Several factors can cause the skin to look dull or older than it should, including environmental conditions, stress, and the natural aging process. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of the skin by removing old, dry, or damaged skin layers to expose healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Dr. Nicole Schrader is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New Jersey who has performed hundreds of cosmetic skincare procedures, including countless peels and microdermabrasion treatments. At Becker Plastics, both women and men can benefit from these treatments, which require minimal downtime.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peel treatments involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.
After a peel, the skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so it’s critical to protect it and avoid exposure. Patients sometimes choose to combine a chemical peel with fillers such as Restylane® to maximize their facial rejuvenation results.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck, and/or hands. They can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and genetics
- Improve the appearance of mild scarring
- Treat certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills (melasma)
- Improve the look and feel of skin that is dull in texture and color
Areas of sun damage, which may include pre-cancerous keratoses that appear as scaly spots, may improve after chemical peeling. Following treatment, new pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to appear.
Sagging skin, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a facelift, a brow lift, an eyelid lift, or soft tissue fillers.
Types of Chemical Peels
Exfoliating Peel
Potent antioxidants infused with active ingredients. Customized strengths available.
Pigment Lightening Peel
Concentrated ingredients bleach the skin and help lighten and brighten your complexion.
Acne Control Peel
Salicylic acid actively repairs discoloration and reduces breakouts.
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The Chemical Peel Procedure
Dr. Schrader can perform light and medium chemical peels in her office, or deeper peels in a surgery center as outpatient procedures.
First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils while the eyes and hair are protected. Then, one or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol) are applied to the skin. These applications produce a controlled wound, enabling new skin cells to emerge following the treatment.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Diamond tip microdermabrasion is an effective treatment for removing the uppermost layers of skin. It delivers a smoother, clearer, and more youthful appearance. Microdermabrasion treatments are gentle, precise, and an excellent choice for the lip and eye areas, as well as the chest and hands.
The Microdermabrasion Procedure
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require any anesthesia.
First, the aesthetician will cleanse your face and apply tiny crystals to the skin. Then they will use a small tool with a diamond tip to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin. The tool also has a small vacuum that removes dead skin cells, impurities, and exfoliating crystals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peels & Microdermabrasion
A facial plastic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for you. Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels. People with darker skin types may also see good results, depending on the type of skin problem being treated. However, the risk of developing an uneven skin tone after the procedure is increased.
Microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin tones and most skin types. It gently exfoliates the top layer of skin to brighten skin tone and improve the complexion. However, because it only interacts with the top layer of the skin, it is not effective for deep lines and wrinkles, severe acne, pigmentation, or prominent scars.
On the first day after a chemical peel, your skin may be red and slightly tender. You can apply moisturizer to ease any discomfort.
In the following days, your skin will feel dry and begin to peel. This should only last for three or four days. After about two weeks, your skin should be completely healed.
Microdermabrasion is minimally invasive so there is virtually no recovery period. Your skin may feel red and sensitive immediately after the procedure, but this should go away in a few hours or some cases a few days.
The cost of your treatment will depend on several factors including which treatment you choose, the size of the area you want to treat, and your provider’s fees. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are not typically covered by insurance.
Doing your research is essential before choosing a plastic surgeon. Dr. Schrader:
• Is a double board-certified surgeon in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery.
• 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.
• Was recognized as Best Plastic Surgeon by Town Topics Readers’ Choice Awards.
Learn More About Skincare Treatments in Princeton
If you are interested in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or other skincare solutions at Becker Plastics in New Jersey, please request a consultation, or call our office at 609-798-2154 to schedule an appointment.
ADDRESS:
256 Bunn Drive, Suite B
Princeton NJ 08540 US
PHONE:
609-279-0009
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.