How Do I Know if A Chemical peel in NYC Is Right For Me?

In order to know if a chemical peel is right for you, we recommend you read the following facts to help guide your decision.

What happens during a chemical peel?

Before getting a chemical peel, you may need to follow a pre-peel skin care plan for 2 to 4 weeks. Your dermatologist will help you decide if this is required.

On the day of your appointment in our NYC or Scarsdale offices, you’ll undergo a cleansing of your skin. If you will have a deep peel, you will receive general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep. Note: A deep peel must be performed in a surgical setting.

Once the preparation is complete, your dermatologist will apply the peel quickly and evenly. He or she will watch your skin carefully to remove the peel at just the right time. With a deep peel, the skin is treated one small section at a time. This limits the effects on the heart and lungs.

After the peel comes off, your skin will be treated as needed. Patients who get a medium peel may need cool compresses followed by a lotion or cream to soothe their skin. If you have a deep peel, you will have a wound that requires a surgical dressing.

What to expect after a chemical peel

To help their patients get the best results, dermatologists also share these tips:

• Use the moisturizer as directed to keep your skin moist and supple. If your skin dries and cracks, it can scar.
• If your skin burns, itches, or swells, contact your dermatologist. Rubbing or scratching skin treated with a chemical peel can cause an infection.
• Do not use a tanning bed or other type of indoor tanning. Your skin will not heal properly.
• After your skin heals, apply sunscreen every day. This will help you maintain results.

When will I see the results?

Once your skin heals, you will see the results. Healing time ranges from 1 day for a refreshing or lunchtime peel to 14 days or longer for a deep peel. To get the results you seek from a refreshing peel or lunchtime peel, you may need to have 3 to 5 peels.

How long will the results last?

Most results are not permanent because our skin continues to age. If you have lots of sun-damaged skin or precancerous skin growths, you will probably continue to see new spots and growths on your skin.

What are the possible side effects of this cosmetic procedure?

In the hands of a dermatologist who has experience with chemical peels, side effects tend to be mild, including prolonged redness, darkening, or perhaps scarring.

If serious side effects occur, it is often the failure of the patient to follow the dermatologist’s instructions. You may be exposed to a dangerous infection if you to protect your skin from the sun, scratch the treated skin, apply makeup too soon, or use a tanning bed.

Interested in a Chemical Peel in New York City?

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our NYC or Scarsdale dermatologists to learn more about whether a chemical peel is right for you. Contact us today to learn more.