Many skin conditions can be effectively treated with a chemical peel. This procedure is most beneficial for people dealing with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.
At American Surgical Arts, chemical peels are performed by our experienced medical aesthetics team under the leadership of board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay S. Gundlapalli. Our Med Spa services in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, combine advanced techniques and personalized care to give you more radiant skin.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Our skin is the largest organ of the human body, consisting of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the fat layer. Unlike most of our other organs, our skin is constantly exposed to the environment, damaged by New Jersey’s sun, wind, pollution, and personal choices, such as smoking.
To overcome the damage, our skin is constantly shedding cells, with our entire epidermis replacing itself about once every month.
Chemical peels simply give this exfoliation a little help to accelerate the process. By applying a chemical to the face that makes the outer layers peel, younger, healthier skin cells replace the older, damaged skin.
What Skin Issues Can Be Improved With a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels vary by the peeling agent. At American Surgical Arts, we offer light and medium peels. These are skin conditions we address:
- Sun damage
- Skin texture problems
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Freckles
- Scaly patches
- Uneven pigmentation
- Age spots
Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels have been around forever, so they have a long history of happy peel recipients. Cleopatra was one of the early proponents. The Egyptian pharaoh bathed in sour milk to rejuvenate her skin — the lactic acid in the sour milk was the active ingredient and is still used in peels today.
Anyone could benefit from the forced exfoliation delivered by a chemical peel. This is especially true when you consider the different peel types and strengths we offer at American Surgical Arts.
The only person who would not be a good candidate for a chemical peel with us would be someone with an active skin condition, such as dermatitis or a flare-up of eczema. But when the flare-up or reaction calms down, you could get a peel.
How Are Chemical Peels Done?
At American Surgical Arts, one of our medical aestheticians handles our chemical peels. First, she thoroughly cleans your skin. Then she applies the peeling agent to your skin with a sponge, and it will stay on your skin for a predetermined amount of time.
The peeling agent penetrates the skin and breaks the bonds that hold each layer together. Some of the skin is removed immediately; more cells flake and fall off over the next few days. Our peels do not feature aggressive peeling or crusting, so there isn’t too long of a recovery period.
What Are the Types of Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are divided into three categories, based on their depth. There are light/superficial, medium, and deep peels. At American Surgical Arts, we do not perform deep peels.
Light Chemical Peels
Light chemical peels are excellent for exfoliating the outermost layer of the epidermis, removing dead and damaged skin cells, and returning a glow to the skin.
For these chemical peels, the peeling agents are natural in origin. These acids are in the alpha-hydroxy family: glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. They come from sources such as sugar cane, citrus, grapes, or sugar beets for glycolic acid; sour milk for lactic acid; or other plants for salicylic acid. At American Surgical Arts, we generally prefer to use glycolic acid as the peeling agent.
After your first few light peels, your skin may have some redness and irritation, but as your skin becomes more exfoliated, this will pass, and your skin will simply glow after your peel. Because light peels are superficial in their penetration, they can be done on a regular basis to keep your skin looking its best; there is no limit to how many light peels you can have.
Medium Chemical Peels
We also offer more aggressive peels that require some recovery. Medium-depth peels penetrate more deeply, into the dermis layer. We use them to treat acne scars, deeper wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. The peeling agent for our medium peels is trichloroacetic acid.
Unlike superficial peels, which really don’t require any recovery, there will be some recovery with a medium peel. They leave the skin red and stinging, and there will be some crusting. Facial redness can linger for up to a few weeks. You can have three or four medium peels in a year — basically one per season.
Is There Recovery After a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels force exfoliation. Because of that, your skin will have some redness and be somewhat tender after your peel. The degree depends on how aggressive the peel was.
With a light peel, your face will feel a little dry, as if you have a light sunburn. With a medium peel, it will feel more like a medium sunburn. You will only have light flaking in the days following a glycolic peel. With a medium peel, you will have flaking and some crusting as the skin recovers.
There aren’t any side effects with either peel; both are considered very safe.
Can I Combine a Chemical Peel With Other Treatments?
We can combine a chemical peel with another treatment to maximize your appointment at our offices on Mullica Hill Road. You wouldn’t want to have another procedure, such as microdermabrasion, that targets the same areas you are having your peel done. But otherwise, they make a great complement to many treatments.
You could combine your peel with a CoolSculpting session to remove some stubborn pockets of fat. You could have a chemical peel on your face, and then we could use lasers to remove spider veins on your calves. You could also combine a peel with dermal filler or Botox injections.
If you’re interested in combining a few treatments, we’re happy to talk about what combinations would make sense.
Why Choose American Surgical Arts
American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, is led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay S. Gundlapalli, both recognized for their surgical skill and dedication to patient safety. Their South Jersey practice provides treatments supported by the highest standards of medical research and FDA-approved therapies. With double board certification and decades of combined experience, Dr. Bidic and Dr. Gundlapalli ensure that every patient benefits from advanced techniques.
Our medical aesthetics team brings that same level of professionalism to every nonsurgical treatment. Certified medical aestheticians and medical assistants with backgrounds in dermatology, skin health, and cosmetic procedures perform chemical peels and other Med Spa services. Their training includes advanced certifications in microneedling, CoolSculpting, and clinical skin care. Under the direction of Dr. Bidic and Dr. Gundlapalli, patients can feel confident knowing they are receiving medically supervised aesthetic care designed to renew healthy skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Avoid Before and After a Chemical Peel?
Before your peel, avoid exfoliating products, retinol, and strong acne medications for at least a few days. You should also stay out of the sun to reduce irritation and sensitivity. After your treatment, protect your skin with sunscreen, avoid direct sun exposure, and skip harsh products or scrubs until your skin has fully healed. Keeping your skin moisturized will also support recovery.
How Soon Will I See Results After a Chemical Peel?
You may notice smoother, brighter skin within a few days after a light peel, while medium peels typically take one to two weeks for results to appear as the skin renews itself. Your final outcome depends on the depth of the peel, but most patients notice clearer tone and texture once any redness or flaking resolves.
Can I Wear Makeup After a Chemical Peel?
It’s best to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours after a light peel and several days after a medium peel. Applying cosmetics too soon can irritate newly exposed skin and slow the healing process. Once the skin has calmed and flaking has subsided, you can safely resume wearing makeup.
How Do I Know Which Type of Chemical Peel Is Right for My Skin?
The right chemical peel depends on your skin type, concerns, and desired results. During your consultation at American Surgical Arts, our medical aesthetics team will assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate peel strength and formula. Light peels are ideal for routine exfoliation and brightening, while medium peels address deeper texture issues, discoloration, and fine lines.
Contact Us Today!
To learn more about our chemical peels, book a personalized consult at American Surgical Arts today by calling (856) 362-8898. We look forward to serving you in Mullica Hill!