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Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels are a specialised method of skin rejuvenation that involve the careful, controlled application of a chemical solution to the skin's surface. The solution works by causing controlled exfoliation, which removes the damaged outer layers of skin to reveal a smoother, clearer, and more uniform complexion beneath. Chemical Peels are used to objectively improve various aesthetic concerns, including skin texture, minor fine lines, superficial pigmentation, and congestion. General skin imperfections and ageing are aesthetic concerns; individuals seek professional Chemical Peels for elective cosmetic reasons to enhance skin quality.
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OverviewBenefitsWhat to ExpectPricingMeet the TeamFAQs
Overview

Chemical Peels Adelaide

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment that uses safe, medical-grade acids to exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal the healthier skin underneath. It’s an ideal choice for addressing wrinkles, sun damage, acne, and uneven tone.Chemical Peels are categorised by their depth of penetration (superficial, medium, or deep), which is determined by the specific chemical agent, its concentration, and the application technique. The common mechanisms involve:

Exfoliation: The chemical solution gently dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, promoting controlled shedding.

Cellular Renewal: By removing the top layer of damaged skin, the peel stimulates the basal layer to regenerate and produce new, healthier skin cells.

Dermal Stimulation (Deeper Peels): Medium-depth Chemical Peels penetrate into the dermis to trigger collagen and elastin production, promoting long-term skin remodelling.

The objective of Chemical Peels is to provide a comprehensive, tailored solution for skin renewal, resulting in objective improvements in skin clarity, smoothness, and overall appearance.

The peel is applied to the skin, where it stimulates cellular turnover by removing the outermost layer of dead skin. This triggers collagen production and results in clearer, smoother, and firmer skin. We use the trusted Dermaceutic Cosmo Peel, available in varying strengths to suit different skin types.Chemical Peels are classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure because they involve the application of acidic solutions that intentionally injure the skin to promote shedding. The intensity of this procedure varies greatly, from mild, superficial peels to deep, ablative peels. This treatment is not medically necessary; the decision to undergo Chemical Peels is entirely elective for cosmetic reasons. Risks associated with the treatment include: redness, stinging, temporary swelling, and visible peeling (downtime). Specific risks, particularly with medium or deep Chemical Peels, include: prolonged erythema (redness), infection, blistering, scarring, and temporary or permanent pigment changes (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation). These potential complications and risks are integral to the decision-making process for your Chemical Peels and will be fully detailed during your mandatory consultation.

Perfect for clients experiencing signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, or dull texture. Suitable for all skin types, with different peel concentrations tailored to individual concerns during your consultation.All higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including Chemical Peels (especially medium to deep depth), are performed exclusively by a registered health practitioner, as our practice adheres strictly to the professional standards and guidelines set by the National Boards and Ahpra. This commitment means the practitioner’s primary duty is always to the patient, ensuring all decisions regarding your treatment are based on clinical necessity, not financial gain. Furthermore, every procedure will be performed by a practitioner possessing the appropriate qualifications, education, and competence relevant to the specific treatment being offered. We are obligated to provide you with clear, accurate, and objective information about the treatment, including the potential for complications. Finally, our practitioners are committed to proactively managing any potential conflict between the desire for financial return and their ethical and professional duty to provide the best and safest possible care for every patient.

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Benefits

Benefits of Chemical Peels

1
Objective Improvement in Texture:
Removes dull, dead cells to reveal softer and more refined skin underneath.The procedure is designed to achieve a visible, measured smoothing of the skin’s texture by promoting the shedding of uneven surface cells.
2
Reduction in Superficial Pigmentation:
Helps reduce pigmentation, sunspots, and uneven skin tone for a luminous glow.Chemical Peels aim for an objective fading of sun damage and mild hyperpigmentation through accelerated cell turnover.
3
Clearance of Congestion:
Targets early signs of ageing and helps clear acne-prone skin by unclogging pores.The specialised solutions help to clear clogged pores and reduce the visibility of blemishes, leading to objectively clearer skin.
4
Guided, Structured Recovery Process:
You receive a structured post-procedure care plan and direct practitioner support to manage the recovery phase, which is essential for achieving the most favourable clinical outcome from your Chemical Peels treatment.
The Process

What to Expect

Before the Procedure
Your skin will be assessed in a consultation to determine the appropriate peel strength. Avoid sun exposure, active skincare (like retinols), and waxing a few days prior. Skin may need prepping depending on your skin type and treatment plan.Before any Chemical Peels treatment can proceed, you must attend a mandatory, comprehensive consultation with our registered health practitioner. This initial step is essential to perform a clinical assessment of your skin type, history of previous exfoliation treatments, and any contraindications (such as active infection or recent retinoid use). We will assess your specific concerns and determine the depth of peel appropriate to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan. This is where we have an honest conversation about the achievable outcomes: the treatment aims for objective enhancement and improvement, not guaranteed "flawless" or complete elimination of deep skin issues, as results are individualised. Crucially, the practitioner will provide a clear, detailed explanation of the specific risks and potential complications, and advise you on the realistic potential for temporary side effects like persistent redness or swelling, particularly with medium-depth peels. We will discuss the expected downtime and recovery timeline, ensuring this process is neither minimized nor downplayed. To respect the seriousness of this procedure, you will be offered a suitable cooling-off period before scheduling the Chemical Peels treatment itself, and you will receive preliminary details about the necessary aftercare. This entire thorough process ensures you have all the objective facts needed to make a fully informed and voluntary decision about proceeding.
During the Procedure
Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed before the peel is applied. You may feel a tingling or tightening sensation. Depending on the peel type, it may be left on for several minutes or longer. The skin is monitored until the “frosting” effect is seen, indicating completion.Your Chemical Peels treatment will be administered exclusively by a registered health practitioner committed to our strict clinical protocols and ethical standards. Our focus is entirely on maintaining the highest clinical and safety standards throughout the session. Immediately before we begin, your practitioner will perform a final check-in to re-confirm your informed consent and answer any last-minute questions, respecting the serious nature of the treatment. We will not use minimizing words like 'easy' or 'quick' because we acknowledge this is a formal medical procedure. The specialized chemical solution is applied precisely and timed accurately, with the practitioner constantly monitoring the skin's response (e.g., degree of frosting) before neutralizing the agent, while adhering to rigorous safety guidelines. Your immediate comfort is paramount, and the practitioner will communicate clearly with you during the procedure, letting you know what to expect at each stage (often described as heat or stinging). The duration of the session is based on clinical necessity for a safe and effective result, and we never rush the process. Ultimately, our practitioners' attention is solely on your clinical care, uninfluenced by any commercial or financial pressures.
After the Procedure
Expect mild redness, tightness, and peeling over several days. Avoid sun exposure, active ingredients, and excessive heat. Use gentle, hydrating skincare and high-SPF sunscreen. Full results are typically seen once flaking stops—usually within a week.Immediately upon completion, the practitioner will apply appropriate post-treatment calming products and provide specific instructions for immediate care. You will be given comprehensive, written aftercare instructions detailing how to manage the treated area over the coming days and weeks. It is important to have realistic expectations for recovery: expect a period of downtime (the duration depends on the peel depth) where the treated skin may show temporary signs like redness, swelling, tightness, and visible peeling or flaking—this is a normal and necessary part of the healing process. Adhering strictly to the recovery protocols, including rigorous sun protection, is crucial to ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications, especially pigmentation changes. We will schedule your necessary follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and plan any subsequent Chemical Peels. In the event you experience any unexpected complications or serious side effects (such as signs of infection or unusual prolonged reaction), you must contact us immediately; you will be provided with a direct, accessible contact number for your treating practitioner or the clinic to ensure prompt follow-up care is available.
Pricing

Transparent Pricing Information

We are committed to providing clear and transparent pricing for our services. The final cost of any procedure is determined by your individual clinical requirements and will be provided to you following a mandatory consultation and assessment.
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Consultation
Starting From
$100
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Gift Cards

Show Someone You Care

Looking for a thoughtful present? Our gift vouchers allow you to contribute towards the cost of a consultation or treatment for someone special. A gift voucher from Advanced Cosmetic Medicine provides the recipient with the flexibility to choose from our wide range of non-surgical treatments.
Purchase in-clinic or get in touch to arrange one remotely — we’ll help you personalise the perfect gift.
Meet the Team

Who We Are

Advanced Cosmetic Medicine and Laser Clinic (ACM) is a private aesthetic medicine practice located in Adelaide.

Our Clinicians
Dr. Rahma Targett
Registered Medical Practitioner (General Registration)
MED000567890

Dr. Targett is the founder of ACM and is committed to providing responsible cosmetic care.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re curious about what to expect during a consultation, the techniques we use, or the recovery process, our FAQs are designed to provide you with the essential information you need.
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Chemical Peels are classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure because they involve the controlled application of chemical agents that intentionally cause injury and shedding of skin layers. This carries potential risks, including chemical burns, infection, blistering, scarring, and temporary or permanent pigmentation changes. Due to these potential complications, the procedure requires assessment and administration by a registered health practitioner, as mandated by Ahpra guidelines.

No, we cannot guarantee a “flawless” or “perfect” result. Ahpra guidelines prohibit us from creating unreasonable expectations regarding outcomes. Chemical Peels aim for an objective improvement in the appearance of fine lines and skin texture. Your clinical results depend on individual factors, the depth of the peel chosen, and your body’s healing response. The final, realistic outcome will be discussed thoroughly during your mandatory consultation.

Yes, you should realistically expect a period of recovery or downtime. The amount depends on the peel depth: mild redness for superficial peels, or significant peeling, swelling, and redness for deeper Chemical Peels. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to manage your recovery, which is a crucial part of the process and must not be minimized as a “quick” or “easy” fix.

Yes, a comprehensive consultation is essential and mandatory. It allows our registered health practitioner to confirm your suitability, assess your skin, and discuss all potential risks and realistic expectations for Chemical Peels. Following the consultation for this higher risk cosmetic procedure, we are obligated to offer a sufficient cooling-off period before you can consent to the actual treatment, ensuring you have adequate time to make a fully informed decision.

We prioritize your post-procedure safety. If you experience unexpected side effects or complications (such as signs of infection, persistent severe pain, or abnormal blistering), you must contact us immediately; you will be provided with a direct, accessible contact number for your treating practitioner or the clinic. Immediate follow-up and management of complications are part of our commitment to your clinical care and professional duty of care.