Chemical peels are one of the most reliably effective treatments in non-surgical skin rejuvenation — capable of addressing fine wrinkles, sun damage, discoloration, uneven texture, acne scarring, and the early signs of aging through a single treatment that produces results no topical product can match. The mechanism is precise: a controlled application of medical-grade acid removes the damaged outer layers of skin, revealing fresher, smoother, more even-toned skin beneath while simultaneously stimulating collagen production at deeper levels. The depth of the peel — superficial, medium, or deep — is calibrated to the patient’s specific concerns, skin type, and tolerance for downtime. Despite the word “chemical,” modern peels use carefully selected naturally occurring acids that are precisely controlled for safety and predictable results. Dr. John Anastasatos at Los Angeles Plastic Surgery offers chemical peel treatments at his Beverly Hills office with the depth-selection judgment and aesthetic refinement this skin treatment specifically rewards.

Dr. Anastasatos brings the most directly relevant academic credential possible to chemical peel treatment: he has delivered formal academic lectures at the UAB Kirklin Clinic on “Botox and Chemical Peels” — a teaching credential whose title literally includes this exact procedure. He has been an invited lecturer at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on advanced facial aesthetic surgical techniques, with an invited 2026 return as featured speaker. With over two decades of facial cosmetic expertise in Beverly Hills since 2007, he is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and named by The Luxe Insider as one of the Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the World.

How Chemical Peels Work

A chemical peel applies a controlled dose of a medical-grade acid to the skin, where it dissolves the bonds between damaged surface skin cells. Those cells then shed in the days following treatment, revealing fresher, more even, more youthful-looking skin underneath. As the skin heals, the body produces new collagen — adding firmness and improved texture beyond what surface exfoliation alone can achieve.

The acids used in modern chemical peels include:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Such as glycolic acid — used in superficial peels for surface texture and brightening
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): Used for medium-depth peels addressing fine lines, sun damage, and pigmentation
• Phenol: Used in deep peels for the most significant correction of severe sun damage, deeper wrinkles, and pre-cancerous lesions

The depth selected determines what the peel can address — and what the recovery looks like.

What Chemical Peels Address

Chemical peels are effective for:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead
• Sun Damage and Pigmentation: Age spots, freckles, melasma, and uneven tone
• Acne and Acne Scarring: Active acne lesions and the textural marks they leave behind
• Uneven Skin Texture: Roughness, scaliness, and surface irregularities
• Mild Skin Laxity: Through stimulated collagen production at the dermal level
• Dull Complexion: Restoring the radiance and luminosity of younger skin

Peel Depths and Recovery Expectations

• Superficial (Light) Peels: Mild redness lasting hours to a day; suitable for ongoing maintenance and best for early signs of aging or texture concerns
• Medium-Depth Peels: Redness, flaking, and visible exfoliation for 5 to 7 days; meaningful improvement for sun damage, fine lines, and pigmentation
• Deep Peels: Several days of redness and recovery, with social downtime of approximately 1 to 2 weeks; the most dramatic correction of significant sun damage and deep wrinkles

For patients who want skin resurfacing without an acid mechanism, mechanical resurfacing through dermabrasion may be a complementary option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels

How soon will I see results?

Initial results from superficial peels appear within days of treatment as exfoliation completes. Medium and deep peels show progressive improvement over 1 to 4 weeks as healing completes and collagen production accelerates.

How long do chemical peel results last?

Superficial peels are typically maintained with treatments every 4 to 6 weeks. Medium-depth peel results can last 6 months to a year. Deep peel results can last several years, though sun protection meaningfully extends the durability of any peel result.

Is there pain during the procedure?

Superficial peels produce mild tingling. Medium-depth peels produce a moderate burning sensation that is well tolerated. Deep peels are typically performed with local anesthesia and sedation for patient comfort.

Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?

Most healthy adults concerned about sun damage, fine lines, pigmentation, or acne scarring are candidates. Skin type affects which peel depth is appropriate — Dr. Anastasatos evaluates skin type, concerns, and goals during consultation to recommend the right peel.

Can chemical peels be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Chemical peels pair well with Botox, dermal fillers, and other non-surgical rejuvenation treatments. The combination addresses surface concerns (peels) alongside dynamic wrinkles (Botox) and volume loss (fillers) for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Why Choose Dr. Anastasatos for Chemical Peels

• UAB Kirklin Clinic Lecturer on “Botox and Chemical Peels”: Direct academic teaching credentials specifically on this procedure
• Royal Society of Medicine London Speaker: Invited 2026 lecturer on advanced facial aesthetic technique
• Two Decades in Beverly Hills: Private practice since 2007 dedicated to facial cosmetic surgery and rejuvenation
• Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon: ABPS certification and FACS Fellowship
• Top 10 Plastic Surgeon in the World: Named by The Luxe Insider
• Depth Selection Expertise: Matching peel intensity to patient skin type and goals — the technical key to optimal results

Schedule Your Chemical Peel Consultation in Beverly Hills

If sun damage, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, or acne scarring is keeping your skin from looking as fresh as it could, a chemical peel performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon offers reliable, predictable improvement. Dr. John Anastasatos welcomes patients to the Beverly Hills office at 436 North Bedford Drive, Suite 202, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, for a private consultation. Contact Los Angeles Plastic Surgery to schedule your appointment with Dr. Anastasatos.