Chemical peels can improve skin texture, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and other signs of sun damage by removing damaged outer layers of skin. At Funt Aesthetics, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David K. Funt brings decades of experience in cosmetic and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation to treatment planning.
Chemical peels range from mild to deep treatments, including alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol peels. The type and strength of the peel are selected based on the patient’s skin, concerns, and desired level of improvement. Peels may also be combined with procedures such as facelift surgery as part of a broader rejuvenation plan.
What Can Chemical Peels Improve?
Depending on their depth and formulation, chemical peels may help improve:
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Uneven pigmentation
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Sun-damaged skin
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Rough or dull texture
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Superficial blemishes
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Acne-related concerns
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Certain types of superficial scarring
The right peel depends on the condition being treated, skin type, and the amount of recovery time a patient is comfortable with.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels vary in strength and depth. Lighter treatments can provide gradual improvement with less downtime, while deeper peels may be used for more noticeable signs of aging or sun damage.
AHA Peels
AHAs are the gentlest of the three traditional types of chemical peel. They include glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids that can smooth and brighten the skin while treating fine wrinkles, dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne.
AHA treatments are typically brief and may be a good option for patients who want skin rejuvenation without the longer recovery associated with deeper peels. In some cases, AHAs, Retin-A, or hydroquinone may also be used before a TCA peel to prepare the skin.
TCA Peels
TCA is commonly used for medium-depth peeling, although the depth can be adjusted. These peels may improve fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation concerns and can sometimes be combined with AHAs.
TCA may also be used on areas such as the neck when appropriate. Some patients benefit from more than one treatment, and recovery is generally shorter than with a deeper phenol peel.
Phenol Peels
Phenol is the strongest of the traditional chemical peels and may be used for deeper facial wrinkles, significant sun damage, and areas of blotchy or damaged skin.
Because phenol can cause substantial changes in pigmentation, a patient’s natural skin tone is an important consideration. Phenol peels are generally limited to the face and require a longer recovery period than lighter treatments.
Choosing the Right Chemical Peel
A deeper peel is not always the better choice. Treatment should match the concern being addressed as well as the patient’s skin type, goals, and preferred recovery time.
Lighter peels may be useful for gradual improvements in tone and texture, while medium or deeper treatments may be considered for more significant concerns. Chemical peels can also be paired with professional skin care or other aesthetic treatments when appropriate.
What to Expect After a Chemical Peel
Recovery depends on the depth of the peel. Lighter treatments may cause temporary redness, dryness, or flaking, while deeper peels require a longer healing period.
Sun protection and appropriate skin care are especially important after treatment. Patients should follow aftercare instructions carefully and allow peeling skin to shed naturally. Results become more noticeable as the skin heals and renews.
Why Choose Funt Aesthetics for Chemical Peels?
Choosing the right chemical peel requires careful consideration of skin type, pigmentation, treatment depth, and healing. Dr. David K. Funt is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His experience spans surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, skin aging, injectables, and facial anatomy. Dr. Funt has also been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for more than 25 years and has lectured nationally and internationally on cosmetic treatments and facial anatomy.
At Funt Aesthetics, chemical peel recommendations are based on each patient’s skin concerns, goals, and comfort with downtime, helping create a treatment plan that is both practical and appropriate.
Refresh Your Skin in Long Island & Nassau County, NY
Chemical peels can improve uneven tone, rough texture, fine lines, sun damage, and other common skin concerns. Funt Aesthetics offers various peel options tailored to each patient’s skin and treatment goals. To learn which chemical peel may be right for you, call 516-295-0404 to schedule a consultation with Funt Aesthetics in Long Island and Nassau County, NY.
