As the skin ages, both chronologically and with sun damage and photoaging, the outermost layer of our skin (composed of dead skin cells) adheres for a longer period of time and becomes a thicker layer. This causes dryness, toughness, and a yellow, dull coloration to the skin. A chemical peel is a great option for skin rejuvenation. Chemical peels can also help with conditions such as acne. Let us help you select the perfect peel for your needs.
Please view Dr. Eliopoulos’ facial chemical peel before-and-after results. These are actual patients. It is important to look at before and after images to get an idea of what can be achieved with the procedure and to help guide the process with the doctor.
View Before & After GalleryA chemical peel is an outpatient cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. Chemical solutions applied to the treatment area exfoliate dead and damaged skin cells, causing the layer of old skin to peel off. This process reveals new skin underneath that is often smoother, less wrinkled, less damaged, and younger-looking.
At its most basic level, chemical peels work by loosening the “glue” that binds the dead skin cells together at the outermost layer of your skin. This process gets rid of acne, makes your skin feel soft, evens out skin tone, repairs damage, and lightens pigmentation, treating conditions that include:
There are many different types of chemical peels with varying depths of exfoliation, but all use alpha and hydroxy acids. The choice of peel is based on each patient's specific needs, skin types, sensitivities, and preferences regarding required social downtime.
Light chemical peels use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to exfoliate gently, only penetrating the outer skin layers. Recovery time from a light chemical peel is about four to seven days. Your skin may temporarily be lighter or darker.
A light chemical peel is a good choice for someone who has mild skin issues that they want to fade, such as mild lines and wrinkles, light hyperpigmentation, minor acne scarring, minor skin tone and texture issues, and dull skin.
Medium chemical peels use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer skin layers, making them more effective for removing damaged skin cells. Your skin will initially swell and form crusts and brown blotches before the new skin emerges. While your skin will recover in about five to seven days, you may have redness that can persist, fading gradually.
Medium peels are good for treating acne scars, noticeable skin damage, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dry or damaged skin texture.
Deep chemical peels can fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells. These peels often use phenol or trichloroacetic acid. This type of peel may require a local anesthetic, and sedation may be used during the procedure to help manage discomfort. Because they cause redness, peeling, and scabbing, full-strength chemical peels can require two to three weeks of recovery time.
Deep chemical peels aggressively treat moderate skin issues, including acne scarring, deep lines and wrinkles, significant hyperpigmentation, and skin sagging.
The VI Peel is a medium-depth peel packed with a synergistic blend of age-defying and brightening ingredients, including lactic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A (retinol), trichloroacetic acid (TCA ), and malic acid.
This exfoliating peel aims to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity. The VI Peel’s proprietary components work in tandem to firm, brighten, and smooth the skin surface, leaving you with a glowing, soft complexion. In addition to rejuvenating the skin, a VI Peel can prevent future damage and slow signs of aging.
Nearly all skin types can benefit from this chemical peel treatment. It is an ideal first-time peel for anyone who wants fresher, healthier, and more vibrant skin.
The VI Peel is especially beneficial for individuals who have:
Your provider will first cleanse your skin and then apply the solution with cotton applicators or a brush. The peel will penetrate your skin for approximately a minute. You may feel mild tingling or burning, but it should not be painful.
Peeling and flaking last approximately a week. This indicates the VI Peel is working. After the exfoliation process is complete, your skin will appear notably fresher, smoother, and brighter, with improved softness and resiliency. Most patients see results within seven days.
The face is not the only place where skin concerns show up. The VI Body Peel is specifically formulated for body skin. Its blend of TCA, salicylic acid, phenol, retinoic acid, and vitamin C exfoliates the skin, stimulates collagen production, and addresses body skin concerns. Stretch marks? VI Peel Body turns back the clock to smoother, clearer skin. Sun damage, age spots, rough texture, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation on the back, chest, arms, and legs can also be treated.
The PRX T33 Peel is a novel treatment that contains 33 percent trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and 67 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These ingredients tighten, tone, and firm the dermis with less aggressive exfoliation of the epidermis, the top layer of skin. In fact, patients love this peel because you get minimal, if any, actual “peeling” or downtime while still gaining all the skin benefits.
PRX-T33 is great for reversing age-related skin concerns. It stimulates fibroblasts and growth factors within the dermis, resulting in a firmer and more youthful complexion. It also improves skin texture and elasticity.
Because this peel does not cause photosensitivity, it is one of the few peels you can use year-round, even during summer. The PRX Peel is suitable for nearly all skin types. This peel is also a favorite for those who want minimum, if any, downtime but still want great results.
The PRX Peel is safe for skin on the face and body. Anyone who has the following concerns may be a candidate for the PRX Peel:
After cleansing your skin, your provider will apply the solution and massage it in to ensure proper absorption. After your treatment is complete, they will ask you to apply a special topical cream at home each evening, followed by moisturizer each morning and evening. This will ensure you get the most benefit from your PRX Peel treatment. The PRX peel is recommended in a series of four treatments one week apart. It can be safely used on the face, neck, and body.
Since the PRX Peel minimizes epidermal damage, there is no downtime. Immediately, the skin takes on a firmer and brighter appearance.
The ZO 3-Step Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel system to improve the appearance of your entire complexion. It works by exfoliating the outermost layer of dead skin cells, stimulating cellular turnover, and promoting collagen production.
ZO 3-Step can address skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne, rough texture, wrinkles, and acne scars. It is also effective for improving skin tone and promoting a radiant complexion.
The ZO 3-Step Peel is a good choice if you’d like to rejuvenate and improve your skin's overall health and appearance. It can be beneficial for sun damage, aging skin, uneven skin tone, and acne-prone skin.
ZO’s 3-step process improves your skin with multiple revitalizing modalities. In the first step, a peeling solution containing exfoliating ingredients is applied. Second is the application of a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution for further exfoliation and collagen stimulation. Lastly, a calming cream containing nurturing proprietary ingredients is applied to soothe the skin, foster hydration, and reduce inflammation as cellular turnover kicks in.
Expect to see noticeable improvements in your skin's appearance and texture. Hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles give way to improved tone and clarity and smoother, more radiant skin
ZO Stimulator is a light chemical peel. It’s designed to exfoliate, promote cell turnover, and stimulate collagen production with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to address various skin concerns and improve overall skin health.
ZO is a good choice for anyone wishing to enhance skin texture, tone, and clarity. It also targets fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation concerns. Its gentle but effective exfoliation reveals smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin.
The ZO Stimulator Peel is perfect for those seeking to improve the appearance and health of their skin without undergoing a more aggressive treatment. It is safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and can be customized to address specific concerns and goals.
The ZO 3-Step Peel begins with the application of the peel solution, followed by a neutralizer and a calming post-peel treatment. This multi-step process ensures optimal penetration of the peel solution, minimizes downtime, and maximizes results.
Within approximately five days, the peeling process is complete, revealing smoother, clearer skin. You’ll see ongoing improvements in skin texture, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other concerns.
Dr. Dina Eliopoulos has over two decades of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for dedication, surgical excellence, and professionalism. She is committed to addressing her patients' aesthetic needs, both surgical and non-surgical. For this reason, our med spa has been an integral part of her practice since its establishment in 2000. Her experience as an aesthetic plastic surgeon makes her uniquely qualified to lead our aesthetic team. Together, we will consult with you to understand your skin concerns, clinically assess your skin health, and recommend and educate you on the best treatment options.
Schedule a Consultation TodayChemical peels can be very effective for rejuvenating the skin by removing dead and damaged skin, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing fine lines. A chemical peel in Chelmsford also targets pigmented scarring.
The results from chemical peels won't last forever because our skin continues to age and is continually exposed to environmental factors. How long you will continue to see the benefits of a chemical peel depends on the type you get and your skin condition.
Light chemical peels can be done as often as every two weeks for several months. Medium-strength peels can be safely done every four to six months. Deep peels should only be performed every two to three years.
The length of time it takes to have a chemical peel depends on the type of peel. The procedure generally takes about 30 minutes.
Social downtime can vary, depending on the depth of the peel. Light, superficial peels require much less social downtime. In fact, some have no social downtime at all. Deep peels require more significant social downtime, sometimes up to one week.
There is no age limit on when you can get a chemical peel. Some people start getting them in their late teens and twenties to treat acne, acne scarring, and early signs of sun damage. Getting light peels in your 20s and 30s can help keep your skin healthy.
Whether you can wear makeup after a chemical peel depends on the type of peel. You can wear makeup immediately or the next day after a light chemical peel. You can wear camouflaging makeup five to seven days after a medium peel.
At your consultation, your provider will ask you about any specific concerns or goals you have for your treatment. They will also carefully analyze your skin to recommend the best peels for your needs. Remember, the purpose of a consultation is not to “convince you” to undergo a procedure but to learn about your goals and educate you on your treatment options.
You can enhance your chemical peel results with other non-surgical cosmetic treatments, such as dermaplaning. This exfoliation treatment helps remove the outer layers of the skin and makes chemical peels more effective. You can also target deeper wrinkles by combining your Boston chemical peel treatment with Botox to relax facial muscles or dermal fillers to add volume.
During the consultation for a chemical peel Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Eliopoulos or one of the medical estheticians or nurses at Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery and Med Spa will help you determine which type of peel would work best for you and what kinds of complementary treatments can help achieve your skincare goals.
Plastic surgery isn’t just about people changing their look—it's about making you feel good about being you. Whether you need breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction or Botox, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is here for you. For over 20 years, patients have sought out the care and results that Dr. Eliopoulos can create in her beautiful Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. The peace of mind that comes from a board-certified, residency- and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon is hard to parallel. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today to experience the difference for yourself.