Chemical Peels in Dunwoody,
Sandy Springs & North Atlanta
A peel uses an acid solution to exfoliate the surface of the skin so a fresher layer is revealed beneath. Which acid, and at what strength, is the whole decision — and it is made from your skin type rather than from a menu.
What a Chemical Peel Addresses
A peel is non-surgical. An acid solution removes dead skin cells from the surface, and the skin that replaces them is smoother and more even.
- Uneven pigmentation — dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Sun damage — the accumulated marks of years outdoors.
- Fine lines and wrinkles — softened, though not removed.
- Large pores and congestion — particularly on oily or acne-prone skin.
- Dull or uneven texture — skin that has lost its brightness.
- Blemishes and scarring — addressed by the deeper peels.
Which Acid, and How Deep
Peels run from light to deep, and the acids behave differently. Dr. Stephenson selects from these against your skin type and what you are trying to change.
Glycolic Acid
An AHA derived from sugar cane. Its small molecular size penetrates well, so it exfoliates deeply and boosts collagen. Among the best options for hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Salicylic Acid
A BHA for large pores, oily and acne-prone skin. Works into the deeper layers to clear congestion and reduce inflammation.
Lactic Acid
The gentle option, for sensitive or dry skin. Exfoliates while boosting hydration and restoring pH balance, without irritation.
Mandelic Acid
An AHA that refines texture and unclogs pores. Reduces dark spots and pigmentation without causing significant peeling.
TCA
Trichloroacetic acid, medium strength. For deeper blemishes, sun damage, scarring and pigmentation, tailored to the individual.
Jessner’s & Retinoic Acid
Also offered. Which peel suits you, and at what depth, is decided at your consultation once Dr. Stephenson has examined your skin.
What the treatment is like
The skin is cleansed to remove makeup and impurities, then a prep solution is applied so the peel goes on evenly. During the peel some patients feel warmth or stinging, which a cooling fan eases. The treated area may look white and frosted at first; that fades within a few hours. Over the following days the skin peels gradually, and the fresh layer beneath is the result.
Afterwards
Do not pick or peel the skin — it comes away on its own schedule, and helping it is how scarring happens. Use sunblock outdoors. Peels are spaced at least four weeks apart, and a series is often recommended rather than a single treatment, depending on your skin type and what you are trying to achieve.
Cost
Chemical peel pricing depends on the peel and on how many treatments your plan involves, and is set out at your consultation. Pricing and financing options for surgical procedures are listed in full.
What to Expect, and When
Depth drives everything here. A lunchtime peel and a deep peel are barely the same treatment.
| Question | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Is there downtime? | Medium and deep peels require it. A deep peel means recuperating at home for two to three weeks. |
| When will I see results? | Once the skin heals. Healing runs from about one day for a refreshing or lunchtime peel to fourteen days or longer for a deep peel. |
| How many will I need? | For the result sought from a refreshing or lunchtime peel, usually three to five treatments. |
| How soon can I repeat one? | Mild and medium peels can be repeated; Dr. Stephenson will advise how often. A patient can have only one deep peel. |
| How long do results last? | Not permanently — skin continues to age. Patients with significant sun damage or actinic keratoses will keep developing new spots and growths. |
Who Should Not Have a Peel
A peel is a chemical treatment on living skin, and there are real reasons to postpone or avoid one. These are the practice’s own.
Stop Accutane or Retin-A at least six weeks before a peel.
A peel is not for you if you have a severe skin condition, eczema, a history of cold sores, or an allergy to aspirin. It is also not recommended where expectations are unrealistic, or for skin diseases beyond acne and razor bumps.
Side effects
Dr. Stephenson has extensive experience with peels, and side effects tend to be mild where they occur at all: persistent redness that can last months, temporary darkening of the skin, lighter skin colour after medium and deep peels, and — very rarely — scarring.
The risk of infection or scarring rises dramatically with any of the following, all of which are within your control:
- Failing to protect the treated skin from the sun.
- Failing to care for the skin as instructed.
- Scratching the treated skin, or picking off scabs.
- Applying makeup before the skin has healed.
- Using a tanning bed or any other form of indoor tanning.
Often Considered Alongside
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Lines caused by muscle movement rather than by skin quality — a different problem, treated differently.
Read more →Dermal Fillers
Volume rather than surface. Frequently planned in the same visit as a peel.
Read more →Facelift & Neck Lift
Surgery repositions structure and does not change skin quality — which is why peels are often discussed in the same consultation.
Read more →Skin & Aesthetics
Everything non-surgical in one place, and where each treatment sits alongside surgery.
Read more →Chemical Peel FAQs
Is there downtime?
A medium or deep peel will require downtime. A deep chemical peel means recuperating at home for two to three weeks.
When will I see the results?
Once your skin heals. Healing time ranges from about one day for a refreshing or lunchtime peel to fourteen days or longer for a deep peel. To get the result you are looking for from a refreshing or lunchtime peel, you may need three to five treatments.
How long will the results last?
Most results are not permanent, because skin continues to age. If you have a lot of sun-damaged skin, or precancerous growths called actinic keratoses, you will likely continue to see new spots and growths.
When is it safe to have another peel?
Mild and medium peels can be repeated to maintain the result, and Dr. Stephenson will advise how often. A patient can have only one deep peel.
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects tend to be mild where they occur: persistent redness that may last months, temporary darkening of the skin, lighter skin colour after medium and deep peels, and very rarely scarring. The risk of infection or scarring increases dramatically if you fail to protect the skin from the sun, fail to care for it as instructed, scratch the treated skin or pick off scabs, apply makeup before the skin has healed, or use a tanning bed or other indoor tanning.
Is there anyone who should not have a peel?
Yes. Discontinue Accutane or Retin-A at least six weeks beforehand. Peels should be avoided if you have a severe skin condition, eczema, a history of cold sores, or an allergy to aspirin, and they are not recommended for unrealistic expectations or for skin diseases beyond acne and razor bumps.
How far apart are peels spaced?
At least four weeks. A series of treatments may be recommended rather than a single peel, depending on your skin type and your goals.
Further Reading
Discuss Your Options
An hour with Dr. Stephenson, an examination, and a written quote for the plan you agree together.