Chemical Peels

Serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy, New York

At the center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Skin Care located in Albany NY, Dr Falk and his team of skin care professionals provide a full complement of chemical peels. Chemical peels have been around since the time of Cleopatra, and while they may not have all the "pizzazz" of some laser treatments, they can be of great value. Some experts will argue that their results with peels can be just as effective as any laser treatment. Dr. Falk said, "I tend to like peels on patients with sensitive skin or a tendency for hyperpigmentation. Lasers can actually worsen the condition for some, whereas chemical peels can be very beneficial."

What is a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are products that remove the outermost layers of the skin to reveal younger, more vibrant skin by providing improved texture, less wrinkles and sun damage. Chemical peels performed in Dr Falk's office, go a step beyond conventional home exfoliation treatments to achieve controlled wounding to a depth that is suitable for the specific skin conditions. Depending on the formulation, an individual can expect anything from mild redness that disappears in one to two hours to a more prolonged period of recovery with a mask-like effect that goes on to peel in seven to ten days.

Some of the conditions treated by chemical peels include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
• Improve skin texture caused by sun damage
• Remove facial blemishes like brown spots, and melasma
• Treat acne
• Soften scaring

Conditions that do not respond to chemical peels include excessive laxity, bulging or deep scaring. These conditions may be treated with other procedure such as laser resurfacing, liposuction and facial surgery, such as a facelift.

Dr. Falk can help determine which treatment is most appropriate for you.

Types of Chemical Peels

Traditionally, chemical peels are divided into three categories: superficial, medium and deep peels.

Superficial Peels

Superficial Peels (Alphahydroxy Acid and Betahydroxy Acid Peels)
A superficial peel penetrates no deeper than the outermost layers of the epidermis. These are true "lunchtime" peels and include peels such as glycolic, salicylic and lactic acid peels. These peels are for people who do not want a lot of recovery time. There is minimal down time and the limited exfoliation that is created can go unnoticed by all but the most discerning eyes. It is important to consider these peels not in isolation, but rather as part of a series to achieve the maximum benefit. Over time you would appreciate smoother, brighter looking skin.

Each superficial peel has its specific indication. For example, a lactic acid peel is for sensitive skin types and in addition to causing mild exfoliation, it is simultaneously hydrating to the skin. Salicylic acid peels are part of acne treatment regimens because this molecule can help unplug sebaceous glands and also has anti-inflammatory properties. One of my favorite superficial peels is a Jessner’s peel, which is made up of a combination of acids including salicylic and lactic. This peel causes a bit more peeling than the others, but I believe the enhanced results speak for themselves. Alphahydroxy acids are also important ingredients in home skin care products, which are used in conjunction with office based treatments to enhance results.

Medium Depth Peels Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

Medium depth peels are defined as peels that penetrate beyond the superficial layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, into the live tissue of the dermis. These peels are typically based on trichloroacetic acid and cause substantially more peeling. TCA can be used in many concentrations, which influences the level or depth of the peels. This peel targets more intense sun damage including age spots, rough texture and wrinkles. Falling out of favor, are the true deep peels or phenol-based peels. This peel has greater toxicity and down time which we can be avoided now with other combination techniques.

Deep Peels

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical peel solutions and produced a deep peel. It was mainly used to treat coarse facial wrinkles and serious photodamage. We do not perform this peel and we prefer laser treatments which are more precise and accurate at targeting issues.

Treatment

It is important that you find a physician who has adequate training and experience in chemical peels for your skin resurfacing treatment. Dr. Falk, who is a board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, uses a variety of peels to obtain the best results.

All chemical peels are performed in the office either by Dr. Falk or his aesthetician, depending on the level and complexity of the treatment. Generally speaking, anesthetics are not necessary for most people. However, for deeper chemical peels, a mild sedative is used to keep you comfortable.

Alphahydroxy peel procedure involves first washing your face and prepping it with solution. The acid is then applied for a specific number of minutes, and neutralized.

With TCA peels, the skin is thoroughly cleansed, then a surgeon will carefully apply the TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peels applied, but it will disappear quickly. Two or more peels may be necessary for optimal results over several months.

After Care

After an alphahydroxy acid peel, you can expect to experience some mild redness and stinging. Peeling is variable depending on the actual peel. Glycolic acid peels produce very little peeling. Jessner's peels, depending on the number of coats, can produce a fairly significant amount of peeling, but it is of a superficial nature.

After a TCA peel, you will experience some swelling and discomfort, generally relieved with mild analgesics. Depending on the concentration, TCA may cause a mild to moderate degree of crusting which goes on to peel in a number of days. It is important to follow Dr. Falk’s postoperative instructions during the healing phase which involves appropriate cleansing and intensive moisturizing. When the peeling is complete, your new healthier looking skin will be pink and sensitive, so it is more important than ever to use high grade, non-irritating sun screen.

Achieve the following with your new look:

• reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• reduced spots and dark skin patches
• improved texture and quality of your skin

If you would like more information on the benefits of a chemical peel, please do not hesitate to contact us.