<< Back to FAQs
Chemical peels are techniques that employ chemical treatments to produce an improved appearance
of the face. To achieve this, chemical peels produce a controlled injury to the skin which
promotes the growth of new skin. Many different chemicals are used for chemical peels and
include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, “Jessners” solution, and
phenol all which produce different degrees of injury of the skin. There are two layers of the
skin; the outer layer (the epidermis) and the inner layer (the dermis). Superficial peels (such
as glycolic acid peels)
produce very superficial injury, confined to the epidermis and can help improve conditions such
as acne and discoloration.
Deeper peels (e.g. phenol peels) produce injury within the dermis and can reverse moderate-to-severe
photoaging and wrinkles. In general, the deeper peels offer the most dramatic results but require
longer recovery and carry a higher risk of complications.
Back To Top
Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne,
precancerous lesions, and discoloration (including melasma, freckles, and age spots.
Back To Top
There are many different kinds of peels and each one is performed differently. In general, chemical
peels usually begin with vigorous cleansing of the skin. Very light peels (e.g. low potency glycolic
acid, 10-20% TCA) only penetrate the dead skin cells that sit atop of the epidermis and produce almost
no injury. Sometimes, this level of peel is called “exfoliation.” Light peels
(70% glycolic acid, 25-35% TCA) injure the entire epidermis and stimulate the regeneration of a new
epidermis and may produce a burning sensation during the procedure. Medium depth peels involve injury
to the upper level of the dermis to stimulate the formation of collagen and “plump” up the skin.
35% TCA, in combination with another chemical such as glycolic acid, is used safely with minimal
discomfort. Burning is the most common complaint during the procedure and this is usually well
controlled with cool compresses and topical anesthetic when needed. Deep peels involve injury to
the mid dermis and are usually performed using a phenol solution and anesthesia.
Back To Top
Depending on size of the area being treated, most peels are performed in less than one hour.
Back To Top
The state of your skin after a peel depends on what type of procedure you had. The superficial peels
have limited effects, the medium peels may cause some redness, and the deeper peels may require weeks
to recover.
Back To Top
The superficial peels are usually done several times over the course of several months while the
deeper peels usually only need to be performed once to achieve the desired effect. Regardless of
the technique, you will likely need repeat treatments in the future. You and your physician will
decide what is best for you.
Back To Top
With good sun protection and depending on the depth of the peel, results can last months to several
years. Generally, the deeper peels have a more long lasting effect.
Back To Top
Superficial peels are quite safe although in rare occasions, minor irritation of the skin can occur.
The risks of deeper peels include infection, scarring, redness, and discoloration.
Furthermore, during a deep peel, anesthesia is used and vital signs must be monitored throughout
the procedure.
Back To Top
Superficial peels require no recovery time (hence the name “lunchtime peel”). Recovery from a deep
peel requires occlusive bandages and can take weeks to months under normal circumstances.
Back To Top
The cost is varies depending on the depth of the peel and how many peels are needed. Cost per peel can
range from hundreds to a thousand dollars.
Back To Top
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
