How Much Does A Chemical Peel Cost?

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

What is the average cost of a chemical peel?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a chemical peel in 2020 was $519, however, there are numerous possible expenses (details below!) to consider when booking a cosmetic procedure.

• Average Cost of a Chemical Peel: $644
• Price Range for a Chemical Peel: $200 - $6,000

Candidates considering a chemical peel will find it helpful to familiarize themselves with the myriad factors that affect the total cost of this facial rejuvenation procedure.

Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a Chemical Peel

What are the different types of chemical peels?

Before we start deep diving the numbers, let’s do a quick review of the various types of chemical peels. Peels are labeled according to the depth the chemical solution penetrates into the skin layers (epidermis and dermis). Superficial chemical peels (or light chemical peels) affect the epidermis (top outer layer), medium-depth peels penetrate into the upper layers of the dermis (second layer), and deep peels make their way well into the dermis layer. All peels remove damaged skin cells and promote new growth.

Superficial and medium peels can be done multiple times over an individual’s lifetime, and typically have some minor stinging, swelling, redness, and peeling. Deep peels, meanwhile, are typically done only once. Deeper peels have the most significant results with considerable side effects and downtime. Individuals with active cold sores (herpes), significantly sun damaged skin, or other skin conditions may not be good candidates for a chemical peel.

What affects the cost of a chemical peel?

Let’s look further into the variables from the first table. Friendly reminder, we’re providing estimates only throughout this guide. Provider consultations will always create the most accurate assessment of a chemical peel cost.

That being said, the following can give you an idea of the questions to ask and factors to consider when going into a consultation:

• Procedure Type: Superficial, medium, and deep peels will have varying costs depending on their intensity.
• Provider: A more experienced, board certified cosmetic provider or specialized dermatologist typically charges more for their expertise.
• Location: The 2020 ASPS Report shows procedure occurrences by region. The coasts accounted for a majority of all chemical peels performed in the United States. Given the high volume of procedures, candidates can expect costs to be higher on the coasts.
• Recovery: Chemical peel recovery will vary considerably by procedure type. Recovery time may include prescriptions, recovery garments, follow ups, and missed work.

The most appropriate chemical peel for a candidate will be dependent on their individual needs. The table below provides an overview specific to each chemical peel type.

Type of Chemical Peel and the Impact on Cost

What does the cost of a chemical peel include?

Are you wondering what you’re actually paying for when you swipe your card for a chemical peel? Each of the factors we listed in our first table have their own costs. The cost of the chemical peel itself will also have fees for the provider’s time, the facility’s procedure room and supplies, and any recovery supplies provided added to the total price.

A chemical peel, depending on the type, may also require multiple sessions to achieve the desired aesthetic. All costs we quote on this page are single session costs so for those considering regular treatments or multiple initial treatments, costs will be higher.

How much does a chemical peel cost?

And now it’s time for some real numbers. This table shows cost range estimates by specific chemical peel. These estimates include all of the variables we discussed except your personal expenses. The ranges are, yes, wide-ranging, but they highlight what peels are more costly in general.

Average Chemical Peel Cost by Procedure Type

How much does a chemical peel cost across the United States?

It’s all about location! As we mentioned, the 2020 ASPS Report shows a majority of all chemical peels occurred on the coasts. The data from the table reflects a generalized estimate for all skin resurfacing procedures — including dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

The table below breaks down chemical peel costs by state. The numbers in this table are from zip codes selected from the capital of each listed state.

Average Chemical Peel Cost by State

*these states are presented as national averages as specific information is not available

How much does a chemical peel cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing a chemical peel abroad, the following table compares average prices in a few select countries. PSA: add in travel expenses, research the reputation of the provider and facility, and factor in the additional costs related to recovery when comparing costs. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.

Average Chemical Peel Cost by Country in USD

Does insurance [cover the cost of a chemical peel?

So, does insurance pay for a chemical peel? Short answer: No. The longer answer requires you to read some definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA):

• Cosmetic Surgery: Reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Alterations to abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.

Basically, reconstructive surgeries and procedures might be covered by insurance, while cosmetic procedures will not be. Obviously, since chemical peels do not provide a functional result, they will not be covered.