Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels at The Swan Center's med-spa in Alpharetta address fine lines, pigmentation, acne, uneven texture, and dull skin. Performed by licensed esthetician Cici Schmidt in a board-certified plastic surgery practice environment. Formulations are tailored from superficial to medium depth based on individual skin concerns and downtime tolerance. From $100 per session.

Chemical peels at The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery are performed by licensed esthetician Cici Schmidt, LE, ALP, within the clinical environment of a JCAHO-accredited plastic surgery practice — providing a level of oversight and access to physician intervention not available at standalone aesthetic studios. A chemical peel applies an acid solution to the skin surface that breaks down the proteins holding dead skin cells together, prompting controlled exfoliation and renewal. The depth of penetration — and thus the degree of skin renewal achieved — is governed by the acid type, concentration, buffering, and application time. Superficial peels (alpha-hydroxy acids at low concentrations, such as glycolic or lactic acid, or salicylic acid for acne-prone skin) target the outermost epidermal layer, producing mild brightening and texture improvement with zero to two days of barely perceptible peeling. They are safe for most skin types, including darker Fitzpatrick IV–VI tones, when properly formulated. Medium-depth peels — such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at moderate concentrations, or a Jessner's Peel layered combination — penetrate to the papillary dermis, producing more significant exfoliation and collagen stimulation. These treatments address moderate pigmentation, solar lentigines, fine lines, and mild acne scarring more effectively than superficial peels, at the cost of four to seven days of visible peeling and redness. The décolletage peel option extends treatment to the chest area, addressing the sun-damage-related pigmentation, vascular redness, and skin laxity commonly seen on the upper chest. A course of peels is typically recommended, spacing sessions four to six weeks apart for cumulative results. All patients receive post-peel care instructions including strict broad-spectrum SPF use, as freshly peeled skin is photosensitive.