Chemical Peels

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Chemical Peels Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Dr. Paul Phelps

A chemical peel is an acidic solution that is applied to resurface the skin. These solutions are designed to exfoliate the uppermost layers of skin to remove dead skin and enhance cellular turnover. As the damaged layers of skin are naturally cleared away, you will be able to enjoy a refreshed appearance.

The Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery team has helped thousands of patients achieve their aesthetic goals with tailored solutions. Led by a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul Phelps, our team is dedicated to providing safe and effective ways to achieve clear, radiant skin.

To get started, please submit our online contact form or call our office at (312) 888-5754.

About Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can improve the health, texture, and appearance of the skin. Also known as chemical exfoliation, this treatment consists of applying a chemical substance to the skin to cause a controlled chemical reaction. (1) This helps stimulate the body’s natural regenerative properties to produce new collagen and encourage the growth of skin cells while simultaneously removing outer layers of skin to reveal the fresher layers beneath. Chemical peels are offered in varying strengths to address a wide range of different skin concerns, such as acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and more.

Chemical Peel Strengths

Chemical peels are typically divided into three strength layers depending on their depth and skin penetration:

  • Light Peels: Light peels are designed to address minor concerns and mild levels of skin damage. Light peels are especially effective for concerns such as uneven skin texturing, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
  • Medium Peels: Medium peels can reach the inner layers of the skin and can help address more mild to moderate concerns. This strength is ideal when reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and shallow wrinkles.
  • Deep Peels: Deep chemical peels are reserved for more extensive rejuvenation, including treating severe acne scars or deep wrinkles. Deep chemical peels can reach deep within the skin to provide the most transformative effects. (1)

Benefits

Chemical peels offer several advantages for anyone interested in rejuvenating their skin. These treatments are highly customizable, offering benefits such as:

  • Diminished Signs of Aging: A chemical peel can stimulate the production of collagen in the treatment area, which can help soften and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases.
  • Acne Control: Our chemical peels use different combinations of acids to reduce the likelihood of breakouts, clogged pores, or recurrent flare-ups on acne-prone skin.
  • Exfoliation and Renewal: The acids used in a chemical peel can remove damaged and dead skin from the outermost layer of your skin, resulting in a smoother look and feel.
  • Enhanced Clarity: This treatment can address discoloration and pigmentation irregularities caused by age spots, melasma, sun exposure, and acne, resulting in a clearer, more radiant complexion.
  • Diminished Scarring: Chemical peels can diminish the appearance of acne scars by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for maintaining the health, appearance, and elasticity of the skin and its underlying structures.
  • Customizable Treatment: Our chemical peels can be tailored to address your unique skin concerns, ensuring personalized results.

Candidates

Chemical peels are suitable for most patients interested in revitalizing the appearance of their skin. Chemical peels are especially effective when used to address the following concerns:

  • Acne
  • Melasma
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Sun Spots
  • Dark Spots
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Wrinkle
  • Rosacea
  • Rough Skin (1)

Anyone interested in chemical peels should have good general health, without any active infections that may affect their results or ability to recover. Depending on your skin concerns, quality, and sensitivity, you may be eligible for one type of peel but not others. Our specialist will determine each patient’s eligibility during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to achieving a clearer complexion is attending a personal consultation. During this meeting, one of our specialists will meet with you to get to know you more personally through questions regarding your medical history, skin concerns, and treatment goals. They will also evaluate the condition and quality of your skin.

The details shared throughout the consultation will be used to determine the most effective peel for your concerns. You will receive detailed information on what to expect during your treatment, the best way to prepare, and how to care for your skin after your appointment. Throughout the consultation, we will take the time to answer any questions you may have, as we want you to feel confident about your treatment before proceeding.

If you are ready to achieve smooth and radiant skin, please submit our online consultation form. If you have any questions, please call our office directly at (312) 888-5754.

Preparation

Preparation is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results. During your consultation, you will receive a set of personalized instructions you will need to follow to prepare your skin for your appointment. These instructions may vary depending on the strength of the chosen peel.

We generally advise avoiding harsh or acidic skincare products that can affect your skin barrier. These may include peels, exfoliants, retinoids, and retinols. You should wear sun protection whenever possible, but it is advised to avoid sun exposure in general. On the day of your appointment, we ask that you arrive with a clean face free from any makeup products or skincare.

Procedure

Our chemical peels are performed in-office and typically take between 30 and 90 minutes. This treatment does not require the use of any anesthesia, but we can discuss numbing options during your consultation if you are particularly sensitive.

Your specialist will gently cleanse your skin before applying the peel of your choice. You may feel a tingling sensation as it absorbs into the skin. (1) Afterward, your specialist will apply a neutralizing serum to your skin and rinse your face.

Recovery

After your chemical peel, you may experience temporary redness or sensitivity. If you received a medium or deep peel, you may experience skin whitening, also known as frosting. (1) Dead skin tends to flake or peel off, but this is a normal part of the skin’s renewal process. During this time, you should avoid picking, scratching, or peeling at your skin.

Results

Chemical Peels Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Dr. Paul Phelps

As your skin heals, you will be able to see improvements in texture, tone, and clarity. You will be able to enjoy smoother and brighter skin, as well as a more youthful complexion. If you received a medium or deep peel, you may experience additional improvements in the elasticity and tightness of your skin. When paired with the proper skincare regimen, the results of a light chemical peel can last for months, while the results of a deeper peel can last for years. (2)

Cost of Chemical Peels in Chicago

The cost of your chemical peel can vary depending on the area being treated, the number of treatment sessions undergone, and whether or not any additional treatments are performed. If you are interested in enhancing the eyes, our periocular chemical peel starts at $350, while a series of three periocular peels starts at $1,000. For those interested in further rejuvenation, our full-face chemical peel begins at $500, and a series of three is priced at $1,250. During your consultation, a member of our team will provide you with a comprehensive price quote for your specific treatment plan. In the meantime, you are encouraged to explore our general pricing list.

To schedule a consultation and receive the cost of your personalized peel, please submit our online contact form or call our office directly at (312) 888-5754.

FAQ

How long does it take to perform a chemical peel?

The duration of your treatment session will vary depending on the areas being treated, as well as the strength of your peel. Most treatment sessions typically last between 30 and 90 minutes.

Are there any side effects after receiving a chemical peel?

Following your appointment, you may experience sensitivity, redness, scaling, or peeling. To prevent any adverse reactions or effects, you will need to follow each recovery instruction provided by your specialist.

How often can I receive a chemical peel?

The frequency of treatment will depend on the type of peel received. Light peels may be repeated every several weeks, while medium and deep peels may only be recommended every few months to a year.

What skin concerns can a chemical peel treat?

Chemical peels can effectively address fine lines, wrinkles, acne, enlarged pores, sun damage, age spots, pigmentation irregularities, and more.

How long will the results of my chemical peel last?

The results of your procedure will vary depending on the depth of your peel. Light peels may last several months, while medium and deep peels offer longer-lasting results.

Can my chemical peel be combined with another skin treatment for more enhanced results?

Yes, you are more than welcome to combine your treatment with another skin treatment. Depending on the depth of peel received, you may need to wait several weeks before undergoing another treatment.

References

  1. Shireen Samargandy, Raggio BS. Chemical Peels for Skin Resurfacing. Nih.gov. Published October 29, 2023. Accessed August 29, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547752/#article-29107.s4
  2. Truchuelo M, Cerdá P, Fernández LF. Chemical Peeling: A Useful Tool in the Office. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 2017;108(4):315-322. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adengl.2017.03.001