These layers must be protected from sun for a number of months. This means being vigilant about the use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and wearing a hat that shades the face.Sunsceen should not be applied to the skin for the deeper peels for at least 3 weeks. For the lighter peels, it may be applied once the pinkness subsides.
Watch Dr. Williams’ video on TCA peels peels. Not only can you see the peel being applied, but the before and after shots of his patient are proof that these peels work. To schedule a chemical peel consultation with the New York facial plastic surgeon, call his Albany office at (518) 786-7000 or the Manhattan office at (212) 799-2100.