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?
The skin is the body’s largest organ, made up of three layers: the outer epidermis, the underlying dermis, and a deeper fat layer. Because it's exposed every day to environmental elements like UV rays, wind, pollutants, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, it often shows signs of wear and damage.
Naturally, the skin works to repair itself by shedding old cells and generating new ones. This cycle typically refreshes the outermost layer about once a month.
A chemical peel enhances this renewal process. When a specialized solution is applied to the skin, it causes the top layer to shed more efficiently, allowing healthier, fresher skin to take its place.
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 for a while, and 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, our licensed medical aestheticians perform chemical peels in a clean, controlled setting. The treatment begins with a thorough cleansing to remove surface oils and prepare the skin. Once the skin is prepped, a carefully selected chemical solution is applied using a sponge or applicator and left in place for a set period, depending on the type of peel.
This solution works by loosening the connections between layers of skin, encouraging the damaged outer cells to slough off. Some exfoliation may occur right away, with additional flaking or shedding continuing in the days that follow. Our peels are designed to be gentle, so most patients experience minimal peeling and only a short recovery time.
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 peels gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, clearing away buildup and revealing a more refreshed appearance. These treatments target the outermost layer of the epidermis and are ideal for enhancing skin tone and texture with minimal downtime.
Light peels use naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid from sugar cane and beets, lactic acid from fermented milk, and salicylic acid from plant sources. At American Surgical Arts, glycolic acid is frequently chosen for its effectiveness and versatility.
Following your first few light peels, some mild redness or sensitivity is normal, but these effects tend to lessen with continued treatments. Because these peels are so gentle, they can be scheduled regularly to help maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium peels go deeper than superficial treatments, reaching into the dermis to correct more stubborn skin concerns. These are especially effective for minimizing acne scars, deeper wrinkles, and areas of uneven pigmentation. We use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for our medium-depth treatments.
Recovery from a medium peel is more noticeable than with a light peel. You can expect some stinging, redness, and visible peeling or crusting as the skin heals. Redness may persist for a couple of weeks, depending on your skin’s response. Most patients undergo these peels seasonally—about three to four times per year.
Is There Recovery After a Chemical Peel?
Since chemical peels stimulate skin renewal, some temporary redness and tenderness are expected following treatment. How your skin reacts will depend on the depth of the peel.
After a light peel, you may feel mild dryness or tightness, with minimal flaking in the days afterward. Medium peels typically lead to more visible peeling and may include crusting as the skin goes through a deeper renewal process.
Both types of peels are considered safe and well-tolerated, especially when performed by trained medical aesthetics professionals.
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!