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Chemical peels are a popular treatment that can address a wide range of skin concerns, including rough skin texture, uneven skin tone, signs of aging, and more. At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, we offer a variety of chemical peels that can be customized to effectively meet each patient’s unique goals.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skincare treatment that uses a specialized chemical solution to exfoliate the skin. This process removes damaged surface layers and stimulates natural collagen production, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. Chemical peels target imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin texture, uneven skin tone, and acne scars, offering visible benefits after just one session. Regular treatments can be performed to maintain results and support overall skin health.
Recovery:
24 Hours-1 Week
Cost:
Starts at $250
Results:
N/A
Good Candidates for a Chemical Peel
Since chemical peels vary in their intensity, this treatment can be customized for almost anyone in good health. Patients who want to rejuvenate aging or sun-damaged skin with a non-invasive procedure and minimal downtime are great candidates.
Patients must not have an active skin infection, including acne and inflammation, at the time of their treatment. It is important to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a chemical peel treatment. A consultation with Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge is necessary to determine which type of chemical will safely and effectively provide the results you desire.
Chemical peels are performed in-office and do not require any anesthesia. After your skin is thoroughly cleansed, the chemical solution is applied across the treatment area. You may feel a mild tingling or warming sensation. The solution will be on the skin for a few minutes and then gently removed. Treatment only takes 30-60 minutes, and patients can immediately return home.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels vary in strength, depending on the type of acids used in the chemical solution. There are three main types of peels:
Light Chemical Peel
Light or superficial peels use milder chemical ingredients to gently peel away the surface layer of skin (the epidermis). This is a great option for patients who want to subtly refresh their appearance with little to no downtime. Light peels are used to treat concerns like fine lines, dull skin tone, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture.
Medium Chemical Peel
Medium-depth peels penetrate the middle layer of skin (dermis) using stronger concentrations of chemical exfoliants. Moderate wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and superficial acne scars can all be addressed with this type of chemical peel solution. Medium chemical peels will result in skin peeling for an average of five to seven days.
Deep Chemical Peel
Deep chemical peels use a potent chemical solution that can effectively address deep facial lines, deep scars, pre-cancerous lesions, and uneven skin tone. Some deep peels can also stimulate collagen production to subtly tighten the skin. Patients should expect a recovery period of 2-3 weeks.
How a Chemical Peel Works
Chemical peels utilize ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or retinol to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin. As the damaged skin gradually sheds away, an underlying layer of healthy, glowing skin is revealed. Different chemical solutions have different strengths, which penetrate the skin at different depths to address a variety of skin concerns.
Consultation
A consultation at Cosmetic Surgery Associates is the first step toward your customized chemical peel treatment. During this visit, one of our expert physicians will carefully assess your skin and discuss your treatment goals to determine which type of chemical peel will be best. Your medical history will also be taken into careful consideration, since stronger chemical peels may not be suitable for patients with underlying health conditions. concerns, health history, and goals.
The procedure and cost will also be discussed in detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you might have so that you feel comfortable and confident with each step of your treatment.
Chemical Peel Recovery
Recovery from a chemical peel varies, depending on its strength. Most patients experience redness, mild to moderate peeling, and mild swelling immediately after treatment. While these symptoms only last a few hours to a couple of days after light or medium peels, redness and skin peeling may persist for two weeks after a deep peel treatment. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding sun exposure is necessary to prevent complications like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and ensure the best possible results.
Results from a Chemical Peel
Results from a chemical peel gradually develop as the treated skin peels away and healthy, new skin is resurfaced. Your skin will look brighter, smoother, and more evenly toned for several weeks following treatment. Repeated treatments can help you maintain your rejuvenated appearance.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about your options for a chemical peel in Bethesda, MD, schedule a consultation today with our team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesd, MD. Our office is located only 2 miles from North Bethesda and 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Dermal Fillers & Botox®
Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid, collagen, and other ingredients to plump the skin, filling in moderate to severe facial lines and enhancing facial contours. Botox, Dysport, and other types of neuromodulators address dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements. By combining these cosmetic injectables with a chemical peel, patients can address volume loss along with superficial skin conditions.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates collagen production to combat signs of aging or sun damage. During the microneedling treatment, a handheld device equipped with several tiny needles is used to puncture the skin, encouraging cellular turnover and the new production of collagen and elastin. Patients seeking more dramatic results might benefit from a combined microneedling and chemical peel treatment.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
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