Can I receive chemical peels and just avoid my upper lip due to a philtrum piercing, or is it going to be too much of an issue?

I would see no problem performing a chemical peel and avoiding the upper lip due to a piercing that you do not want to remove.  The decision ultimately would be between you and the person performing the peel though.  

Hi!  You can definitely ask the professional performing the peel to avoid the philtrum area.  Chemical peels are great for improving pigmentation and texture of skin.  Just as important is to follow a skincare regimen that is will help you achieve your skin goals.  Good luck!Dr. Huo

Avoiding any area when getting a chemical peel is no issue at all.Chemical peels safely remove or exfoliate the top layer of dead skin, allowing new, more youthful, healthy skin to show through. While the skin typically sheds old, dull dead skin cells every 28 days, this process slows down with prolonged sun exposure and aging. Chemical peels cause this natural cell turnover process to speed up, helping to stimulate the growth of new collagen—the skin-firming protein that acts like a scaffold for the skin. The speed or depth of cell turnover is determined by the concentration of the peel and the amount of time it’s left on skin.