Chemical Peel in North Cyprus

Chemical peels are divided into three categories according to the layer of skin they penetrate. Each category involves a different acid, a different recovery timeline and a different risk profile.

• Superficial peel (epidermis): The safest and most widely used form. Glycolic acid (AHA, 20–70%), mandelic, lactic and low-concentration salicylic acid (BHA) fall into this group. It targets the uppermost skin layer. Aims: brightening, radiance in dull skin, mild pigmentation and closed comedone management, minor correction of fine lines. This is a same-day treatment; a course of sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart is required — a single session alone is not expected to deliver the full result.
• Medium-depth peel (papillary dermis): TCA 20–35% and Jessner solution (resorcinol, lactic acid, salicylic acid) fall into this group. It reaches the upper dermis and delivers more pronounced results, with a longer recovery. Aims: atrophic acne scars, moderate sun damage, established static lines, non-melasma hyperpigmentation. Social downtime is 7–10 days. A single session is sufficient for most patients; it can be repeated after 3–6 months if needed.
• Deep peel (reticular dermis): TCA 50%+ and Baker–Gordon phenol fall into this group. It reaches the reticular dermis and delivers dramatic results, but requires cardiac and renal assessment, anaesthesia and sedation. Aims: deep static wrinkles (particularly perioral) and severe sun damage. Deep peels are rarely performed; candidacy is very limited — this is not a treatment suitable for every patient. Recovery takes weeks. At Nis Clinic, deep peels are considered only in appropriate cases and only after a thorough pre-assessment and informed consent process.

Which depth is right for you is determined together at consultation, based on your Fitzpatrick skin type, Glogau photoageing grade, active skin concerns, tolerance for social downtime and your goals. At Nis Clinic, we apply a conservative depth policy: start at the lightest effective depth, then increase gradually if needed. The lot number and expiry date of the solution used are recorded in the patient file at every session.

We offer an initial consultation at our clinic or online via WhatsApp or Zoom. During the assessment we evaluate:

• Fitzpatrick skin type: An internationally recognised scale that classifies skin from 1 to 6 based on its tendency to burn and tan. Types 1–3 (fair to medium skin) tolerate a wider range of depths. Types 4–6 (darker skin) carry a substantially higher risk of hyperpigmentation; this group is treated with gentler acids (mandelic, low-concentration glycolic), a longer preparation period and closer follow-up.
• Glogau photoageing grade: A scale classifying photoageing from 1 to 4. Glogau 1–2 may be addressed with a superficial peel; grades 3–4 may require a medium-depth peel or a combined approach.
• Active skin concerns: Active acne, rosacea, herpetic lesions, skin infection, or an eczema flare will result in the peel being postponed. Patients with a history of recurrent herpes are prescribed prophylactic antivirals.
• Medication history: Isotretinoin use within the last 6 months means the peel is postponed — due to the risk of atrophic scarring. Topical tretinoin is discontinued 1–2 weeks before a peel.
• Goals and tolerance: A patient who says "I don't want visible peeling" and one who says "I want a noticeable result" are directed to different protocols. Your social calendar and tolerance for downtime inform the treatment plan.

At the end of the consultation, the acid, concentration, number of sessions and interval are shared with you in writing. A personalised price range is provided at this stage.

The true outcome of a peel depends on the preparation that begins weeks beforehand. Preparing the skin for a peel both improves the result and reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation.

• Stopping retinoids 2 weeks before: Topical tretinoin, adapalene and strong exfoliants are discontinued; a thinned skin barrier can cause the peel to penetrate deeper than intended.
• Depigmenting pre-preparation: For Fitzpatrick types 3–6 and those with a history of melasma, hydroquinone (2–4%) or an alternative tyrosinase inhibitor (arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid) is started 4–6 weeks in advance. This preparation is the primary precaution against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
• 30-day sun discipline: Applying a peel to bronzed skin significantly increases the risk of pigmentation problems. From 30 days before the treatment, sunbeds, sunbathing and unprotected sun exposure are stopped; SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is applied every day and reapplied every 2–3 hours.
• 6-month isotretinoin rule: Peels are not performed on patients who have used systemic isotretinoin (Accutane, Roaccutane) within the last 6 months; the risk of atrophic scarring and delayed wound healing is recognised by international expert societies.
• Herpes prophylaxis: In patients with a history of recurrent cold sores, prophylactic antivirals (aciclovir or valaciclovir) are prescribed starting 1–2 days before the peel and continuing for 5–7 days afterwards; this is standard protocol for medium and deep peels.

Treatment is not carried out until preparation is complete.

A typical treatment day unfolds as follows:

• Cleansing and protection: The skin is degreased with hydrophilic and lipophilic cleansers; the eye and lip areas are protected with petrolatum.
• Acid application: The planned acid is applied to the face in zones using a sterile brush or gauze — more resilient areas (forehead, cheeks, chin) first, then more sensitive areas (periorbital, nasal sides). A cool-air fan is used to improve patient comfort during medium and deep peels.
• Frosting and endpoint: With TCA and deeper acids, the appearance of a crisp white frost on the skin is the clinical indicator that the acid has reached the target depth. Assessing the degree of frosting is the clinician's most critical task; the decision to neutralise is made at this point.
• Neutralisation: Acids such as glycolic are stopped with a sodium bicarbonate solution. TCA and salicylic acid self-neutralise; the procedure is concluded with cool water.
• Cool compress and soothing: A cool compress is applied to reduce redness and heat, followed by a soothing cream containing panthenol and ceramides.

Total treatment time varies with depth: 15–30 minutes for a superficial peel, 30–60 minutes for medium depth, and several hours including anaesthesia and sedation for a deep peel.

Post-peel recovery discipline is the most critical factor in determining your result. The protocol varies with depth; the shared principles are:

• Moisturisation: Occlusive and emollient moisturisers containing ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and squalane are applied 3–5 times a day. The product regimen is provided to you in writing at the clinic.
• SPF 50+ is essential for a minimum of 30 days: After a peel the skin is highly sensitive to UV; if sun protection is skipped, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is virtually inevitable — and those marks can be more resistant than the ones the peel was targeting in the first place. SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen must be applied every day (regardless of cloud cover) and reapplied every 2–3 hours for at least 30 days, preferably 60–90 days. Physical (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) filters are recommended during the sensitive period.
• Flaking and crusting phase: Mild flaking for 2–3 days after a superficial peel; 5–10 days of more visible crusting after a medium-depth peel — both are normal. Do not pick or pull at crusts — doing so dramatically increases the risk of scarring and pigmentation problems.
• Avoid heat: For the first 7–14 days, saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds, hot showers and intense exercise are avoided.
• Cosmetics and active ingredient restrictions: Light make-up may be worn 24–48 hours after a superficial peel; after a medium peel, cosmetics are stopped for 7–10 days. Retinoids and products containing AHAs or BHAs are not used for at least 4 weeks.
• Session intervals and review: For superficial peels, 4–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart; for medium peels, usually a single session with a repeat at 3–6 months if needed. Review at 2–4 weeks for superficial peels; at days 10–14 and week 6 for medium-depth peels. WhatsApp is always available for any unexpected redness, pigmentation change or other concern.

• Superficial peel (20 and over): Dull skin, uneven skin tone, mild pigmentation, closed comedones, fine lines, oily or combination skin. A course of sessions in the twenties for radiance; regular sessions in the thirties for fine expression lines and mild acne marks. A useful adjunct to dermatological treatment for mild-to-moderate acne management.
• Medium-depth peel (35 and over): Atrophic acne scars, moderate photoageing, established static lines, non-melasma hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores. Fitzpatrick types 1–3 tolerate medium-depth peels more safely; a specialised protocol is required for types 4–6.
• Deep peel (50 and over, limited cases): Deep static wrinkles around the mouth and severe photoageing. This is not a treatment suitable for every patient; candidacy is very limited. Considered in Fitzpatrick types 1–2 who are cardiacally and renally fit, following detailed informed consent. Laser resurfacing is a safer alternative in most cases.
• Combination treatment candidates: A peel may deliver improved outcomes when combined with PRP, mesotherapy and acne scar protocols. Combination planning is personalised at consultation.

In the following situations a peel is not performed, or a specialist assessment is required:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Most peel acids (glycolic, TCA, phenol, retinoid pre-preparation) are contraindicated during this period. Phenol, due to its systemic absorption, is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. At Nis Clinic, we recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding before undergoing a chemical peel.
• Fitzpatrick types 4–6 (darker skin) — hyperpigmentation risk: In darker-skinned patients, melanocytes may over-respond to the inflammation induced by a peel; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can develop, and these marks may be more resistant than the pigmentation that was there before. Our approach for this group: gentler acids (mandelic, low-concentration glycolic), 4–6 weeks of depigmenting pre-preparation, a low-concentration short-contact protocol, and close post-care monitoring. Medium-depth TCA and Jessner are not routinely applied to this group; they may be considered in selected cases only after risk has been discussed openly. Phenol deep peels are not routinely performed in Fitzpatrick types 4–6. "Any peel for anyone" does not hold true for this group.
• Active herpes — risk of herpetic dissemination: A peel applied over an active lesion can cause widespread dissemination across the face; treatment is postponed until the lesion has fully resolved. Prophylactic antivirals are standard for all patients with recurrent herpes (one or more episodes per year).
• Isotretinoin use within the last 6 months (Accutane, Roaccutane): A peel is definitively postponed due to the risk of atrophic scarring and delayed wound healing. A minimum of 6 months is the safety threshold recommended by international expert societies. Topical tretinoin should be discontinued 1–2 weeks before a peel.
• Active skin infection, eczema flare, active rosacea: Treatment is postponed until barrier health is restored, at which point the case is reassessed. Glycolic and TCA acids are avoided in rosacea-prone skin.
• Keloid or hypertrophic scarring tendency: This is a relative contraindication, particularly for medium and deep peels.
• Autoimmune conditions (lupus, active-phase vitiligo): Case-by-case assessment; a specialist referral may be required.
• Body dysmorphic disorder and unrealistic expectations: If there is a pattern of endless revision requests, we decline treatment. A peel will not satisfy this patient — it simply creates the conditions for a new complaint.
• Under 18: Not performed for cosmetic purposes, except in selected cases of acne.

"This is not right for you" is one of the most valuable responses a clinician can give. Alternative treatments or postponement to a more appropriate time are discussed from the outset.

The two most common complications of a peel — hyperpigmentation and scarring — almost always trace back to the same root cause: depth was not matched to skin type, or the preparation phase was skipped. Op. Dr. İbrahim Meyzin is a Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, a full member of the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (CTMA), Registration No. 969. The plastic surgery background is decisive here: wound healing biology, scar control and safe depth selection are all within that discipline.

The conservative depth policy is straightforward: for every patient, begin at the lightest effective depth, assess the result, and increase incrementally if needed. An aggressively deep single session promises an immediately dramatic outcome — but inflates the risk profile disproportionately.

Full doctor profile: Op. Dr. İbrahim Meyzin

In Fitzpatrick 4–6 patients, the complication risk from a peel is clinically higher than in fairer-skinned patients. In many clinics, this group is treated with the same protocol as everyone else, and when PIH develops it is presented as "an expected side effect." Our approach at Nis Clinic is different:

• Skin-type-specific acid selection: For types 4–6, mandelic acid and low-concentration glycolic acid are preferred; TCA, when necessary, is used below the standard concentration.
• Extended depigmenting pre-preparation: For types 3–6, 4–6 weeks of hydroquinone or an alternative tyrosinase inhibitor is never skipped.
• Routine herpes prophylaxis: In patients with a history of recurrent cold sores, prophylactic antivirals are prescribed before medium and deep peels.
• 30-day minimum sun rule: No tanning for 30 days beforehand; SPF 50+ every day for at least 30 days afterwards. Treatment does not proceed without confirmed compliance.
• 6-month isotretinoin rule: Patients who have used isotretinoin within the last 6 months do not receive medium or deep peels.

This discipline is applied with the same rigour for every patient — it is a standardised protocol, not a case-by-case judgement.

Chemical peel prices in Northern Cyprus span a wide range; unusually low prices typically reflect uncertified practitioners, or a structure in which preparation and post-care are billed separately as hidden costs. Nis Clinic pricing is built around transparent, depth- and session-based packages:

Pricing varies according to the acid used, concentration, area treated (face, décolletage, hands), whether preparation products are included in the package, and any combination treatments. All prices are confirmed following your consultation; there are no hidden charges. The superficial package includes 4 sessions, a basic post-care kit and interim reviews. The medium and deep packages include the depigmenting preparation products, prophylactic antiviral prescription (where required), a post-care kit and first-month reviews.

A chemical peel is a same-day treatment and does not require a medical tourism package. Our Kyrenia coastal location is well suited for consultations and superficial applications — though it is worth noting that medium and deep peels require 7–14 days of sun avoidance after treatment. Peels can be combined with PRP and acne scar protocols; mesotherapy between peel sessions supports ongoing skin vitality. For appointments, visit our Book a Consultation and Contact pages.