Why I Recommend a Chemical Peel During Facelift Surgery

A facelift surgery is a powerful procedure to reverse the signs of aging, which can be tailored to fit the unique goals of the patient.  There are a few basic goals of a rhytidectomy (facelift surgery):

1)  Fix a turkey neck (sagging neck skin under the chin)

2)  Improve definition of the jawline

3)  Raise the sagging skin of the face

Many patients believe that a facelift will improve the fine wrinkles on their face, but this is not true.  Unfortunately, a facelift will not improve the quality of the skin and therefore will not improve the fine wrinkles on the face.

What is the role of a medical grade chemical peel during face lift surgery?

A medical grade chemical peel can be performed simultaneously during a facelift to improve the quality of the skin and improve the fine wrinkles on the skin. When done in conjunction with a facelift it is the best way to improve overall facelift results and overall downtime.

What medical grade skin peel does Dr. Kulbersh use?

I prefer a 25% to 35% concentration of TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) peel.

Where are the peels applied?

In my facelift surgery technique, the peel cannot be applied to the entire face.  Applying the TCA peel over the tissues of the facelift can be too strong for the skin and may not be safe.  The common areas to apply the peel during a facelift are around the mouth and eyes.  These areas commonly have abundant fine wrinkles that are concerning to the patient.

Can a TCA peel be applied to the entire face?

I commonly apply the peel to the entire face when the patient is not undergoing a facelift at the same time.  This procedure can easily be done in my office.

Can the peel be applied during a necklift, browlift, or eyelift?

Yes, with a similarly positive effect.

Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, is a cosmetic surgeon in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He practiced and trained in Beverly Hills with the best facelift specialists in the world and now has taken these techniques back to the Carolinas.  He is a board-certified head and neck surgeon and is fellowship trained in facial cosmetic surgery.  He has offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina.