Chemical Peel: Skin Care | American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Special considerations, risks and recovery

You should understand that all chemical peels will carry some risks and uncertainties. It's usually a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. It happens infrequently, but you could develop an infection or scarring from chemical peels.

For people with certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin. Birth control pills, getting pregnant, or family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.

Recovery Video

If you have suffered from cold sores (herpes) in the past, there is a small risk of reactivation. Be sure to tell your doctor because she may prescribe medication before and immediately after a chemical peel to avoid an outbreak.

Inform your physician if you have a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth) or any unusual scarring tendencies.

Other considerations for each type of peel include:

Light chemical peel

You are likely to experience some redness, stinging, skin crusting and irritation from a light chemical peel. After repeated treatments these side effects will likely subside. Other risks include:

Hyper pigmentation. Your new skin may have too much pigment which will turn to brown blotches in sunlight. Avoid this by always using a high-factor sunscreen.
Infection

Medium chemical peel

chemical peel safety When trichloroacetic acid is used in a medium chemical peel, you'll experience some redness, stinging and skin crusting just like a light chemical peel. And although these chemicals won't bleach your skin, you may see some color changes. You're advised to avoid the sun for several months to protect that fresh new layer of skin. Other risks include:

Hyperpigmentation (when too much pigment occurs, causing brown blotches) may result even if you use sunscreen.
Redness, which occurs in everyone after the peel, may last longer than a few months for some people.
Permanent scarring is another, infrequent, risk.

Deep chemical peel

The chemical used for this kind of peel, phenol, can lighten the skin that's treated. Your skin tone may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. With this kind of peel, your new skin often loses its ability to make pigment, meaning a tan. You will always need to protect your skin from the sun. Phenol also can pose a special risk for people with heart disease. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any heart problems and include it in your medical history. Other risks include:

A red face which can last three to four months.
Cysts or white spots may appear with a deep peel and they can last up to several weeks.
Scarring is an infrequent risk.
Some areas of your skin may lose pigment permanently.
Hyperpigmentation (when too much pigment occurs, causing brown blotches) may result even if you use sunscreen.

A deep chemical peel requires that you have an adequate recovery time. You may return to work and some of your normal activities two weeks after treatment. At that point, your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup.