Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture
of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is particularly
helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven
skin pigmentation. Dr. Burt Greenberg generally uses the trichloroacetic
acid (TCA) peel. The precise concentration of the peel is adjusted according
to the patient's needs. A chemical peel may often be performed in conjunction
with face-lift procedures, but it is not a substitute for surgery. With
a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always
and the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA peel patients are
advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to
protect the newly formed layers of skin. The TCA peel is most commonly
performed for cosmetic reasons, to enhance your appearance and your
self-confidence.
Generally, the glyco acid peels (lactic and fruit acid peels) are more
mild peels and are performed by Dr. Burt Greenberg's licensed aesthetician
in his facility. These reduced acid peels can provide smoother, brighter
looking skin for people who cannot spare the time to recover from a
TCA peel.
The alphahydroxy acid or AHA peel may be used to treat fine wrinkling,
areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. Various concentrations
of AHA may be applied weekly to obtain the best result. AHA peels may
cause stinging, redness, irritation, and crusting. However, as the skin
adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.
Planning your procedure
During your initial consultation, it is important that
you discuss your expectations with Dr. Burt Greenberg. A history of
herpes, acne or any other skin conditions, and whether or not you are
taking Accutane are important aspects to discuss in your medical history.
Retin-A is often used to pre-treat the skin, resulting in a thinning
of the skin surface layer and allowing the peel solution to penetrate
more deeply and evenly. Quinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used
in conjunction with the Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if
you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to
spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase, before scheduling
the actual peel.
The procedure
The peel is performed in Dr. Greenberg's facility, The
Great Neck Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Facility, which is accredited
at the highest level ("C" level) by the American Association
of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF).
Dr. Burt Greenberg generally uses oral sedatives or, in rare cases,
intravenous sedation for the TCA peels. If the TCA peel is used, the
skin is first thoroughly cleansed. The TCA solution may cause a stinging
sensation, but this will quickly pass. A full face, TCA peel takes no
more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain
the desired result.
After your procedure
After a TCA peel, there may be moderate discomfort and
swelling depending upon the strength of the peel used and they will
subside within the first week. These reactions are somewhat more noticeable
than with an AHA peel where there may be temporary flaking, scaling,
redness, and drying of the skin. With both peels, these conditions disappear
as the skin adjusts to the treatment.
Your new skin will be apparent in about one week to ten days, at which
time you should be able to return to your normal activities. It is best
to avoid sun exposure, unless you are adequately protected.
