How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?
Skincare has evolved as new technologies and discoveries are made. Treating scarring, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and other skin conditions is more affordable and accessible than in years past through chemical peels at Essential Med Aesthetics.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are an exfoliation facial rejuvenation treatment. When your skin cells reach the surface of your face, they are often already dead, causing a dull complexion and inefficient use of skincare products. Using acids such as glycolic, lactic, or trichloroacetic acid, chemical peels remove the outermost layers of skin to reveal healthier, brighter skin.
Chemical peels have varying intensities depending on the conditions you want to treat. Removing more layers of skin has more dramatic and longer-lasting effects but requires more downtime.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are categorized into three levels, depending on the intensity. During a consultation, your provider will assess your skin condition and decide on the most effective peel for your condition. The chemical peel intensities are:
Light Chemical Peels
Light peels use mild acids such as fruit acids to exfoliate your skin gently. Most light chemical peels have minimal peeling and almost no downtime, treating mild skin conditions and improving your skin overall. You may need multiple appointments to see your ideal results.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium peels use more intense acids to reach the middle layers of skin. They effectively remove damaged skin cells and treat sun damage and other discolorations. You may experience redness, irritation, and peeling for a few days after your treatment.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep peels are the most intense facial treatment, penetrating the medium layers of skin to remove nearly all damaged skin cells. These treatments require more extensive downtime but are one-time treatments.
How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?
In 2020, chemical peels cost an average of $519 per appointment, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, but the cost may vary between $200 and $600. The cost of your peel depends on the type of peel, the experience of your provider, location of practice, consultation fees, and any recovery expenses. The lighter peels cost less than deep chemical peels.
What to Expect From a Chemical Peel Treatment
Chemical peels are similar to facials. You may return home after your appointment and will likely need to tie your hair back. One of our specialists cleanses your face and applies eye protection to ensure no solution falls into your eyes.
A light chemical peel may feel a slight stinging that resolves within a minute or two and is removed during your appointment. Medium chemical peels may feel more intense, and the doctor may apply a cool compress and use a fan for your comfort. Some types of medium peels peel off during recovery.
A deep peel typically requires some form of sedation to ensure your comfort. The peel is applied and removed in 15-minute intervals to slowly peel away the top layers of skin for the most effective treatment.
How Often Should I Get a Chemical Peel?
The number of chemical peels you need depends on the type of peel you receive. Light chemical peels may be repeated every two to five weeks. They typically need 3-5 treatments to achieve your goals. Medium chemical peels usually do not require repeated treatments but may be done in 6 to 12-month intervals. Deep chemical peels are not repeated.
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Chemical Peel Results
Depending on the chemical peel chosen, you may need multiple treatments to see results. Light and medium chemical peels tend to require more than one, depending on the quality of your skin and goals. Deep chemical peels only need one treatment. You may see improvement in:
- Skin quality or dullness
- Lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity
- Acne scarring
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damage or age spots
- Enlarged pores
- Acne breakouts
- Uneven skin texture
Chemical peels typically are not performed on active acne breakouts, but they may be used to rid you of pore-clogged skin and to remove excess oil. Conditions such as hyperpigmentation and poor skin quality respond to lighter peels, while lines and wrinkles require deeper peels for results.
How Long is Recovery from a Chemical Peel?
Recovery from a chemical peel depends on how deep of a peel you do. Lighter peels tend to be easier on your face, while deeper peels may require more extended periods of downtime.
Light chemical peels may require no downtime, but full recovery may take up to 4-7 days. You can expect a sunburn-like reaction after the peel. You may use makeup the following day to cover any redness and apply lotion or creams to manage any symptoms.
Medium chemical peels require 5-7 days of redness, mild swelling, and peeling. The worst happens within 48 hours, and you may need to apply ointments and other skincare products as directed by the doctor. While full recovery takes 5-7 days, you may return to your daily activities whenever you feel comfortable.
Deep chemical peels require two weeks for your new skin to develop, and you may not apply makeup during those weeks. Some redness may persist for several months, and you cannot expose your skin to direct sunlight during this time. It is important to follow all skin care instructions Essential Med Aesthetics provides while you recover.
You can manage most peeling and flaking with an effective moisturizer, but you should avoid direct sun exposure and wear dermatologist-approved sunscreen. Your new skin will not have its usual protection from UV rays.
Good Candidates for a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels work on all skin types and tones, including oily, dry, and acne-prone skin. Nearly anyone is a good candidate for a chemical peel, but the best candidates have good overall skin health.
If you have had an adverse reaction to a chemical peel in the past, you may be eligible for a different type of peel. Please inform our doctors of any adverse reactions you’ve had and what type of peel it was. We will help you choose a chemical peel that will work on your skin.
Take the Next Step
Dr. Freda Cobbinah provides an array of Aesthetics services from Skin Rejuvenation to Laser Vein Removal and Hair Removal. Schedule your complimentary skincare consultation by filling out the form below or calling us at (210) 568-7555. We are proud to serve the San Antonio, Stone Oak area.
