Correcting scars from a TCA peel
I feel so stupid I peeled my skin way before I should have. I had a 50% tca peel, and I peeled my skin not thinking because it came up so easily.
I have round, raised skin, and I have a few scar marks; it is extremely noticable to me but not to others. This did not show until 2 months later. My skin also looks rough. I could cry... I have ruined my skin!
I could tell the tca would have worked if I had not touched it. If I get another tca peel and not touch my face and let it peel naturally would that correct it?
Answers (5)
Don't repeat the same mistake
From what I have read, I cannot give you credible advice specifically.
What I can tell you is that time is the critical factor here. How long ago was the peel? Typically these red areas fade over time, and you should be careful to be patient.
You shoud also work with you doctor to minimize the need for further corrective treatments. Some of the things that can help include skin bleachers, steroids, scar fade creams like Mederma or Post Balm, and even some other modalities like microdermabrasion and possibly lasers/IPL.
Again, it takes a lot of time for the skin to heal, and the process is dynamic so expect to change treatments over time. Since you want to avoid scars and the need for additional treatments, be open and honest with your doctor, and follow instructions exactly.
While you heal, you can use concealing makeup to give you confidence in public.
It is important to see a specialist other wise you can use over the counter products for now.
TCA is a very good tool for facial tightening. However, the medical concentrations (15-35%or more) need be done with physician supervision (it could depends on your state rules). I would recommend that you have a consult with a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist that can tell you if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Side effect could include hyper or hypo pigmentation as well as scarring. My advice would be to use an over the counter skin product with lesser concentration until you can see a specialist.
Time and possibly additional treatments
Greetings Angela,
I would certainly echo the sentiments of Drs. Shelton and Sorokin. Right now, time is your best friend. As Dr. Shelton pointed out if your problems are caused by pigment irregularities, which do occur after chemical peels, they may be treated with topical medications or other lasers. I would highly suggest visiting a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon who performs TCA peels to determine if some additional treatment is necessary. Often these rather easy treatments will fix the problem. Time is another good healer. With time, redness after the peel and some skin irregularities will fade.
Hope this helps.
Time will fix many of these problems....
I certainly agree with Dr. Shelton but would just add that TIME fixes many of these problems. If you are early after your peel you may very well do best by just waiting and giving your skin a good year to heal and recover before doing ANY other treatments. Be sure that you are on a supervised skin care program including quality moisturizing as well as daily sunscreen protection during this process. Good luck!
Scars after a chemical peel
Usually scars are related to color or shape.
Color may be treated by lasers and special dressings, and creams. Shape may be treated by other resurfacing techniques, but if a complication occurred after a chemical peel, then complications may occur after any other treatment and this must be considered prior to trying a new treatment.



1 post
5 Jan 2009
i'm thinking about buying online TCA peel for my face, is it worth it? i can't afford going to a plastic surgeon.. if so what TCA % should i get?
1 post
24 Apr 2009
I tryed the TCA 25% but the application of two layers only and to me I think is very gentle but you do need to use a serium for 50% quick healing faster, the serium will help the skin to peel off faster..
unregistered guest
22 May 2009
how are you doing? what did doctor say