Was the 50% TCA Chemical Peel Too Strong?

I am about to turn 40, and a friend insisted that she could take nearly 10 years off of my face through a 50% TCA Chemical Peel. Everything seemed okay, but after 5 days I noticed that my cheek area (both sides) had developed a bright red rash which is a bit swollen, feverish, and somewhat uncomfortable. Was it too strong for me? When will this subside and what can I do to make it better? I feel stupid and had never done anything like this before and never will again.

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by seastar in Georgia

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It will resolve but you need to see your doc and get some meds to clear it up faster

After a 50% TCA I would expect your whole face to be red, swollen and tender (not just your cheeks). If there is pus or oozing then you need a topical prescription antibiotic such as Bactroban 3 times a day. Most redness and swelling at 5 days is to be expected and can easily be treated with prednisone 20 mg twice a day and a topical steroid cream such as triamcinolone cream 0.1% twice a day. Blisters and sores around the mouth would indicate a reactivation of your cold sores or fever... more

David Hansen, MD

19 reviews

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Need more info to answer

I hate to second guess qualified physicians, so my first question would be if your friend is a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon familiar with aggressive peels and how to manage the wound healing period and any complications. 50% TCA is aggressive and seldom used (but not incorrect under certain circumstances) because of safer options of layering peeling agents of lesser concentration. The other issue is who compounded the TCA and how old is the batch since it can get more... more

You ought to return to the practitioner who applied the peel.

Redness, swelling and some crusting for 7-10 days after an aggressive chemical peel is expected, but worsening redness after 5 days is concerning for possible infection e.g. cellulitis. A contact dermatitis or other complication is also possible. I would advise you to follow up immediately with the individual who applied the peel (if he or she is a qualified practitioner experienced in dealing with post-peel complications). The faster a post-peel complication is appropriately managed,... more

50% TCA Peel

In my practice I routinely do 35% TCA peels. I do not suggest TCA Peels more aggressive than this because the risk becomes significant. For patients who need something more aggressive than a 35% TCA Peel, I would suggest a different, safer alternative such as Laser Peel.