Becker Plastics in the Philadelphia area is dedicated to ensuring that patients are happy and confident in their appearance. Plastic surgeons at Becker Plastics use a range of innovative cosmetic technologies to help patients reach their aesthetic goals. For patients with superficial skin issues, chemical peels are one of the leading skin rejuvenation processes that our experts recommend. Residents of the Voorhees, Yardley, Princeton, and surrounding areas are invited to schedule a consultation to determine if a chemical peel is the best solution for their needs.
- What Is a Chemical Peel?
- Reasons to Get a Chemical Peel
- What Does a Chemical Peel Treat?
- What Chemicals Are Used for Chemical Peels?
- Candidates for a Chemical Peel
- The Chemical Peel Process
- How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel
- Chemical Peel Recovery Time
- How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel
- Aftercare for a Chemical Peel
- Chemical Peel FAQs
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a versatile, safe skin treatment that facilitates skin renewal and rejuvenation. It involves applying a special chemical solution to the skin that targets old, damaged skin cells and causes them to peel off.
The underlying skin is much smoother and tighter than the damaged upper layer. Thus, the patient’s skin appears to be more youthful and vibrant than ever before following a chemical peel treatment. Chemical peels are an excellent way to reduce or eliminate various signs of aging and other skin imperfections that develop over the years.
Reasons to Get a Chemical Peel
Men and women may seek to get a chemical peel for a variety of reasons, but the procedure is designed to reveal healthy, glowing skin and address skin concerns. For example, many people seek peels to resolve issues such as mild wrinkling around the mouth and under-eye areas. Chemical peels can also work well for various other conditions not related to the aging process, however.
What Does a Chemical Peel Treat?
Chemical peels can work wonders for the fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other imperfections that develop as the skin ages. Additionally, these treatments can resolve some of the issues that patients have with:
- Acne
- Freckles
- Dull skin
- Scarring
- Age spots
Philadelphia chemical peels are an affordable option to improve the skin using a minimally invasive process. That’s why they are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures overall.
What Chemicals Are Used for Chemical Peels?
A plastic surgeon or aesthetician can use a variety of chemicals for a peel procedure. Typically, the patient decides whether to receive a light, medium, or deep peel, which determines the chemicals that will be used.
A light peel may involve the use of salicylic acid or glycolic acid. This type of peel causes the least amount of irritation, but the results last for only a few months.
A deeper peel may involve trichloroacetic acid or an alternative. This chemical can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and improve more deeply embedded wrinkles and fine lines. The results from this type of treatment can last up to six months.
Deep treatments use more abrasive chemicals that cause true burns to the skin. They must be administered by an experienced plastic surgeon with the patient under anesthesia. Recovery time is longer for deep peels, but they can create results that last for years.
Patient Reviews
Candidates for a Chemical Peel
A chemical peel at our New Jersey and Philadelphia area offices is generally available to any healthy individual seeking improvement in their skin. It can be a beneficial process for a person of any age. Both men and women visit our Yardley and Princeton area facility for peels.
However, there are some prospective patients who might not be good candidates for a chemical peel. For example, people who have a history of cold sore outbreaks may not be right for the procedure. Additionally, people who have a personal or family history of keloid development may want to look into an alternative treatment method for skin rejuvenation.
The Chemical Peel Process
A chemical peel treatment doesn’t take long. The procedure can last from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on which type of peel you choose at our Voorhees area office.
The first thing the specialist will do is prep your skin for the procedure. They will thoroughly cleanse your skin and cover your eyes and hair to ensure that the chemicals do not cause any damage. Some procedures may require the application of a numbing agent.
After prepping you, the cosmetic surgeon will apply the peel solution to your skin and allow it to sit for a specific amount of time. They will then neutralize and remove the chemicals.
You may receive cold compresses or another soothing treatment to alleviate any discomfort. You’ll begin your aftercare and recovery once you leave our facility.
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel
The best way to prepare for a chemical peel in Voorhees, Yardley, or Princeton is to keep your skin moisturized until the time comes for you to get your peel. The doctor may also prescribe antiviral or antibiotic pills for you to take if you have an underlying condition that may interfere with the chemical peel’s processes.
You may also receive a bleaching agent. Use all prescribed medications and helper prescriptions to ensure that your treatment goes smoothly. Avoid sun exposure in the week or so leading up to your treatment.
Chemical Peel Recovery Time
The length of the recovery process after your chemical peel will depend on which type of treatment you choose.
A superficial treatment or light peel usually heals within one to seven days. A medium peel can take up to 14 days to resolve. A deep peel could take closer to a month.
Ask the cosmetic specialist what to expect from your recovery during your consultation. You might find that you can recover from a chemical peel sooner than you think.
Your skin is likely to be red, swollen, or even bandaged, depending on the abrasiveness of the peel. These are all normal post-procedure effects, and they should resolve themselves within the specified time periods, revealing more youthful skin.
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel
The best way to prepare for a chemical peel in Voorhees, Yardley, or Princeton is to keep your skin moisturized until the time comes for you to get your peel. The doctor may also prescribe antiviral or antibiotic pills for you to take if you have an underlying condition that may interfere with the chemical peel’s processes.
You may also receive a bleaching agent. Use all prescribed medications and helper prescriptions to ensure that your treatment goes smoothly. Avoid sun exposure in the week or so leading up to your treatment.
Aftercare for a Chemical Peel
You’ll need to pay close attention to the amount of sun exposure you allow your skin to get after a chemical peel session. The new skin will be extremely sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, you’ll need to use sunscreen and moisturizers following the treatment. You may need to avoid wearing makeup for up to 14 days, depending on the type of peel you receive.
Chemical Peel FAQs
These are some of the common questions people ask about our chemical peels in Princeton, Yardley, Voorhees, and the surrounding areas:
The level of discomfort that one will feel during a chemical peel depends on that person’s pain threshold. A chemical peel is generally not an excruciating process. However, there may be some discomfort that can be similar to that of a slight sunburn. Our specialists will be delighted to provide you with anything you might need to prevent or alleviate discomfort if it occurs.
As with all procedures, chemical peels carry the risk of certain side effects. Those side effects may include irritation, crusting, skin color changes, burning, and stinging. You can contact your doctor if you experience any side effects that seem to be excessive or unusual.
The amount of time that you’ll enjoy results from your chemical peel depends on the procedure you get in our office. The lightest peel will likely last you no more than two months. A medium peel may last for up to six months.
Results from the deepest and most involved peels can last for many years. However, we must perform these using anesthesia. You can find out more about the long-lasting results of a chemical peel during your consultation.
The skin will need to go through a peeling and healing process before you see the results of the treatment. Therefore, you may see results in as little as one day for a light peel, or you may have to wait several weeks to see the results from a deep peel.
If you live in the states of Pennsylvania or New Jersey, Becker Plastic Surgery offers chemical peels among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
Schedule Your Chemical Peel Consultation Today
Becker Plastics is delighted to offer you the opportunity to safely and effectively rejuvenate your skin. Our specialists are available to assist you with your cosmetic needs right away. You may schedule your chemical peel consultation appointment at our Philadelphia area office by contacting us via telephone or our online form when you’re ready to embark on your journey.
ADDRESS:
256 Bunn Drive, Suite B
Princeton NJ 08540 US
PHONE:
(609) 874-7199
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why choose the Doctors at Becker Plastic Surgery
Kirk Lozada, MD, FACS
- Completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and has trained with the top Facial Plastic Surgeons in Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey.
- Has traveled to Ica, Peru with Healing the Children on multiple occasions performing a high volume of cleft lip and palate surgery.
- Is currently a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and has numerous publications and presentations in the field of facial plastic surgery.
Daniel Becker, MD, FACS
- Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT).
- Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS).
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
- Top-Rated by US News and World Report, Philadelphia Magazine, South Jersey Magazine, Castle-Connelly, and others.
- Read more about rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Becker’s credentials
Nicole Schrader, MD, FACS
- She is a double board certified surgeon in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery.
- Is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Has over 20 years of experience, 15+ years in private practice and has performed hundreds of facelift surgeries.
- Dr. Schrader Recognized as Best Plastic Surgeon by Town Topics Readers’ Choice Awards.