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Chemical
Peels
Chemical Peels
Improved skin texture and tone can be yours with a chemical peel. Our office provides a number of chemical peels that can reverse the skin changes from aging, sun damage, environmental toxins, and other factors.
If you want minimal risk and downtime, light to medium depth peels can provide a nice improvement. These peels can be a great choice for people with busy lifestyles or only minor skin damage. Realize that if a peel isn’t as deep, it also can’t be expected to produce the most dramatic results.
We also offer medium and deep chemical peels to reverse more advanced signs of aging including pigment and texture changes to the skin. Deeper peels will also tend to stimulate the body to form new collagen, which improves the fullness and smoothness of the skin.
Are You a Candidate?
Chemical peels are appropriate for men and women with moderate to severe skin imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture as a result of sun exposure and aging skin.
During your consultation, one of our licensed estheticians will evaluate your skin condition and recommend the appropriate peel based on your needs.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
About Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are typically performed as an office procedure. In some cases, oral or intravenous sedation is used when performing the deeper peels. The procedure usually takes less than one hour and you go home afterwards.
You will be given detailed instructions on how to take care of your skin after the procedure. Swelling, peeling and crusting of the skin is normal for 5 to 10 days after the peel. Proper skin care during this healing process is essential to prevent scarring and maximize the quality of results.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
Before and After Photos
What to Expect
The first step in a chemical peel is scheduling a consultation. We’ll perform a physical exam and thoroughly discuss your goals. Your complete treatment is expected to take up to 60 minutes, which includes time to address any questions you may have about the procedure and what to expect during your post-peel care.
During your procedure, you may feel a tingling or a slight burning sensation. In some cases, oral or intravenous sedation is used when performing the deeper peels. Your anticipated recovery will depend on the depth of your peel. Swelling, peeling, crusting, and redness of the skin is normal for up to 10 days after your peel. The extent of peeling or redness varies from patient to patient. Peeling can range from mild flaking to peeling in sheets. Your face may appear redder than usual after your treatment but completely resolves after the peeling is complete.
Proper skin care during this healing process is essential to prevent scarring and maximize the quality of results. Protecting your skin afterward is extremely important. Lack of sunscreen and protection from the sun can result in permanent pigment changes and irritation of the skin.
Risks and Complications
The risks associated with a chemical peel include skin pigmentation changes (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation), prolonged redness, scarring, and infections. Patients who are prone to cold sores should notify our treatment team, since a chemical peel can activate the virus causing these and create problematic infections of the areas treated. We will go over all the risks and benefits with you before your procedure so you’re fully informed about what to expect.
Your New Look
Treated patients will notice an improvement of overall skin condition, smoothness of fine lines and wrinkles, improvement of skin texture, clarity, and a more even skin color.
To maintain optimal results from your chemical peel treatment, we recommend the use of peels in conjunction with a SkinMedica® daily product regimen.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: October 14th, 2025
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