Medical-Grade Chemical Peels

Unveil your freshest layer—our medical-grade chemical peel renews skin's glow faster than a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge.

woman lifting her head up and touching her neck

Medical-Grade Chemical Peels: Deep Exfoliation at Southern Surgical Arts' Flagship Medspa

Sun, humidity, and long weekends on the Tennessee River can leave once-luminous skin looking dull, spotted, or rough. Southern Surgical Arts—home to Chattanooga's only physician-led luxury medspa—offers customized chemical peels that dissolve dead cells, lift discoloration, and reboot collagen so your complexion shines as brightly as our Scenic City skyline. Whether your goal is to smooth fine lines, fade acne marks, or reclaim an all-over radiance, our licensed aestheticians tailor each formula to your skin type, tone, and schedule. Book your complimentary chemical peel consult today and find out how little downtime stands between you and a camera-ready glow.

What Are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a controlled facial resurfacing treatment that applies an acid solution to the outermost layers of skin. The solution loosens the “glue” holding dead cells, pigment clusters, and oil buildup in place; within days, that damaged layer sheds to reveal new, healthier tissue beneath. At our medspa, we offer a spectrum of peel depths—from gentle lactic-acid brighteners to corrective blends powerful enough to soften wrinkles and acne scars. Because the process triggers your body's wound-healing cascade, fresh collagen and elastin also appear, delivering smoother texture and long-term firmness long after the initial flake-off ends.

Schedule Your Consultation

Benefits of a Chemical Peel

A single, precisely calibrated treatment can deliver a cascade of complexion-saving benefits:

Restores youthful sheen

by removing the dull, keratinized layer that scatters light.

Softens fine lines

etched by sun exposure or repetitive expressions.

Fades stubborn discoloration,

including sunspots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Clears congested pores

to reduce breakouts and shrink pore appearance.

Improves acne scars

by stimulating collagen and re-texturizing pitted areas.

Balances uneven tone

for a uniformly bright complexion that needs less makeup.

Quick lunchtime procedure

—mild peels take about 20 minutes with little social downtime.

Custom-blended formulas

let us target specific concerns without over-exfoliating sensitive areas.

Boosts skincare absorption

so serums and SPF work harder post-treatment.

Confidence refresh

that often inspires lighter makeup and bolder selfies.

Patient Testimonials

Ideal Candidates for a Chemical Peel

Great candidates include healthy adults noticing dryness, rough texture, age spots, acne blemishes, or a general loss of radiance. You should have realistic expectations and commit to sun protection after your peel. Those with active cold sores, a recent isotretinoin course, or a history of hypertrophic scarring may need alternative treatments. Pregnant patients should delay peeling until after delivery.

“Dr. Deal is absolutely incredible! He never pressures you into unnecessary add-ons, and the results speak for themselves—truly outstanding.

Among the entire staff, Mindy at the front desk stands out in the best way. She made me feel completely at ease before my surgery, taking the time to sit with me, explain everything, and help calm my nerves. Her warm and reassuring presence is a true asset to the office. She has a natural ability to make people feel confident and comfortable, which is exactly what you want in a cosmetic surgery setting.”

Baylee Yarbrough

Why Choose Southern Surgical Arts for a Chemical Peel?

Every peel plan is crafted in partnership with our board-certified cosmetic surgeons, executed by licensed medical aestheticians, and performed inside a fully accredited medspa. We combine hospital-grade safety with spa-level pampering, ensuring the perfect balance of efficacy and comfort.

Your Complimentary Consultation

We begin with VISIA® imaging to analyze sun damage, bacteria, and vascular issues invisible to the naked eye. Next, an aesthetician reviews your skincare routine, lifestyle, and upcoming events to recommend the ideal peel depth and series schedule. Transparent pricing, pre-care tips, and after-care products are discussed so you feel 100 % prepared.

Healthy Preparation

Two weeks before: minimize sun, wear SPF 50, and pause self-tanners.

One week before: discontinue at-home acids, retinoids, or abrasive scrubs.

Stay well-hydrated and arrive makeup-free on treatment day.

Meet Our Highly-Skilled Surgeons

Dr. Vincent Gardner

Dr. Gardner earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency in Chattanooga, TN. He later completed a fellowship in facial and body cosmetic surgery with Southern Surgical Arts and now specializes in post-weight-loss body contouring and comprehensive cosmetic procedures.

Fellowship-trained in facial and body cosmetic surgery (SSA)
General Surgery Residency – Chattanooga, TN,
MD – University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Meet Dr. Gardner

Dr. Vincent Gardner

Dr. Andrew Ray

Dr. Ray completed his general surgery residency at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital in Michigan and pursued a cosmetic surgery fellowship with Southern Surgical Arts. He is active in several national surgical organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

Fellowship-trained in cosmetic surgery (SSA)
Active member: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Active member: American College of Osteopathic Surgeons

Meet Dr. Ray

Dr. Andrew Ray

Dr. Kyle Summers

Dr. Summers is triple board-eligible in general surgery, cosmetic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery. He completed his residency in general surgery at South TN and completed a cosmetic surgery fellowship with Southern Surgical Arts. His prior experience includes trauma and acute care surgery before transitioning to elective aesthetic procedures.

Triple board eligible: General Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery
General Surgery Residency – East Tennessee State University
Fellowship-trained in cosmetic surgery (SSA)

Meet Dr. Summers

Dr. Kyle Summers

Dr. Daniel Barker

Dr. Barker earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Virginia. He completed facial plastics training in both VA and UCLA and practiced as a facial plastic surgeon in New York City before joining Southern Surgical Arts. His clinical focus includes surgical and non-surgical facial procedures.

Facial Plastics training – UVA and UCLA
MD and General Surgery Residency – University of Virginia
Former facial plastic surgeon – New York City

Meet Dr. Barker

Dr. Daniel Barker

Dr. Jerimiah Mason

Dr. Mason completed his general surgery residency in Birmingham, AL and practiced as a general surgeon in Asheville, NC before transitioning to cosmetic surgery. He completed a facial and body cosmetic surgery fellowship with Southern Surgical Arts and now performs a range of elective aesthetic procedures and male modifications.

Fellowship-trained in facial and body cosmetic surgery (SSA)
General Surgery Residency – Birmingham, AL
Former general surgeon – Asheville, NC

Meet Dr. Mason

Dr. Jerimiah Mason

Types of Chemical Peels We Offer

Skin-Brightening Peel

A gentle blend of lactic, mandelic, and citric acids boosts glow for those new to peels or prepping for an event.

Jessner's Peel

Our medium-depth workhorse combines salicylic, lactic, and resorcinol to combat acne, oil, and sun damage—ideal for combination skin.

TCA Refining Peel

Trichloroacetic acid at customized strengths tackles pigment irregularities, fine lines, and rough texture with moderate downtime.

Custom Cocktail Peel

For complex concerns, we mix glycolic, kojic, and salicylic acids plus brighteners like hydroquinone for a one-of-a-kind solution.

What to Expect After Treatment

Immediately post-peel your skin may appear pink or frosted white (with deeper peels). Light flaking typically starts on day two or three and subsides by day seven. Use only gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and broad-spectrum sunscreen; avoid picking or aggressive exfoliation to prevent scarring or pigmentation.

Outstanding Results

A course of three to six peels spaced three to six weeks apart yields maximum clarity and smoothness. Many patients notice brighter skin within the first week—and continued collagen improvement for months. Mild treatments slot easily into a lunch hour, while medium peels may require planning around two to four days of visible peeling.

man smiling in mirror and touching his cheeks

Chemical Peels Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a chemical peel cost in Chattanooga?

Pricing varies by peel depth and series length; your aesthetician provides a detailed quote and financing options at consultation.

Can deeper peels treat deeper wrinkles?

Medium TCA formulations soften fine creases; pronounced wrinkles may require laser resurfacing or surgical tightening, both available at SSA.

Is a peel safe for darker skin tones?

Yes—when performed by experienced providers using pigment-safe acids and correct pre/post-care, peels can safely brighten Fitzpatrick IV-V complexions.