After a 50% TCA I would expect your whole face to be red, swollen and tender (not just your cheeks). If there is pus or oozing then you need a topical prescription antibiotic such as Bactroban 3 times a day. Most redness and swelling at 5 days is to be expected and can easily be treated with prednisone 20 mg twice a day and a topical steroid cream such as triamcinolone cream 0.1% twice a day.
Blisters and sores around the mouth would indicate a reactivation of your cold sores or fever blisters which would require anti-viral pills but it doesn't sound like you have that. See your doctor and have him evaluate you to see if you need something special. Most people will panic after a stronger peel and really only need reassurance that everything is going according to plan.
After you finish healing, then I would be surprised if you didn't notice a significant difference in your skin. Be patient. Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised in the end and won't give up on chemical peels since they are so important in keeping your skin healthy and young looking.
Sincerely,
David Hansen, MD
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