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Chemical Peels
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
— delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Refresh & Renew Your Skin
Have you ever wished you could remove the top layer of weary, sun-damaged skin to reveal a healthier glow? With chemical peels, you can. By coating the skin with exfoliating acids, chemical peels lift away damaged cells to improve dullness, dark spots and more, giving your skin a fresh start without surgery or extensive downtime.
At May Plastic Surgery, our team uses professional-grade peels at varying depths to address everything from early fine lines to deeper sun damage and acne scarring, with each treatment matched to your skin's specific needs and tolerance.
Topical, depending on peel depth
12 to 45 minutes
Little to none (lighter peels); 7-14 days (deeper peels)
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are in-office resurfacing treatments that use specialized acids to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. When a chemical peel solution is applied to the face, neck or body, it intentionally damages the outer layer of skin. As the skin heals and the top layer sloughs away, fresh tissue replaces the old to reveal a brighter, healthier complexion underneath.
Chemical peels come in different strengths depending on their unique formulation. Certain acids are selected for their ability to address specific concerns, such as fine lines, acne or stubborn pigmentation, while complementary ingredients may be used to support your comfort and recovery. Your provider can control the level of renewal by layering certain acids and adjusting application time for a personalized experience.
- Dr. Brian May
What Types of Peels Are Available?
At May Plastic Surgery, our team knows that there is no single treatment that works for everyone. We offer all types of chemical peels, in varying strengths and formulations, so we can find the one that’s right for your skin type and goals.
Light chemical peels are great for those with sensitive skin or who are new to peels. They come with very little downtime and can be used regularly to keep the skin healthy.
Medium-depth peels treat both the epidermis and upper dermis and are better for moderate signs of aging, like fine lines and sun damage. The recovery time will be longer with this type of peel, but the results are more noticeable.
Deeper peels reach the lower dermis and, for select patients, can treat more significant signs of aging and skin laxity. While the results are dramatic with this type of peel, it requires more downtime and is not right for everyone.
What Can Chemical Peels Address?
By accelerating exfoliation and cell turnover, chemical peels can help clear away buildup and visible signs of damage that make the skin look dull, uneven or aged. They can improve:
- Fine lines and early wrinkles
- Sun damage and age spots
- Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
- Acne and acne scarring
- Rough texture and dull skin
During your consultation, your provider will evaluate your concerns, skin type and goals to determine the right type of chemical peel for you. Other factors, such as skin sensitivity and how much recovery time you’re comfortable with, will also be used to guide the recommendation.
The Art & Science of Aesthetic Treatments With Dr. May
At May Plastic Surgery, we believe the best treatment plan isn't necessarily the most complex one. It's the right one for you. That’s why every recommendation begins with understanding your goals and creating a plan that fits your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term vision.
Our philosophy is rooted in comprehensive aesthetic care. Rather than viewing surgical and nonsurgical treatments as separate paths, we see them as complementary tools that work together to achieve natural, lasting results. Sometimes surgery is the best option. Sometimes filler, Sculptra or a series of laser treatments is all that's needed. More often, the best results come from thoughtfully combining multiple approaches over time.
- Dr. Brian May
Procedure Details
Before your chemical peel, our team will spend time with you to choose an appropriate peel strength and formulation. Once the right option for you is found, your provider will cleanse your skin and apply the solution.
Every treatment is different. Sometimes, the chemical peel is left on for a certain amount of time and then neutralized and removed in the office. Other peels neutralize on their own. These are left on for a few hours, then removed later at home.
Chemical peels can feel warm and tingly while the solution is active. We will check in with you throughout the process to make sure you are still comfortable and monitor your skin. In most cases, those with lighter peels are often able to go right back to their normal routine.
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Recovery & Results: What Happens After Treatment?
Lighter peels can sometimes cause a little pinkness or redness, and can come with some flaking for a few days. Downtime from lighter peels is minimal and mostly social. Deeper peels will involve more intense peeling, swelling and sensitivity as the skin heals. Aftercare will be different for each peel, though we will generally advise you to avoid direct sun exposure and only apply gentle products that have been approved beforehand.
With some peels, you will be able to enjoy a smoother texture and a healthier glow as soon as the skin heals. The timeline of this is different for every person, ranging from a couple of days to a few weeks. Sometimes we will recommend more than one chemical peel to get the results you’re hoping for.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Chemical Peels
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Why Charlotte Patients Choose May Plastic Surgery
Not all chemical peels are created equal, and that's actually a good thing. The range of options allows us to be much more precise about what we recommend. At May Plastic Surgery, we start by understanding your concerns, treatment history and recovery preferences before choosing the strength and formulation best suited to your skin and long-term goals.
That thoughtful approach extends well beyond chemical peels. Dr. May built his practice around giving patients the personalized care and attention they need to feel confident in their choices. Our team brings that same mindset to every aesthetic treatment, making time for your questions and ensuring that you feel comfortable with the plan before moving forward.
Chemical Peel FAQs
Most patients describe light peels as a mild tingling or warming sensation that fades quickly. Medium-depth peels can feel more intense, with a stinging sensation during the application, but the discomfort is brief and manageable. For deeper peels, our team may use a topical numbing agent or other comfort measures to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.
Peel depth is determined by several factors, including your primary concerns, your skin type, your tolerance for downtime, and any current medications you’re taking. Our team considers all of these during your consultation and will explain why they're recommending a specific approach. The goal is always to get you the best result with the least amount of downtime.
In many cases, yes. Depending on the depth of your peel, our team may recommend a preparatory skincare regimen in the weeks leading up to treatment. This can help condition the skin, improve healing and reduce the risk of complications like uneven pigmentation. You'll receive specific instructions during your consultation so there are no surprises.
That depends on the type of peel and your goals. Lighter peels often work best as a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart, building improvement over time. Medium peels may require fewer sessions, and deep peels are generally a one-time treatment. Our team will outline a realistic plan, so you know what to expect from the start.
Over-the-counter peels use lower-concentration formulas that can provide a mild refresh, but they're limited in what they can do. Professional peels performed in a clinical setting use stronger solutions at carefully controlled depths, which means more visible results for concerns like sun damage, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. Just as important, a professional peel is supervised and customized. Our team evaluates your skin beforehand, selects the right formulation and monitors your skin throughout the treatment and healing process.
Request Your Consultation
Chemical peels can give your skin a healthy glow by getting rid of the damaged outer layer that makes it look dull and tired. At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian May and his team take their time to evaluate you and recommend the right treatment. If you are considering chemical peels in Charlotte, NC, get in touch with us at 704-200-2493 or book a consultation online.
Let's Connect
We are here to help. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to schedule, our team is here to answer your questions about procedures, recovery, and next steps — and to personally guide you every step of the way.