What is a Chemical Peel?
To give women and men the best results possible from a chemical peel aesthetic treatment, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery provides patients with multiple options. Your personalized facial treatment with chemical solutions (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acids) will give you healthier, smoother skin. At our Tucson, AZ office, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao offers chemical peel treatments to help improve upon skin flaws, including scars, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven patches, hyperpigmentation issues, and more. Chemical peels remove dead or damaged skin cells with the application of a personalized solution to your skin. This causes the outer layer of cells to peel off. As your skin starts to repair itself, you will notice a clearer, smoother complexion emerge. A chemical peel treatment is a noninvasive skin care service that makes your complexion brighter, younger, and healthier. This effective treatment can be used for the face, neck, and décollatage.
What Chemical Peels are available?
At our Tucson, AZ office, we provide chemical peels at varying levels of intensity (light, medium, and deep) to fit our patients' skin care concerns.
Light peels: You can have a light chemical peel on your lunch break and get back to your day. This strength of peel will remove the top layer of skin (the epidermis), giving your complexion a brighter appearance and softer texture. We typically suggest that you get a light peel treatment once a month for the best glowing results.
Medium-depth peels: The medium-strength chemical peel penetrates deeper into your skin. Patients will usually prefer to do this level of facial rejuvenation treatment over a long weekend. Women and men anticipating this treatment should also prepare themselves for more discomfort for about an hour after their medium peel when compared to a light peel. Medium-depth peels are best for patients who have significant skin damage, like deeper wrinkles and darker pigmentation issues.
Deep peels: The most advanced of the three types of chemical peels is the deep peel treatment. As such, it will require the most recovery time. This is an aggressive cosmetic treatment that could leave your face itchy, peeling, and swollen for several weeks. Patients who receive a deep peel generally have dark age spots, sun-damaged skin, significant acne scars, or deep-seated scars. As this strength of peel is typically uncomfortable for most patients, we will provide you with mild anesthesia prior to your procedure.
What are the benefits?
Your customized chemical peel at Rao Plastic Surgery can contain a number of benefits for you, some of which include:
- Rejuvenated, moisturized skin surface
- Minimized appearance of pores and signs of aging
- Balanced and soothed skin tone
- Smoothing of irregularities and texture on the skin
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Who is a candidate for chemical peels?
Receiving the suggestions of an aesthetic professional should be the first step in every journey to achieving healthier skin. A team member at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery can assess your skin in a consultation in our Tucson, AZ office before choosing a chemical peel treatment for ideal results. Chemical peel candidates of both genders typically have noticeable problems with their skin, like:
- Acne scars
- Uneven pigmentation or sun damage
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Rough, flaky, or scaly skin
Dr. Rao will spend time with you to evaluate the color and condition of your skin and guide you toward the best treatment for your needs.
wHAT TO EXPECT DURING a chemical peelĀ
During your treatment at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, we will have you lie down in a relaxed position before we administer your peel. We will make sure your skin is cleansed before applying the customized solution to the intended areas. We will then massage the solution onto your face and let it set for a specific amount of time, which will be discussed in your treatment planning session. Finally, we will wash the solution off your face and apply a neutralizing agent. You are encouraged to bring a light sunscreen or a hat to wear outside after the procedure to protect from any environmental exposure.
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER a chemical peel?
Depending on the level of the peel you choose, you can expect your face to itch and peel from a few days to a couple of weeks. Dr. Rao or a member of his team will go over methods to care for your skin during your consultation. Please keep in mind that no matter how much your skin itches during the post-treatment process, it is never helpful to pick the skin off. You could cause scarring to your delicate skin!
chemical peel FAQs
How much does a chemical peel cost?
Dr. Rao will discuss your costs during your consultation after he has developed your chemical peel treatment plan. The price of a chemical peel can vary, depending on the level of peel you get. Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery accepts many payment methods. You can always ask a staff member about current specials we have for facial treatments, like chemical peels. You may also consider buying a package of several chemical peel treatments.
What level should I choose for my chemical peel?
The best chemical peel for you will depend on your unique skin needs and cosmetic goals. During your consultation with Dr. Rao, he will help you select the type of peel that is right for your skin. Some factors you may consider are your overall health, your skin type, how deep you want the peel to work, how long you can spend in recovery, and what concerns you have about the appearance of your skin. For first-time patients, it may be better to start with a lighter peel and see how you like the results. From there, you and Dr. Rao might tweak your plan to discover the best chemical peel level for your needs.
Will my face hurt after a chemical peel?
Depending on the formula used, you may have some discomfort throughout the treatment and shortly after. If you have a lighter peel, you will probably feel some stinging, but this should go away quickly with the use of a handheld fan. Medium and deep peels are good for deeper damage and provide results that last a long time, but they are typically more uncomfortable. Topical anesthetics, medications, and ointments can be applied to minimize your discomfort during treatment. Dr. Rao or a member of his team will go over a proper skin care routine to follow after your chemical peel to extend your results.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
For even greater improvements to your skin, you may combine a chemical peel with another skin treatment at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery. During your consultation, be honest with Dr. Rao about your skin and cosmetic concerns so he can create a personalized treatment plan to best address your goals. This may include injectable wrinkle treatments (like BOTOX, Dysport, or Juvéderm) along with your chemical peel to rejuvenate your whole appearance.

Great Skin Starts here
Even if you know nothing about facial treatments, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery will help you choose the ideal treatment to help you achieve your desired level of skin healing and rejuvenation. Your freshly renewed skin will be healthier, softer, and more luminous than ever. Call our office in Tucson, AZ to receive your skin examination today for a chemical peel treatment.