Locations in Chicago & Glenview, IL

A Medium Chemical Peel May Be Right for You
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

Medically reviewed for accuracy.

Are acne scars, fine lines, and an uneven skin tone bothering you? A medium chemical peel can address all of these common aesthetic issues and leave your skin looking younger, refreshed, and vibrant.

Chemical peels are perfect for exfoliating different layers of the skin and stimulating the growth of new and healthy skin cells. While the old skin peels away, the new skin cells bring back the lost glow and youthfulness.

What Is A Medium Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are applied on the skin to remove acne scars, spots, and fine lines and also helps to rejuvenate the look and feel of the skin. The peels contain acids as the active ingredient and when applied on the skin and peeled off, acts as an exfoliating agent. Dead and damaged old skin cells are removed along with the peel, leaving behind a layer of refreshed skin that is free from those unsightly blemishes.

There are different types of chemical peels and your dermatologist will recommend the right treatment based on your skin type and the extent of the damage shown by your skin.

A light or superficial peel usually contains a gentle acid like alpha-hydroxy acid that can enter the outer skin layer to exfoliate it. The mild peel is used to correct discoloration or uneven tone on the face, hands, neck, or chest.

A deep peel contains stronger chemicals such as phenol or trichloroacetic acid which penetrates deep into the middle skin layer. Damaged skin cells, age spots, moderate lines, and freckles on the face can be removed with the deep peel.

As these peels contain the strongest chemicals, it can take anywhere between 14 to 21 days for the skin to heal after the deep peel treatment. This particular treatment is also best suited for treating facial skin as opposed to other areas of the body.

Medium chemical peels contain a chemical called trichloroacetic acid or TCA as the active ingredient. People treated with medium peels experience dramatic and pleasing results as compared to light peels. The other advantage with medium peels is that the recovery time is shorter. The skin heals within two weeks, but patients should still keep themselves protected with sunscreen.

The Medium Chemical Peel Procedure

A medium chemical peel treatment takes just minutes to complete and patients can usually return to their normal activities right away. Your dermatologist will conduct a thorough skin evaluation before recommending the number of sessions required for your skin.

At the initial visit, your medical and medication history is also reviewed by your doctor. The treatment area is cleaned thoroughly before applying the medium chemical peel. The chemical solution is then applied and left on for few minutes while it works its magic. It is then removed with a neutralizing cool saline solution. A cold compress may be applied to minimize any stinging sensation.

What Kind of Results do Chemical Peels Produce

You can see dramatic and pleasing results on your skin within a week after the treatment. Within two weeks, you will see a drastic improvement in your facial skin quality as it heals completely. Not only will your skin be free of unsightly blemishes like sun spots, scars, and wrinkles, it will also appear more vibrant and youthful than it did before.

Your dermatologist will advise you on the steps you need to take in order to properly care for your new and improved skin after the medium chemical peel treatment. Using a broad spectrum sunblock and wearing a hat when you have to step out are highly recommended.

Contact Our Office

If you would like to learn more about chemical peels, please contact Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa Chicago’s Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center to schedule an appointment with John D. Rachel, MD, FACS today!

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

Excellent4.8267 reviews
4.8
Excellent267 reviews
Sara Glover profile picture
Sara Glover
October 24, 2026
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I visited Carol for treatment on my forehead using dysport. Carol was kind & quick, making sure my experience was comfortable! It was my first time receiving any form of injectables & Carol was able to ease my mind by answering all of my questions with patience & pure knowledge! Carol has years of experience & im so grateful she was my injector! I recommend everyone be treated by Carol for injectables!
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Nathaly Acuna
October 21, 2026
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Everyone from the Doctors to staff, are amazingly professional and so sweet! Dr. Rachael’s knowledge and bedside manner make you feel so comfortable and at ease. I can’t recommend them enough!
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Monica Correa
October 19, 2026
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I really liked how the staff treated me. Everyone was very kind and professional, and they made me feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the entire experience.
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Barbara Kuczma
October 14, 2026
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Dr. John Rachel and his staff were wonderful to me. Made sure I was comfortable and kept me informed on everything they were going to do before, during and after my procedure. I will highly recommend Dr. John Rachel and his wonderful staff. Thank You, Barbara Kuczma
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Stamata “Tami” Georgas
October 8, 2026
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Exceptional Talent, Timeless Results, and Unmatched Expertise! When it comes to aesthetics, excellence is everything, and I can confidently say that Carol is truly in a league of her own. Her expertise, artistry, and meticulous attention to detail are simply unparalleled. She has an extraordinary ability to enhance natural beauty while maintaining elegance, balance, and sophistication. Her results are consistently flawless, refreshed, and beautifully understated — the true definition of timeless beauty. What makes Carol exceptional is not only her remarkable skill but also her integrity, professionalism, and genuine dedication to her clients. She understands that the finest aesthetic work is never obvious; it is effortlessly beautiful. Two decades of loyalty speak for themselves. I trust her implicitly and would never consider putting my face in anyone else’s hands. She is the epitome of excellence in aesthetic medicine, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. An absolute five-star experience, every single time!
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Danielle
October 7, 2026
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**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review** Stephanie was amazing! She did my laser hair removal treatment and made the entire experience so comfortable and easy. She was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all of my questions, which really put me at ease. The service was efficient, and I could tell she genuinely cared about providing great results and excellent customer care. I’m so happy with my experience and will definitely be coming back for future treatments. Highly recommend Stephanie to anyone considering laser hair removal!
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TG
October 7, 2026
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I have been coming to Carol for over 20 years, and that longevity truly speaks for itself. I continue to see her because she is incredibly educated, highly skilled, and genuinely listens to what you want and need. She takes the time to understand your goals and creates a plan that enhances your natural features in a way that feels authentic and balanced. Her work is beautiful, and refined. The results are always natural and confidence boosting. Beyond her talent, I trust her completely. After two decades, I can confidently say she is consistent, professional, and truly cares about her patients. If you're looking for perfection, Carol is definitely the person you should see! Highly recommended!
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Sam
October 2, 2026
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Alison and Tom are the best. They have a tailored approach and explain what and why they recommend treatments. I’m so excited to be working with them as I head into my bridal era - I know I will look my best with their help. 100000/10 recommend to everyone but especially brides 😃
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Neha Patel
September 22, 2026
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New update: I had a wonderful experience with Carol. She was professional, knowledgeable and paid attention to every detail to clearly explain my skin concerns. I’ll definitely be coming back! The moment I walked into the clinic I felt a happy, welcomed and professional setting. I had my Sofwave treatment with Alison Falada, Master Esthetician and Laser Specialist. She was nothing short of amazing! She was personable, knowledgeable, skilled and detailed throughout the entire experience. She took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process, addressed all of my my questions and concerns. Alison is an expert and provided great quality service! I love my results and can't wait to book my next appointment with her!
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Chris C
September 20, 2026
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Carol has been doing my Botox for the last few years. She is kind, easy to talk to, makes herself available and approachable! Always feel at ease when I come see her and she does great work, goes by so fast, we are always done before I even know it. Highly recommend visiting her.

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About Us

Enhance your natural beauty with personalized skin, body, and wellness treatments from Chicago’s trusted med spa, led by Dr. John D. Rachel.