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What Is A Chemical Peel

The skin is made up of many layers. The deepest layers are where skin cells originate, and as they travel toward the outer layer they become less vital, ending up as the epidermis where they lose their softness and pliability and become cornified. The deeper the peel, the more long-lasting the results, but the more involved the process.

Skin peels come in various depths. The most superficial peels, such as alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy peels (i.e., glycolic, lactic, salicylic, maleic, etc.), which take off the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis), are performed in the treatment room without pain and without down time, leaving the patient exfoliated and with a teenage rosy glow. Mild peels such as these can be repeated weekly for up to six weeks.

Moderate-depth peels involving the epidermis and the dermis, such as varying percentages of TCA (trichloroacetic acid), can treat superficial crepey wrinkles, acne scars, divots, and corrugations, and can improve skin texture, equalize skin color, shrink pores, and add to the general glow of the skin. You can repeat them every six to twelve months. TCA peels are stroke-related and are often applied with a series of fine brushes. This is why it is imperative that you undergo this procedure with a doctor with skill and experience. Higher-percentage TCA peels, left on for a longer period of time, produce deeper peeling which may require anesthesia. TCA peels are all neutralized with water to control their depth.

Phenol peels produce a consistent, measured depth that erases harsh furrows and lipstick lines, among other issues. Results can last up to ten years. Recently, however, phenol peels have been replaced with varying-depth lasers since the desired depth of exfoliation can be more precisely programmed.

Benefits Of A Chemical Peel

The goal of a Chemical Peel is to remove the tired and dead surface of the epidermis and sometimes dermis to reveal the glowing skin below. Your face will be smoother, firmer, more even in pigment, and without the fine crepey wrinkles that show themselves in unflattering light.* Ideally, your face should be dewy and revitalized, and should look clear and smooth. And since there is less to camouflage, you won’t need to wear as much makeup. Imagine waking up and being beautiful from the moment you open your eyes!

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How A Chemical Peel Is Performed

Our expert will review your medical history, discuss your skin concerns, and outline the treatment’s benefits, as well as your personal skin goals. To track your progress, we’ll take a private photo of your skin. Based on your desired outcomes, different depths will be targeted during the procedure. Just like lasers, deeper chemical peels can deliver more dramatic and lasting results but may require a more involved process.

  • Superficial Peels: The solution is gently brushed onto your skin and left for about 10 minutes. You might experience a mild tingling sensation. Afterward, the solution is neutralized and washed off. With minimal to no downtime, you can return to your daily activities immediately.
  • Medium Peels: This treatment targets deeper layers of the skin. Depending on the desired results and the extent of your skin concerns, the procedure may take place in a treatment room with numbing cream, nerve block, or light sedation.
  • Heavier Peels: For more intensive treatments, heavier peels may be performed in an operating room. Local anesthesia and sedation might be used to ensure comfort. These are ideal for addressing significant skin concerns and achieving transformative results.

After your chemical peel, we will apply a customized medical-grade serum tailored to your skin’s needs and sunscreen to protect your newly treated skin. You may notice temporary redness resembling a sunburn, which typically subsides within 24 to 72 hours.

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click To Call Us (212) 737-7500

Real Clients, Real Testimonials

Stars Image

After losing weight and developing some loose skin on my neck, I decided to go to their office for a neck lift as their team was praised by 2 of my friends who did lifts with him earlier. OMG, I felt in love with their approach – staff was very kind in reassuring me through the process, and the results ARE incredible. My neckline is smooth and young again, and I can finally wear clothes that I had been avoiding. Doc’s skill and attention to detail cannot be bettered

Alexis S.

I couldn’t be happier with my neck lift with Dr. Barry Weintraub and I recommend him to EVERYONE! The results are subtle, I look refreshed and more youthful without being “overdone”, he did everything like I wanted. Dr. Weintraub possesses an extraordinary skill and professionalism and I def think he is the best. The recovery was faster than he anticipated, and it wasn’t a trouble at all. I’m me-just better

Eleanor B.

It was quite easy and effortless to get the neck lift here right from the very start of the treatment to the end . I never had 2nd thoughts about how professional he is and never doubted I will get ideal result . The surgeon is truly an experienced doctor and made sure at every stage that I was at ease and felt comfortable . I can also say that the results are subtle yet striking , and I can truly attest that I feel far more confident than before . His staff were supportive throughout my recovery , calling me almost daily . I am so glad I did this !

Natalie N.

I had an incredible facelift by Dr. Barry Weintraub, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the results. He made the whole process stress-free, explained every step clearly with lot’s of care and was beyond patient. The result is natural, I feel more confident than ever too. His attention to detail is unmatched, and his staff was so kind and professional throughout. I’ll be grateful forever

Sara C.

I am confident that Dr. Weintraub is one of the best doctors in the state when it comes to facelift! My confidence boosted incredibly!! Dr. Barry has such a great eye for detail, and I really appreciate how natural everything looks and that he listened to what I wanted. It’s like a fresh start-I feel younger and more confident, and it’s all because of him!

Christal Haynes

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

I am a good candidate for Chemical Peel?

The best candidates are well balanced, in good general health, and possess realistic expectations. You are an excellent candidate if you’ve done your homework, and have had your consultation.

How do I know which Chemical Peel is right for me?

The best way to determine which Chemical Peel is right for you is by scheduling a consultation. During the consultation, our expert will review your medical history, discuss your skin concerns, explain the treatment options available, and highlight their benefits. They’ll work with you to understand your personal skin goals and create a plan tailored specifically to you. While you’ve likely spent time in front of the mirror noticing things you’d like to improve, a consultation offers a deeper understanding of your skin’s unique needs and helps clarify the steps to achieve the results you’re seeking.

How old do I have to be to receive a Chemical Peel?

There is no specific chronological age that determines when you should have a rejuvenating procedure; the best way to know when it’s right to call for a consultation is when you look in the mirror and see something that truly bothers you. Whether it be because you wish to get rid of wrinkles, pigment unevenness, or acne breakouts, Chemical Peels can absolutely help.

We offer treatments to anyone aged 13 years and up. For minors, we require that a parent or legal guardian book on their behalf. Valid photo ID is required for both parent/legal guardian and minor. Student ID + birth certificate or any government issued ID are valid proof of ID for minors.

How much does a Chemical Peel cost?

Our goal is to deliver the highest level of care and results. Each patient is individual in his/her own makeup and anatomical configuration. Therefore, in order to give an accurate quote, it is best to schedule a consultation that will allow Dr. Weintraub to appropriately judge what is involved. For those patients who live overseas or outside the New York metropolitan area, photographs can be emailed or sent to the office, and a phone consultation can then take place.

How do I prepare for a Chemical Peel?

Depending on the depth of the peel, the preparation could be minimal or more involved. For shallower peels, no preparation is required. With more potent peels, you will need to provide medical clearance from your family physician. You will also be asked to apply a solution of Retin A and hydroquinone for the weeks prior to your peel, to be ended two weeks before your procedure date. You will be given instructions as to how to prepare for the specific procedure you have chosen, and might be given prescriptions to be filled in advance.

For those patients who live beyond a 50-mile radius of New York City and wish to have deeper peels, Dr. Weintraub sometimes advises a two-night post-operative stay at The Mark or The Carlyle Hotel, where his patients are given a special reduced rate, and where he will visit you after your procedure. A private nurse can also be provided.

Where the Chemical Peel is performed?

Chemical Peels are typically performed in comfortable treatment rooms. However, some must be performed in the operating room to be effective. This is because patients either prefer to be in a comfortable sleep for the procedure, or because the depth and strength of the chemical peel would be uncomfortable were the patient awake. Dr. Weintraub’s fully licensed, inspected surgical facility provides the opportunity for deep and effective chemical peel treatment. Though once limited to a hospital setting, the more modern approach to cosmetic plastic surgery is to perform such procedures in a safe, secure and completely private operating room.

Although Dr. Weintraub has privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, and The Center for Specialty Care (outpatient limb of Weill-Cornell Hospital), he prefers the privacy of his hospital-grade, state-of-the-art surgical center attached to his office at 800A Fifth Avenue. This facility is attended by Dr. Weintraub’s team of board-certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating-room staff. With its private entrance, its standards are of the highest quality, and offer Dr. Weintraub’s patients the utmost in medical and plastic-surgical care.

What should I do after a Chemical Peel?

Again, depending on the depth of the peel you have chosen, the results will vary. There will sometimes be a short period of swelling. You must carefully follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub in order to achieve the best results possible. For involved peels, mild pain medication, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and medication to reduce swelling are all begun immediately following surgery. Dr. Weintraub will advise you as to when you can return to your normal lifestyle and exercise routine.

These are some extra aftercare intsructions:

  • Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week post-treatment. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours.
  • Cleansing: Gently cleanse your skin twice a day with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, sweat, makeup, and bacteria without blocking your newly laundered pores. Avoid cleansing for the first 24 hours.
  • Exfoliation: Refrain from physical exfoliation or using active ingredients such as Vitamin C, AHA, Glycolic Acid, or retinoids for one week to protect the treated area.
  • Hydration: Apply a medical-grade Hyaluronic Acid serum every hour for six hours following your treatment to boost hydration and results. After six hours, use a soothing ointment like Aquaphor to alleviate sensitivity or dryness.
  • Makeup and Heat Exposure: Avoid makeup, sunscreen application, hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or exercise for 72 hours post-treatment to minimize irritation.
  • Flaking and Peeling: Some dark spots may rise to the surface within 1-2 days and flake off naturally over the next 1-2 weeks. Do not pick or scrub to prevent hyperpigmentation.
  • Moisturization: Expect some redness, flaking, or peeling as part of the healing process. Keep your skin hydrated with gentle products to maintain a healthy barrier.
  • Daily Routine: For the next 72 hours, continue with a gentle skincare regimen, including a hydrating facial sheet mask and a mild cleanser free of active ingredients.

By following these steps, you’ll maximize your treatment benefits and enjoy smoother, healthier, and rejuvenated skin!

How often should I do Chemical Peel?

Our specialists will design a personalized treatment plan and recommend the ideal frequency of visits to help you achieve your unique skin goals. To maintain vibrant, healthy skin, we encourage establishing a routine tailored to address your specific concerns. Depending on your goals, most clients benefit from a series of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After completing this initial series, we recommend annual treatments for ongoing maintenance and optimal skin health.

What other treatments can I pair with Chemical Peels?

Injectables and RF microneedling are excellent complementary treatments that can be performed before or after Laser Skin Resurfacing to maximize results. Below are treatments that pair well with Laser Skin Resurfacing to enhance both recovery and overall outcomes:

  • Surgery: Combined with facelifts, blepharoplasties, or neck lifts the results are awesome.
  • Hydrafacial: Prepares the skin for laser treatments by deep cleaning and hydrating, ensuring the skin is in its best condition for the procedure.
  • Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP): Helps accelerate recovery and amplifies results by boosting collagen production. This can be done immediately after laser resurfacing.
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Can be used post-laser to soothe the skin and boost hydration, promoting a healthy glow.

What is social downtime?

Social downtime refers to the period of recovery after a procedure where you may not be able to fully engage in social activities, but your regular daily routine is generally unaffected. Depending on the intensity of the laser treatment you’ve chosen, you may experience little to no downtime, or you could need a short break from social interactions due to temporary cosmetic effects like redness, swelling, or slight peeling. While you can continue with most of your activities, you might choose to avoid social settings to feel more comfortable. It’s recommended to schedule your treatment well in advance of any major events.

Can I receive a Chemical Peel while pregnant or nursing?

No, they should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing due to several reasons:

  • Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and nursing lead to significant hormonal fluctuations, which can make the skin more sensitive. This can increase the risk of side effects from treatments like skin resurfacing, which might cause irritation, pigmentation changes, or even more severe reactions such as hyperpigmentation, especially in areas of the face where pigmentation changes are common during pregnancy.
  • Lack of Research on Safety: There is limited clinical research on the safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a precaution, many healthcare providers advise against these procedures until after pregnancy and nursing, simply because there isn’t enough data to confirm that chemical peels are safe for both the mother and the developing child.
  • Increased Skin Sensitivity: Pregnancy and nursing can lead to heightened skin sensitivity, and chemical peels can sometimes trigger adverse effects like redness, swelling, or scarring. It’s generally safer to postpone treatments until hormone levels stabilize after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For these reasons, it’s always best to consult with your obstetrician before undergoing any cosmetic treatments while pregnant or nursing.

Why choose a plastic surgeon for a Chemical Peel?

Choosing a plastic surgeonoffers several key advantages:

  • Expertise in Skin and Facial Anatomy.
  • Comprehensive Care.
  • Advanced Techniques and Equipment.
  • Customized Treatment Plans.
  • Safe and Controlled Environment.

By choosing a plastic surgeon, you are investing in professional care, advanced skills, and a commitment to achieving natural, beautiful results.

When looking for a plastic surgeon, you should:

  • Check for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (there are many other boards, some legitimate, some not, but there is only one American Board of Plastic Surgery, established in 1931)
  • Ensure that the physician attends a major hospital in your community, and is in good standing with that hospital
  • Confirm that he or she has a fine reputation amongst other medical professionals in your community
  • Speak to the surgeon’s patients who have undergone similar procedures

Remember, this is your treatment, and you are interviewing the doctor as much as he’s interviewing you. Do not hesitate to bring a list of questions with you on your consultation. And remember: a good surgeon is someone who not only has the skill to perform the treatment, but is someone who understands what your specific needs and desires are. A good surgeon should listen, listen, and listen!

Have no fear during your consultation. This is a time to speak, to be heard, and to develop a trusting relationship. Questions can be answered, and fears allayed. And while Dr. Weintraub is at the forefront of his field in terms of his techniques and medical developments, you will find his office environment to be warm, personable, and inviting. He and his staff truly care about each and every patient, and take great pride in making themselves available to help with every step of the process.

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click To Call Us (212) 737-7500

What sets Dr Weintraub apart?

Dr. Weintraub has always been blessed with a strong aesthetic sense. He possesses a unique blend of medical science and artwork, as it truly is artwork that he performs on the human form. His attention to detail ensures that he gets the best results possible, and he is meticulous about everything he does, from pre-op to post-op care and beyond.

He studied medicine at Cornell during a time when core values were emphasized, and it is on these values that he bases his practice. He believes that physicians should be humble and respectful, and should never lose sight that the person they are operating on is exactly that: a person possessing real-life issues and concerns. The chairmen of the department of general surgery at Cornell at the time, Dr. Tom Shires, along with another luminary, Dr. Leon Morgenstern of Cedars-Sinai, taught Dr. Weintraub that “The operating room is a sacred place. It’s a very serious place.Never be cavalier about surgery.”

During his surgical residency training, Dr. Weintraub regularly visited Mexico to donate his time operating on deformed children and adults who couldn’t afford proper healthcare. In less-than-optimal conditions, he learned how to perform surgery with the basics, and received great satisfaction in making profound differences in people’s lives by restoring their faces and bodies. Similarly, when he was Chief Resident at the New York Hospital – Cornell Medical Center, and later when he was Chief Resident at the Reconstructive Unit at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, he found that his compassion for patients, along with his skill and precision as a surgeon, could change lives and bring people joy they never thought possible.

Dr. Weintraub believes that surgery is never a race. The patient is always number one. He keeps in his wallet a piece of paper that is his motto in the operating room: “Always demand what is right, and never accept second best.” He likes to consider himself a “thinking surgeon,” and does not enter the operating room with a mechanical series of steps to execute robotically, but likes to remain alert and ready for whatever intraoperative challenges might spontaneously arise. Although many notable surgeons openly listen to music while performing surgery, Dr. Weintraub does not, preferring the mood of the operating room to remain serious and focused.

Over 60% of Dr. Weintraub’s practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices. Such procedures always involve difficult issues, since there exist not only the limitations of a patient’s own anatomy, but also the limitations of another surgeon’s aesthetic, and the scar tissue that has developed as a result. Patients seek Dr. Weintraub from all over the world to correct their aesthetic problems. He takes great pride in getting the best results, and always enjoys the challenges of such procedures.

Last, Dr. Weintraub will not hesitate to turn patients away if he feels they are not good candidates for surgery. If a surgery is not in someone’s best interest, he will be the first to say so. However, when a patient is a good candidate, the results produced by Dr. Weintraub can be magical, and he feels that it is an honor to give patients a gift they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

How to get started?

Dr. Weintraub and his staff will be happy to discuss your desired goals with you. Please call our office for a private consultation. We hope you look forward to our warm welcome and the opportunity for us to help you make an educated and confident decision.

Contact our office today and set up your consultation.

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click To Call Us (212) 737-7500