Swelling and Blisters After TCA Chemical Peel

asked 3 years ago by EB in Charleston, SC
Latest answer by Amir M. Karam, MD
Question viewed 12,276 times
Tags: swelling

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.

8 answers to Swelling and Blisters After TCA Chemical Peel

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.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

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.

Amir M. Karam, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

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

Jordana Gilman, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

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

Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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.

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

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

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

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