As we get older, a number of skin blemishes, wrinkles and other imperfections begin to make an appearance. We lose that youthful glow and our complexion starts to look dull, tired and prematurely aged. This is a common concern for both men and women, but smooth, beautiful skin is just below the surface, waiting to be revealed.

At Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franziska Huettner can gently strip away years of sun damage, acne scars and other flaws with a chemical peel, improving your skin’s tone and texture to rejuvenate your appearance. Dr. Huettner is a highly skilled surgeon that combines an eye for aesthetics with a client-centered approach to enhance the natural beauty of each patient, revealing smoother, brighter skin and a youthful glow with minimal downtime or recovery.

Chemical peels are versatile treatments that can effectively address numerous concerns but may not be appropriate for all patients. You may not be a good candidate for chemical peels if you:

• Have a history of abnormal scarring or keloids
• Have a darker skin tone
• Are taking certain medications such as Accutane
• Are suffering from open cuts, burns or sores

Patients with certain concerns may also not be good candidates. Advanced signs of aging, sagging skin, bulges and other conditions tend to not well respond to chemical peels and may need to be addressed with other treatments such as laser resurfacing, facelifts or dermal fillers.

Dr. Huettner can help determine if chemical peels are right for you by assessing your skin’s condition, identifying your needs and discussing your goals during an in-person consultation. If you have a darker complexion or skin sensitivities, she can develop a highly personalized treatment plan with specific formulations or recommend an appropriate procedure that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Your chemical peel will be performed in-office at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC by double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Huettner and generally takes between 30 and 90 minutes. You will relax comfortably to ensure a smooth application as the peel is evenly applied to your skin, where it will be left on for a certain amount of time to allow the desired effects to occur.

As the solution begins to dry, you may notice a mild tingling or burning sensation, but this varies from patient to patient and Dr. Huettner will keep a close eye on your skin as the peel works to ensure you don’t experience an adverse reaction.

After your treatment, the solution will need to be neutralized and removed. Many light or superficial peels neutralize automatically after a period of time, but medium and deep peels may require a neutralizing agent to stop the effects of the chemicals.

After your treatment, you may experience redness, dryness, and increased sensitivity, but these symptoms are completely normal and will quickly subside. Over the next few days, your skin will begin to flake and peel, although to what extent depends on the strength of the solution used. It will be important to avoid picking at your skin and allow the flakes to slough off naturally to prevent scarring and promote an optimal outcome. Milder chemical peels can take three to five days to reveal the new, healthy skin underneath, while deeper peels may take up to 10 days. You’ll be able to resume all normal activities immediately after your treatment, but during this time, your skin will be more susceptible to sun exposure. It will be essential to apply sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight as your skin heals. Limiting the effects of UV rays will also help preserve your results and prevent new concerns from developing.

Although your skin will still be affected by the aging process and not immune to environmental or lifestyle factors, your chemical peel will reveal brighter, healthier skin and a more youthful complexion. Dr. Huettner at Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and recommend gentle, hydrating products that will soothe your skin as it heals for beautiful and long-lasting results. At Manhattan Plastic Surgery NYC, Dr. Huettner emphasizes client-focused care and open communication to facilitate a positive experience, so you’ll be able to reach her directly if you have any questions or concerns throughout the recovery process.