Chemical Peels NYC | NJ Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels in New York City and New Jersey

Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Each year thousands of these treatments are performed in the United States, including New Jersey and New York City. A chemical peel is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkling, and restores a more youthful appearance.

Ranging from mild to strong, there are three types of chemical peels: alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol peels. The strength of each peel is tailored to the patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures, such as Face Lifts, for additional improvement to skin. Chemical peels may be covered by insurance if they are performed for medical rather than cosmetic reasons.

Once you’ve decided to pursue a Chemical Peel with Dr. Mesa in our New Jersey or New York City area practice, you make sure you have found the right surgeon and the right technique to meet your expectations

In most cases, Dr. John Mesa, a Board Certified Cosmetic Latin Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey and New York City uses the TCA Chemical peel (trichloroacetic acid) on his cosmetic patients due to its versatility, efficacy and safety. The procedure is usually performed in the office or in a hospital or outpatient surgical center when combined with surgical procedures. Anesthesia is not required because TCA have anesthetic properties.

How do TCA chemical peels work and what are the different depth peels?

All peels, including the TCA chemical peel work by removing a layer of sun damaged skin. Superficial or “light” peels remove only the top layer, mostly the layer of dead skin called the stratum corneum. Progressing from medium to deep peels, the layer of skin removed is greater with each increase in strength of the peel solution.

TCA chemical peels can be done at different depths from shallow to deep. Lighter TCA chemical peels (low strength) are usually done in a series of 3 to 6 for best results. Medium depth TCA chemical peels are usually done once a year and do require some downtime (usually about a week) when the peeling is obvious. Strong TCA chemical peels are usually reserved for certain skin conditions like acne scarring improvement and/ or tightening the lower lid skin.

What areas can be treated with TCA chemical peel?

The face, neck, chest, back, arms, and legs can be treated with a TCA chemical peel. When compared with other skin resurfacing options, TCA chemical peels may be very cost effective on the body because larger areas can be done at less cost than a laser. When considering peels of non-facial areas, it’s important to realize that these areas do not heal as well as the face, and the desired results are not as predictable.

What are the pros and cons of a TCA chemical peel vs. laser treatments?

TCA chemical peels, when performed by a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Mesa who is trained and experienced in this procedure can achieve excellent results with though having to add the cost of the laser purchase or lease to the procedure fee.

What will I look like right after the treatment with TCA chemical peel? What will the healing time be after a TCA chemical peel?

Immediately after the TCA chemical peel is applied, your treated area will become white (“geisha white face-like look”). Then the treated area will become dark like if you have been tanning extensively in the sun. Then 2 to 3 days after you will start the peeling process (the darkened will spontaneously come off) for a period of 4 to 5 days. . During that time your face may become red or intense pink. This skin color will fade progressively until the 7th day after the procedure. After one week you will be able to see your youthful, tightened, rejuvenated skin.

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What does a TCA chemical peel feel like? Does it hurt?

The TCA chemical peel sensation during the application depends on the strength of the TCA used and the deepness of the peel. Light or superficial TCA chemical peels are associated with some tickling of the areas treated and it is usually minimal. Moderate and deep TCA chemical peels are associated with some mild burning sensation that last just one to few minutes. Once the frosting is achieved, there is no residual discomfort since the TCA chemical peel is associated with anesthetic properties.

What to expect during your TCA chemical peel

After you arrive to, you will be placed comfortable on the chair or examination bed of the consultation room. Your skin will be cleansed several times with alcohol swaps. The face skin is cleaned with alcohol to remove all the oil from the skin so the peel solution will penetrate evenly. Then the TCA chemical peel solution is applied using several passages. Initially, there is some stinging and a sensation of heat while the peel solution is active. A small handheld fan is used for cooling in this stage. Once the desired level of deepness is achieved (frosting), antibiotic ointment is applied to speed the healing.

Why choose Dr. John Mesa, a Board Certified Cosmetic Latin Plastic Surgeon for a TCA chemical peel?

Dr. John Mesa is a Board Certified Cosmetic Latin Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey and New York City that specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, neck breast, and body and cosmetic injections. He offers a premium experience to all of its cosmetic patients. His residency and fellowships training at prestigious institutions like Harvard are strong credentials that give him a unique set of skills to perform cosmetic plastic surgery. Since he was born and raised in Colombia, he brings a Latin flair, making his bedside manners and patient care unique. Dr. John Mesa helps its customers look their best and achieve their personal, social, and professional goals by providing premium natural looking cosmetic plastic surgery

What are the possible side effects and complications of a TCA chemical peel?

Prior the TCA chemical peel, you will be given specific written instructions on pre-treatment and post-treatment care and expectations. These are some possible side effects or issues:

Pain
Redness
Wound Healing
Pigment Changes
Swelling
Scarring
Sun sensitivity
Cold Sores. If you are prone to herpes (cold sores, fever blisters), you will be given a prescription for acyclovir or prior to having medium depth Peel

FAQ

When will I see results from my TCA chemical peel in New Jersey and New York City?

As soon as you finish peeling you will see results (for medium peels, the times is about 7 days). Your skin should continue to improve for 30-60 days as long as you are protected from the sun.

How should I care for my skin after a TCA chemical peel in New Jersey and New York City?

Dr. John Mesa, a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey and New York City will give you specific written instructions about how to take care of your skin after a TCA chemical peel.

Why not go to an Obstetrician, Gynecologists, Primary Care Physician, Internist, Dentists and “cosmetologists” for a TCA Chemical Peel?

Practitioners like Obstetricians or Gynecologist and other doctors who are not formally residency-trained and Board Certified to perform TCA Chemical Peels have been found to suffer a much higher rate of complications, as it’s a side interest to them, and not a treatment they’re certified to do all day long. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, asymmetries, etc.

Only a licensed professional with the knowledge, training and skills required to achieve optimum results should perform TCA Chemical Peels. Look for a plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who has completed his training at some of the top residency and fellowship institutions.