Swelling and Hyperpigmentation After Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel

I am 39 years old and med-skinned. I had microdermabrasion and chemical peel done at same time. I had these treatments many times before to remove brown pigmentation on cheeks, between the brows, and above the lip. I was getting great results until this last treatment.

My face swelled so much I was unrecognizable. Four weeks later I am horrified to find that almost my entire face now has brown pigmentation on it. I am afraid to go back to my doctor for more treatments now. I have remained out of sunlight for entire 4 weeks and did my aftercare skin regimen like always. Why did this happen? Did the doctor use too much of a strong peel? What can I do now?

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hyperpigmentation swelling 1 month post-op side effects

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by janetli in grande prairie

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (1)

Much more intense treatment than usual

Dear Janet, There are a lot of variables in how microdermabrasion and peels are done. The same concentration peel can have very different effects depending on how wet the agent is applied, how vigorously it is scrubbed in, how the skin is prepared. For example if the microdermabrasion done prior to the peel is done more aggressively and then the peel is performed following this, the effect of the peel will be much greater. This probably accounts for the difference in results. Triluma, a... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Pigmentation after chemical peel and microdermabrasion

It is likely that either the microdermabrasion or peel were too aggressive for your most recent treatment. At this point, use of tretinoin cream, short course of a mild topical cortisone cream and bleaching agents such as hydroquinone can help the pigmentation resolve faster. If your skin becomes irritated/red with tretinoin cream and hydroquinone, it is important to dilute them with moisturizer and/or apply them less frequently because the irritation can promote more brown pigmentation. I... more

Comments (1)

Skin chic 30 Oct 2012

Depending on your Fitzpatrick Skin Type you may have been treated incorrectly! I have many clients who have had a similar problem as yours. If the WRONG peel in conjunction with an aggressive microderm was used this could be the problem. Did the technician or dr tell you what Fitzpatrick number you were? During a Good & Proper consult they Shoukd have.

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