Chemical peel

A typical case, in 6 steps over 2 visits. Every step names its source.

Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.

Illustration of a typical case, not a photo of a patient and not a prediction of your result. Results vary.

Steps in a typical case

Evaluation
A dermatologic surgeon evaluates the skin before any peel is done.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Choosing the depth
A light peel uses a mild acid on the outer layer of skin. A medium peel reaches the middle layer, and a deep peel goes deeper still.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Applying the peel
A chemical solution is applied to the skin. Over the next days, the treated outer skin exfoliates and peels off.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Healing
Light peels heal in one to seven days, medium peels in 7 to 14 days and deep peels in 14 to 21 days. Treated skin is red at first and may scale or crust.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Sun protection
The new skin is more sensitive to the sun for a while. Sunscreen or staying out of the sun is part of aftercare, and deep peels mean avoiding the sun for three to six months.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Follow-up
Medium and deep peels include follow-up visits to check healing. Makeup can usually be worn the next day after a light peel, or after five to seven days after a medium peel.
Visit 2 · Source 1

The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
How long will healing take, and will it leave a mark?
What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses 15788, 15789, 15792, 15793).
How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?

Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: 15788, 15789, 15792, 15793.