At The Aesthetic Center in Fairfield County chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Ranging from mild to strong, there are three types of chemical peels: alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol. The patient's skin concerns and desired outcome determines the strength of each peel. There is no anesthesia required. TCA and phenol have anesthetic properties, and AHA produces only a mild stinging.
A chemical peel is a skin treatment that exfoliates the outer layers of your skin using a safe, acid-based solution. Depending on the type and strength of the peel, it can target surface concerns such as dullness and clogged pores, or penetrate deeper to treat pigmentation, scarring, and wrinkles. The goal is to encourage fresh skin cell turnover while boosting collagen and improving skin clarity. At The Aesthetic Center, our chemical peels are performed by trained skincare professionals who understand how to tailor each peel to your specific goals and skin’s unique needs.
We offer a full spectrum of peels designed to meet a range of skin concerns, from occasional breakouts to sun damage and aging. Your Fairfield County chemical peel provider will tailor your treatment to match your skin type, lifestyle, and the level of downtime you're comfortable with.
These are great for a quick refresh. Using ingredients like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, light peels gently exfoliate the outermost skin layer to treat dullness, clogged pores, and mild texture concerns. There’s little to no downtime—just a mild glow-up within a few days.
Medium-depth peels are the workhorse of skin renewal. They target more noticeable signs of aging, uneven pigmentation, and early sun damage. Using TCA or a Jessner solution, these peels penetrate deeper into the skin. You’ll likely experience visible peeling over several days, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.
These powerful treatments are reserved for deeper wrinkles, significant discoloration, and skin that’s been through a lot. Because they reach deeper skin layers, advanced peels require more healing time but can deliver dramatic, long-lasting results. They're generally best for lighter skin tones and are only recommended after a thorough consultation.
We also offer specialized chemical peels for issues like acne scars, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These are often part of a series or a larger treatment plan to maximize results.
When performed by experienced professionals, chemical peels don’t just improve how your skin looks—they support its overall function and health. They stimulate cell turnover, encourage collagen regeneration, and help your skincare products work more effectively. Patients often notice:
Peels are also a great entry point for anyone new to aesthetic treatments, or for maintaining results from other services like microneedling or laser therapy.
A little preparation can make your chemical peel more comfortable and support an even response. Your provider will give you instructions based on the peel depth, your skin type, and the products you use at home.
In the days before treatment, you should pause all retinoids, scrubs, exfoliating acids, and other products that may leave your skin sensitive. Avoid tanning, prolonged sun exposure, waxing, depilatory creams, and facial treatments near the treatment area. Arrive with clean skin and leave makeup off when possible.
Tell us about prescription medications, recent cosmetic treatments, active skin irritation, and any history of cold sores. Some patients may need antiviral medication before a medium or deep peel. Do not discontinue any prescribed medication without guidance from the clinician who manages it first.
If you develop a sunburn, rash, open lesion, or active breakout near your appointment, contact our office. We may recommend postponing your peel until the skin barrier has recovered.
During a chemical peel at our medical spa, the skin is cleansed and the solution is applied, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. There is no need for post-peel ointment or covering after an AHA peel, but Aquaphor may be applied following a phenol peel.
Your treatment begins with a thorough Chemical Peel consultation and skin analysis. We’ll talk through your goals, explain your options, and make sure you’re choosing the right strength of peel for your needs.
On the day of your peel, your skin is cleansed and prepped before the customized solution is applied. You may feel some warmth or tingling as the peel activates—this is normal and brief. The solution stays on the skin for a specific amount of time depending on the type of peel, and is then neutralized or removed. We finish with a calming moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin. The entire process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and is done in the comfort of our medspa, with no sedation needed.
Most Fairfield County chemical peel patients experience some dryness or mild flaking for a day or two after a light peel. Redness is usually minimal and fades quickly. You can wear makeup the next day and return to normal activities right away.
These require more downtime. Darien chemical peel patients may experience redness, tightness, and visible peeling for up to 5–7 days. It’s important to avoid sun exposure and strenuous activity during this time. We’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions, including gentle skincare products to support healing.
With all peels, sunscreen is essential. Your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays, and protecting it ensures your results last longer.
Light peels provide noticeable brightness and smoothness within a few days. Medium and deep peels take a bit longer to reveal their full effects—but once the peeling subsides, skin looks clearer, firmer, and more even. Continued improvements unfold over several weeks as collagen production increases.
For conditions like melasma or persistent scarring, a series of peels spaced a few weeks apart may be recommended for best results.
A chemical peel exfoliates the skin with an acid-based solution, making it a strong option for uneven pigmentation, congestion, surface texture, and fine lines. Microneedling creates controlled microchannels that stimulate collagen production within the skin. It may be recommended when acne scars, enlarged pores, or textural changes are the main concern.
Laser resurfacing uses focused energy to address damaged skin and stimulate collagen at a controlled depth. It can produce a greater change in deeper wrinkles, scars, and extensive sun damage, though recovery may be longer. A chemical peel offers a range of intensities and may be a better fit for patients seeking lighter exfoliation or a treatment series that can be adjusted over time.
A HydraFacial cleanses, exfoliates, extracts debris, and infuses the skin with hydrating serums. It provides a fresh, polished appearance with little to no peeling. Chemical peels create a stronger exfoliating response and may offer greater improvement in pigmentation, acne, and visible sun damage.
These treatments can also complement one another when spaced at safe intervals. During your chemical peels consultation, we’ll explain which option suits your skin and how each treatment could fit into a broader skincare plan.
Chemical Peels Cost varies based on the type of peel and your customized treatment plan. We'll provide a transparent estimate at your consultation.
A phenol or TCA peel can result in tingling or throbbing, reddened skin, a crust or scab, and significant swelling that lasts, depending on the strength of the peel used, about a week. The patient may initially experience swollen-shut eyes, be put on a liquid diet and be advised to keep talking to a minimum after a phenol peel. AHA peels can cause temporary stinging, redness and irritation, as well as flaking or crusting. After a chemical peel, it is essential that the skin be protected from the sun. To prevent hyperpigmentation, an SPF of at least 30 should be worn.
At our medical spa, we offer a high-performance AHA peel which allows you to experience the maximum benefits of a medical strength peel without the irritation, stinging and burning commonly associated with other chemical peels. We use a patented and clinically proven anti-irritant called Cosmederm-7. This superb anti-aging treatment produces visible improvements in skin color, tone and texture while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our Refinity Glycolic Peel is appropriate for a wide variety of skin types as well as those with sensitive skin. A series of treatments is recommended.
At The Aesthetic Center, every peel begins with an assessment of your skin, treatment history, current routine, and priorities. This allows our team to select an appropriate solution without pushing your skin beyond what it can handle.
Our Fairfield County medical spa brings skincare professionals, cosmetic laser expertise, and physician oversight together in one practice. Medical Spa Director and Cosmetic Laser Technician Carin Gustavson has more than 20 years of experience in beauty and skincare, giving her a seasoned understanding of how skin responds across different treatment intensities.
We also offers microneedling, HydraFacial, laser resurfacing, and other skin treatments. Access to several technologies gives your provider room to recommend the treatment that fits your skin instead of defaulting to the same peel for every patient. Your plan may include a single chemical peel, a treatment series, or a combination approach with enough time between appointments for healthy recovery.
Do you have fine lines under your eyes or around your mouth? Do you have wrinkles caused by sun damage or the aging process?
Are you looking for a treatment to reduce age spots or freckles? When you are interested in improving the look and feel of your skin, rely on our Connecticut medical spa. At The Aesthetic Center Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, serving Darien, CT; New Canaan, CT; and surrounding areas, we offer chemical peel services to help candidates achieve the skin they’ve been dreaming of. Let the team at our medical spa help you manage the care of your skin and provide you with the best chemical peels Fairfield County has to offer. Call us today!
Most Fairfield County chemical peel patients describe a tingling or warming sensation during the peel, but it’s not typically painful. Medium and deep peels may cause more discomfort, which we’ll manage with cooling or numbing agents.
It depends on your goals and the peel depth. Light peels can be repeated monthly, while medium peels are typically done every few months. Deeper peels may be spaced yearly or as needed.
Yes—there are gentle formulas we can use. We’ll assess your skin during the consultation and may start with a patch test.
Patients with certain skin conditions, recent sunburns, or who are using medications like isotretinoin (Accutane) should wait. We'll review your medical and skincare history beforehand.
Absolutely. Peels work well with microneedling, facials, and laser treatments. We’ll guide you in layering them for optimal results without overloading your skin.
If you're looking for a plastic surgeon serving patients throughout Fairfield County, contact our Darien, CT office to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. David Passaretti.
722 Post Road, Suite 202, Darien, CT 06820
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.
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