Is a Chemical Peel Painful?

Patients tolerate chemical peels very well. During treatment, a mild stinging or warming sensation is common, particularly in the first few minutes after application. This sensation typically subsides quickly, and no anesthesia is required for most peels. Post-treatment discomfort is usually minimal and manageable with proper skincare.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of chemical peel sessions depends on the depth of the peel and the patient’s skin goals. Light peels are often performed in a series to achieve cumulative results, while medium-depth peels may deliver significant improvement in a single session. We will recommend an appropriate treatment schedule during your consultation.

How Long Until I See the Results?

Initial improvements in skin tone and texture may be visible within 7 to 10 days as new skin forms. Continued improvements often occur over several weeks as collagen production increases and the skin continues to heal. Results from deeper peels tend to be longer-lasting, particularly when paired with proper skincare and sun protection.

Can I Combine a Chemical Peel with Other Procedures?

Yes, chemical peels can often be combined with other non-surgical treatments, such as injectables ( dermal fillers or wrinkle relaxers ), IV therapy , or medical-grade skincare (such as microneedling ), for enhanced results. Timing and sequencing are important to ensure safety and optimal healing.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Chemical Peel?

Risks of a chemical peel are rare but include infection, scarring, and permanent pigmentary changes.

Chemical Peels

Roslyn Heights, NY

Introduction

Introduction to Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a time-tested, physician-directed skin-resurfacing treatment that improves tone, texture, clarity, and overall skin health. By applying a carefully formulated chemical solution to the skin, damaged outer layers are exfoliated in a controlled manner, stimulating cellular turnover and encouraging the growth of smoother, healthier skin beneath. At Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island (PSAOLI), chemical peels are performed with a medical approach, focused not only on aesthetic improvement, but also on long-term skin integrity and safety.

Our team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island (PSAOLI) proudly serves patients throughout Long Island, including Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Garden City, and Manhasset, NY.

A woman with dark hair pulled back, gently touching her face while looking toward her reflection.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a medical-grade skin resurfacing procedure that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate and remove damaged layers of skin. This controlled exfoliation triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased collagen production, improved cell turnover, and a clearer, more even complexion. Chemical peels vary in strength and depth, allowing treatment to be tailored to specific skin concerns and tolerance levels.

At PSAOLI, one of our most common chemical peels performed is the Trichloroacetic Acid Peel. It’s a medium-depth peel that effectively treats fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigment issues. Typically performed on the face, neck, chest, and hands, a TCA peel can be customized by adjusting the depth as needed for each patient. A TCA peel can be used on any skin type and is considered ideal for those with darker skin. A TCA peel usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes to perform and is considered safe for most people.

Light chemical peels, also known as superficial peels, gently exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. These peels typically use mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or low-strength formulations to refresh the skin with minimal downtime. Light peels are ideal for patients seeking to improve mild discoloration, early fine lines, acne, or dullness with minimal downtime.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Chemical Peel?

Usually, candidates for chemical peels are individuals wanting non-surgical improvement in skin tone, texture, and clarity. Ideal patients in the Long Island area are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are committed to proper skincare and sun protection after treatment. Chemical peels can benefit patients with sun damage, acne, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, or dull skin.

A comprehensive consultation at PSAOLI allows our medical team to evaluate skin type, sensitivity, medical history, and lifestyle factors. This ensures that the chosen peel is both safe and effective, particularly for patients with darker skin tones or a history of pigmentation concerns.

What Are the Benefits of a Chemical Peel?

Patients often experience smoother skin texture, improved tone and brightness, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and a diminished appearance of sun damage and pigmentation irregularities. Peels can also help clear acne, refine pores, and stimulate collagen production for long-term skin health. In addition to aesthetic improvements, chemical peels can enhance the effectiveness of medical-grade skincare products by allowing better penetration into the skin. With customizable depths and formulations, chemical peels offer a flexible treatment option tailored to individual needs, delivering consistent, reliable results.

What’s the First Step?

Chemical peels at PSAOLI in Long Beach come with many customizable options. For this reason, your first step is a personalized consultation with a qualified medical provider such as Dr. Papafragkou or Dr. Rhee. During this visit, your skin concerns, goals, and medical history are carefully reviewed. A thorough skin analysis is performed to determine the most appropriate peel type and depth. You will also receive guidance on pre-treatment skincare, including the use of topical medications such as Retin-A or hydroquinone to prepare the skin and maintain results. This individualized planning helps ensure a safe treatment experience and predictable outcomes.

What to Expect on the Day of a Chemical Peel Treatment

During a chemical peel, the skin is thoroughly cleaned, and the peel solution is evenly applied to the targeted areas. Some patients may be given Retin-A or hydroquinone to apply to the skin prior to treatment to maximize results. No anesthesia is required with a peel because the peel solution itself acts as an anesthetic, mildly numbing the skin. Although there may be a slight stinging sensation when the peel is first applied, it goes away quickly.

Dr. Papafragkou, wearing a blue surgical gown, a black scrub cap, a medical mask, and glasses, looks downward with focus while performing a procedure.

Chemical Peel Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Chemical Peel Care

After a chemical peel, a patient may experience tingling, throbbing, redness, swelling, and scabbing, which usually last for about a week. The skin should be protected from the sun for several months after the peel to reduce the risk of complications and maintain the desired results. The results of a chemical peel are visible after 7 to 10 days, as new skin layers form; patients can return to work and other regular activities at this time.

How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost in Long Island, NY?

The cost of a chemical peel in Long Island varies depending on the type and depth of the peel, the size of the treatment area, and whether multiple sessions are recommended. Light peels are generally more affordable, while medium and deep peels may involve higher costs due to their complexity and medical oversight. During a consultation at PSAOLI, patients receive exact pricing based on their customized treatment plan. Financing options or treatment packages may also be discussed when appropriate, ensuring patients can make informed decisions.

Why Choose Us?

At Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island, our esteemed triple-board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Sotirios Papafragkou, FACS, and Dr. Susie Ree, provide personalized care, natural-looking results, and a seamless treatment process for patients in Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Garden City, Manhasset, and throughout Long Island.

Dr. P has mastered a broad array of surgical and non-surgical solutions to help patients attain the youthful, energized look they desire. He works with the latest cutting-edge techniques to minimize downtime while enhancing comfort and safety. Dr. Papafragkou is credentialed by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Susie Rhee, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients throughout Long Island, NY. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Aesthetic Society, and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), Dr. Rhee is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, education, and surgical excellence. She brings extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, as well as in non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments that deliver natural, long-lasting results.

Serving patients across Long Island and beyond, PSAOLI has a reputation for tangible, transformative results, giving patients confidence to choose PSAOLI for chemical peel treatments.

Chemical Peels FAQ’S

Schedule a Consultation

Personalized Care from Two Dedicated Surgeons

Scheduling a consultation at PSAOLI is the first step toward healthier, more radiant skin. Patients are encouraged to contact any of PSAOLI’s Long Island offices to schedule an appointment and learn whether a chemical peel is right for them.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (516) 714-5430