Swelling and Blisters After TCA Chemical Peel Doctor Answers, Tips
TCA Peel: Q&A
Ask a Question

Swelling and Blisters After TCA Chemical Peel

I have a tremendous amount of swelling from a medium chemical TCA Chemical Peel about 48 hours ago. White blisters have also started to appear on my forehead. Is this normal? How long for severe swelling to last? Also, I only started the Famvir (Valtex) the morning of the procedure, and have only 4 doses (two days) left. Do I need a longer regimen for that? I have had 5 pills so far.

Tags:
8 Doctor Answers | Asked by EB in Charleston, SC
+3

Chemical peels

Blistering is not common after a medium depth chemical peel. Usually you get a bit of frosting and then the top layer of skin usually turns browns and sloughs off in a few days.  I would follow-up closely with your doctor if this is the case.
+3

Post-op care for TCA Peel is critical

Selling may easily occur after the TCA and can be reduced with the use of ice compresses. Some physicians prefer the use of anti-inflammatory agents while other physicians avoid their use. Clearly, the most important thing is to ensure that infection has not occured which can effect the results. When you say white blisters, do you mean white head like pimples (commonly seen) or large fluid filled blisters the size of a nickel? The skin can easily turn white from being over moisturized... more
+2

You need to see your surgeon.

Hello, Moderate to deep chemical peels require a fair amount of post-op care. You should be seeing your surgeon over this time period to see what needs to be changed and to assess your wound care regimen. Peel care is probably 25% giving the peel and 75% aftercare.

You might also like...

Real Stories

Dont Try This at Home! 25% TCA - Nashville, TN

I was considering a TCA peel last year. I read up on it like gangbusters. I knew...

Before + After Photos

View 18 TCA Peel photos
+1

Post TCA peel care must be taken seriously

The most important part of a peel is the post peel regimen. In your case, I would first ask your doctor about this. He or she would know best if this is typical in their patients. If not you should be seen right away. Though it is rare to see a viral or bacterial infection within 48 hours after a peel, it is possible.
+1

Unusual severe reaction to TCA peel

It sounds like you are having an unusually severe reaction to the TCA peel. Typically, TCA peels cause the skin to turn a little white (we call this frosting), and it then crusts and peels or flakes off. It is very unusual to see water-filled blisters from a TCA peel. Without a picture, it is difficult to know whether you really have blisters or if you are starting to see the peeling skin. Starting the Famvir on the day of the treatment sounds OK, and unless you have a history of herpes in... more
+1

Call your doctor

You might have a normal reaction, or you might have a viral or bacterial infection. Call your doctor's office immediately, and have them see you today and treat you if necessary
+1

Swelling can last several days following a medium-depth TCA peel

Though blisters can occur following such a peel, rather than self-treat, I suggest you schedule an appointment immediately to see the practitioner who applied the peel in the event there is another developing infection.  The white blisters you are describing may not be HSV. Good luck.
+1

You really need to provide a picture for us to give an informed answer

EB, After TCA peels you can expect swelling and actual peeling of your skin. It is hard to tell if this is what you are describing. It would be nice if you could provide a picture. In any case, if there is any concern that something is not right, you have to contact your provider today. If you have a history of herpes, then there is a higher likelihood of a viral infection. Without a history, it is possible, but less likely. There are some products, such as Clinique Medical which are... more
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (2)

vixie 31 Dec 2012
same with me, i use 15% tca. i have no problem on my neck and body except for my neck. It's watery blisters.
vixie 31 Dec 2012
sorry i mean on my face and body , except my neck. i got hundred small water blisters. could this be perspiration trapped by the dead skin?

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok