Botched Chemical Peel Job

asked 3 years ago by beautyconscious in Singapore
Latest answer by Kirk A. Churukian, MD
Question viewed 4,956 times
Tags: burn, hyperpigmentation, scar, side effects

I had two chemical peels: first was 20% AHA peel + microdermabrasion, which went well; the second one, done 2 months later, was 30% Glycolic peel + Microdermabrasion, which left me with burns on my cheeks. It's been a month now and while there are no more swelling and scabbing, I'm left with brown patches and hyperpigmentation. Could this be a botched job or mishandling by the doctor? He said it's due to my skin sensitivity and I'm not the only case. Is this true? What recourse/redress should I take if it's indeed a botched job?

6 answers to Botched Chemical Peel Job

Rare but possible reaction

It is very rare to have burns after superficial chemical peels. Discoloration can happen as a result of not applying sunscreen or not following the post-procedure instructions. Avoiding any exfoliating products before the peel is also very important. When the skin is hypopigmented, it takes up to six months for some of the pigment to restore in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be treated with hydroquinone, or a bleaching cream, but your doctor needs to decide if you are ready for that.... more

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Some darker skin types have more sensitive or fragile skin. A side effect of this condition, is that in the presence of heat (like a chemical peel), more pigment is produced. A treatment for this condition is Finacea and some mild 2% lactic acid peels. The pigmentation will lessen over time.

Kirk A. Churukian, MD
Los Gatos Plastic Surgeon

You are not necessarily unusually sensitive.

A 30% glycolic peel with a microdermabrasion is still a relatively superficial treatment. However, it is still possible to have a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As other physicians have noted, there are many options for dealing with this issue. It is also not uncommon for the hyperpigmentation to resolve on its own. However, I guess I am left wondering if you lack confidence in your treating physician. Has there been enough break down in communication that your trust with this... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Pigmentation after Chemical Peeling

Chemical peels are effective in the treatment of aging skin including reduction of pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and acne scars. Depending on skin type and complexion, patients may require pre and post-procedural treatment for hyperpigmentation. Generally, Fitzpatrick skin type and ethnicity are factors to consider prior to performing a chemical peel. If you are experiencing excessive pigmentation after a chemical peel, you should consider speaking to your physician about a post-procedural... more

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

These are light peels. You must be sensitive.

Hello, It sounds like your skin is sensitive. Maybe you should try a series of very light peels without dermabrasion. Bleaching agents and Retin A before and after might help as well as well as sun avoidance. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

It's not a botched chemical peel job

With all chemical peels there is the risk of post inflamatory hyperpigmentation, which means blotchy, dark spots. They occur when the skin gets irritated from too much rubbing makeup off or scrubbing off the exfoliating skin too early or sun exposure during the first 2 weeks when your skin is especially sensitive. Regardless of how or why it occurred, it is fixable with either further lighter chemical peels to exfoliate the dark spots since they are usually superficial or prescription... more

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

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