Skin Rejuvenation Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.

What type of chemical peels can I get?

Chemical peels are a popular treatment for wrinkles, discolored skin, and scars, often used on the face. They can be performed alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures and can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more dramatic results but take longer to recover from. People may seek chemical peels for various reasons, such as treating wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, scars, melanomas, uneven skin tone, or redness. There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep. Superficial peels use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, while medium peels use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layers of the skin. Deep peels, often using phenol or tricholoracetic acid, fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged cells.

Skin Rejuvenation Chemical Peel Cost

Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance rarely covers it. You’ll be paying for the procedure out of pocket. Your initial consultation visit, however, may be covered by insurance.

The cost of the procedure will vary depending on factors like location, expertise of the provider, and what type of peel you want to get. Light peels can cost as low as $150, and deep peels can cost $3,000 or more (specifically if it requires anesthesia, or in-patient stays). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of a chemical peel is $673.

Skin Rejuvenation Chemical Peel Side Effects


Aspect Details
Type of Treatment Chemical peels
Common Side Effects

  • Redness

  • Scabbing

  • Swelling

  • Scarring

  • Changes in skin color

  • Infection

  • Heart, kidney, or liver damage


At-Risk Groups

  • People with darker skin

  • Those with a personal or family history of ridged areas from scar tissue

  • Pregnant women

  • Individuals with frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks


Procedure Location

  • In-office for light and medium peels

  • Outpatient surgical facility for deep peels


Preparation Steps

  • Tie back hair

  • Clean the area

  • Apply eye protection

  • Numb the area with topical or regional anesthetic

  • IV for deep peels; monitor heart rate


Types of Peels

  • Light Peels:

    • Use salicylic acid

    • Skin whitens with slight stinging

    • Remove chemical solution or add neutralizing solution



  • Medium Peels:

    • Use glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid

    • Apply with gauze, sponge, or cotton-tipped applicator

    • Blue peel may be used (blue coloring lasts several days)



  • Deep Peels:

    • Use phenol

    • Skin turns white or gray

    • Procedure in 15-minute portions




Common Recovery Side Effects

  • Redness

  • Dryness

  • Stinging or burning

  • Slight swelling


Serious Risks

  • Permanent loss of ability to tan (deep peels)

  • Darkening or lightening of skin color

  • Scarring

  • Infections

  • Heart, liver, or kidney damage


Recovery Time

  • Light Peels: 4 to 7 days

  • Medium Peels: 5 to 7 days

  • Deep Peels: Severe swelling and redness, 2 weeks for new skin development


Post-Procedure Care

  • Follow doctor’s postop instructions

  • Avoid sun exposure until healed

  • Avoid makeup or cosmetics until cleared by doctor

  • Use ice packs or cool fan for discomfort


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