Chemical Peels and Dermaplaning in Rapid City, SD
At LiveWell Medical Aesthetics in Rapid City, SD, chemical peels and dermaplaning are performed by Meghan Barajas, our licensed medical aesthetician, who holds professional certifications in both treatments. Medical-grade peels and manual exfoliation go significantly beyond what a standard day spa offers: the products are stronger, the technique is clinical, and the results are more consistent and more lasting.
Chemical peels and dermaplaning can be booked as standalone treatments or combined in a single visit. They are also frequently paired with microneedling, DiamondGlow, and other skin treatments for a more comprehensive protocol. Your provider will recommend the right combination based on your skin type and goals at your consultation.
Chemical Peels at LiveWell
A chemical peel uses a professional-grade acid solution applied to the skin to exfoliate the outermost layers, accelerate cell turnover, and stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers. The depth of the peel; light, medium, or deep; determines which concerns it addresses and how much recovery time is involved.
Chemical peels at LiveWell treat:
- Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Exfoliating the layers where pigment deposits accumulate reduces active breakouts and the dark marks left behind.
- Melasma and sun damage. Targeted acids disrupt the pigment-producing cells responsible for brown spots and uneven skin tone.
- Fine lines and early skin laxity. Collagen stimulation from medium-depth peels gradually improves skin texture and firmness over several weeks.
- Dull or uneven skin texture. Even a light peel produces an immediate brightness and smoothness that is visible the same day.
VI Peels at LiveWell
LiveWell offers VI Peels; a line of professional-grade medical peels formulated with a blend of TCA (trichloroacetic acid), salicylic acid, phenol, vitamin C, and other active ingredients. VI Peels are designed to be effective across all skin tones and are known for providing visible improvement with less discomfort and shorter recovery than traditional TCA peels of equivalent depth.
VI Peel formulations include options targeted at specific concerns:
VI Peel Peptide. The foundational VI Peel formula for general skin rejuvenation, fine lines, and texture improvement. Entry-level peel, appropriate for most skin types and first-time peel patients.
VI Peel Precision. Enhanced formula for patients with acne, enlarged pores, and oily skin. Includes salicylic acid to penetrate pores and reduce active breakouts.
VI Peel Precision Plus. Targeted at hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage. Includes a booster for pigment-specific correction and is appropriate for all Fitzpatrick skin types.
VI Peel Advanced. The deepest of the VI Peel formulas, addressing more significant aging concerns including deep lines, skin laxity, and pronounced photodamage.
All VI Peels are applied in-clinic by Meghan and include a post-peel kit for at-home use during the recovery period. Your provider will recommend the right formula at your consultation based on your skin type, Fitzpatrick score, and treatment goals.
Dermaplaning at LiveWell
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique using a medical-grade blade to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. The treatment is painless for most patients; a slight scraping sensation is normal; and produces an immediate smoothing and brightening effect.
Unlike chemical peels, dermaplaning requires no downtime and no pre-treatment skin preparation. It is compatible with most skin types, including sensitive skin that cannot tolerate acid peels. The removal of peach fuzz also allows skincare products and makeup to sit more evenly on the skin, producing a noticeably smoother application.
Results last approximately 3 to 4 weeks as new vellus hair grows back. The hair that regrows is the same texture and color as before treatment; dermaplaning does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker, a common misconception about this treatment.
Procedure, aftercare and results
During a chemical peel at LiveWell Medical Aesthetics, a safe, professional-grade solution is applied to your skin to exfoliate the outermost layers. Depending on your skin’s condition and goals, the intensity of the peel may vary, from a light peel that provides gentle exfoliation to a deeper peel that targets more severe concerns. Dermaplaning is a gentle, manual exfoliation process where a medical-grade blade is used to remove dead skin cells and fine hair (peach fuzz) from the surface, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. The treatments are typically painless, though some patients may feel a slight tingling sensation during a chemical peel.
After your treatment, it’s essential to follow the aftercare guidelines provided by your LiveWell Medical Aesthetics practitioner. For chemical peels, you may experience mild redness and peeling for a few days, which is normal and signals the renewal process. Dermaplaning requires minimal downtime, though your skin may be slightly sensitive and should be protected from sun exposure. Keep your skin moisturized, avoid direct sunlight, and use a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your newly revealed skin. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have during the recovery period.
Results from both treatments are often visible immediately, with optimal improvements appearing over the following days as the skin heals and regenerates. While dermaplaning results typically last about 3–4 weeks, chemical peel longevity varies based on the depth of the peel—light peels last a few weeks, medium peels can last several months, and deep peels offer longer-lasting results. Regular maintenance sessions and proper at-home skincare can help extend the benefits of both treatments.
Your Provider
Chemical peels and dermaplaning at LiveWell Medical Aesthetics are performed by Meghan Barajas, our licensed medical aesthetician. Meghan has held her aesthetics license since October 2009 and holds professional certifications in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and advanced acne treatment. She brings a personalized approach to every skin concern and works within LiveWell’s clinical environment under the oversight of Courtney Vesely, FNP-C. Learn more about Meghan and the LiveWell team.
Serving Rapid City and the Black Hills
LiveWell Medical Aesthetics offers medical-grade chemical peels and dermaplaning for patients in Rapid City and across the Black Hills region, including Spearfish, Sturgis, Deadwood, and Box Elder. We also welcome patients from Powell, WY and other Wyoming communities in the region. Medical-grade peels are not widely available in smaller communities; LiveWell offers formulations and clinical expertise that go beyond what a standard day spa or facial provider can provide. See our Black Hills regional page for more on scheduling from out of town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chemical peels use acid solutions to exfoliate the skin at a cellular level, triggering cell turnover and collagen stimulation. Dermaplaning uses a medical-grade blade to manually remove dead skin cells and vellus hair from the surface. Chemical peels address deeper concerns like pigmentation, acne scarring, and early lines. Dermaplaning produces immediate smoothness and brightness with no downtime and is gentler for patients with sensitive skin. Both treatments can be combined in a single visit for stronger results.
A VI Peel is a professional-grade medical peel formulated with a blend of TCA, salicylic acid, phenol, vitamin C, and retinoic acid. VI Peels are designed to be effective across all skin tones and ethnicities, and are known for providing visible improvement with less discomfort than traditional TCA peels of similar depth. LiveWell offers multiple VI Peel formulas targeting different concerns, including the VI Peel Peptide (general rejuvenation), Precision (acne and oily skin), Precision Plus (hyperpigmentation and melasma), and Advanced (deeper aging concerns).
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about dermaplaning. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair (fine, soft peach fuzz), not terminal hair. When it regrows; typically over 3 to 4 weeks; it returns exactly as it was: the same texture, the same color, and the same thickness. The appearance of thicker regrowth is a visual effect caused by the blunt cut at the surface level, not an actual change in the hair.
It depends on the depth of the peel. Light peels (like a gentle glycolic or lactic acid peel) produce minimal peeling and redness that typically resolve within a day or two. Medium-depth peels like the VI Peel series produce more noticeable peeling over 5 to 7 days. The skin will shed, which is the sign that the treatment is working. Deep peels have a more significant recovery period and are discussed separately at your consultation. Your provider will explain exactly what to expect for your specific peel at your appointment.
In many cases, yes; chemical peels are actually one of the most effective treatments for active acne and acne scarring. The VI Peel Precision formula is specifically designed for oily, acne-prone skin. However, there are some contraindications depending on current skincare medications (particularly isotretinoin / Accutane), so it is important to disclose your full skincare regimen and any prescription medications at your consultation. Your provider will confirm whether a peel is appropriate at that time.
Dermaplaning is typically recommended every 3 to 4 weeks, which aligns with the skin’s natural cell turnover cycle. Light chemical peels can be repeated on a similar schedule for maintenance. Medium-depth peels like the VI Peel are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for a series, or performed 2 to 4 times per year for ongoing skin health. Your provider will recommend the right cadence for your skin type and goals.
LiveWell Medical Aesthetics in Rapid City, SD offers medical-grade chemical peels including VI Peels and dermaplaning performed by our licensed medical aesthetician, Meghan Barajas. We regularly serve patients from Powell and surrounding Wyoming communities. Learn more on our Black Hills regional page, or contact us to schedule a consultation.
Related Treatments
- DiamondGlow; 3-in-1 exfoliation, extraction, and SkinMedica serum infusion for immediate radiance with zero downtime.
- DMK Enzyme Treatment; Enzyme therapy that works with the skin’s own chemistry to oxygenate, firm, and refine.
- Microneedling; Collagen-induction therapy for texture, tone, and acne scarring. Frequently combined with chemical peels for comprehensive skin improvement.
- Osmosis Infusion Facial; Customized restorative facial using Osmosis Skincare formulations. Ideal for sensitive and reactive skin.
