Chemical Peel Pain

Superficial chemical peels are performed routinely by most aesthetician with mild-to-moderate discomfort. Medium-to-deep chemical peels, e.g. TCA 25%-70% must be performed by an aesthetic physician, preferably a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. TCA (trichloracetic acid) chemical peels are typically performed in sectors or small quadrants and will bring about an intense stinging sensation for 10-15 seconds until your physician neutralizes TCA with cool wet gauze. Some... more

Chemical peels generally are not that painful. Superficial chemical peels such as those bought 'over the counter' or those administered in spa environments just treat the outer layer of skin and may produce a light burning sensation at worst. Deeper chemical peels such as TCA peels or phenol peels will be more uncomfortable but these are generally the physician administering the peel will also provide some type of pain medication. For phenol peels, heart monitoring must be done and an IV... more

Most chemical peels cause mild, temporary discomfort--usually a stinging or burning sensation.  It usually lasts just a few minutes--if that.  This can often be relieved by the use of a hand fan during the procedure.  Most patients tolerate the brief this discomfort without pain medicine or anesthesia.  Medium depth peels such as 30-70% TCA tend to be more painful.  Phenol peels, which are deep peels, are painful, but are rarely done and which should certainly be... more

Hi there- Chemical peels vary in their levels of discomfort depending on the type of peel. Solutions such as glycolic or lactic acid usually feel itchy and stingy when applied to the skin. Most patients find this sensation to be tolerable, with only mild discomfort. Stronger solutions like TCA , Phenol and Jessner peels can be very uncomfortable as they cause the skin to feel increasingly hot as layers of the acid are applied. The VI peel is a blend of TCA, Phenol, Salicylic acid,... more

Chemical peels can be uncomfortable but depends on the depth of peels. Superficial peels can even be uncomfortable and many times I will use a hand held fan in my practice. The other doctors mention that chemical peels don't really hurt. I would tend to disagree based on my experience. Jessner's peels are superficial but they are uncomfortable but tolerable. Anything using TCA 20% or more will cause discomfort that will need oral sedation or IV sedation, in my opinion, for... more

Pain associated with medium or deep chemical peels is generally related to a lack of occlusion. In other words, if the peeled area is left exposed it will weep and crust, leading to a sense of contraction and discomfort. However, if the peeled area is effectively occluded, the patient remains fairly comfortable. In my experience Vaseline works well, acting as a form of petroleum gel band-aid. There are many other options available for occlusion; Vaseline happens to be inexpensive and... more

Only the deep peels like 70% TCA, Phenol peels are painful. Not the superficial or even medium peels. If you had pain following a peel return to the peeling doctor ASAP! This allows this doctor to determine if you are having a reaction or allergy, plus whether the peeling solution was mixed correctly, applied to thickly, etc. Prevention is the best answer if you are having immediate pain after a peel. If it is later pain again go see the doctor or even call. Local care treatments can help,... more

Most chemical peels sting for a few minutes. It all depends on how deep the peel is, and most peels performed these days are mild or superficial chemical peels which cause little or no pain.