Chemical Peel Side Effects

Chemical peels are divided according to the depth of penetration into three groups: 1. Light peels (superficial): Glycolic, salicylic etc... 2. Medium depth:TCA 3. Deep peels: Phenol. The clinical effect and also side effects varies according to the depth. Superficial and medium depth side effects are mainly related to local skin issues e.g hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, scars etc. Deep peels especialy phenol have side effects related to their toxicity e.g cardiac arrythmias and liver pro more

There are numerous potential side effects to peels and the severity is generally related to the depth. Depending on the type of peel this can be a function of the concentration or the relative proportions of the ingredients. Side effects include hyper or hypopigmentation, prolonged redness, herpes activation with infection, secondary bacterial infection, ulcers, hypertophic scars, pain, firmness, delayed healing, itching, and prolonged inflammation. No one really knows how often peels can... more

There are many risks with chemical peels (trichloroacetic acid, jessners peel, salicylic, rescorcinal, lactic acid, vitalase, retinoic acid, etc) including but not limited to, scarring, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, acne flares, eyelid malposition, infection, poor results. There are many levels of peels and their is alot information out there that helps surgeons determine how deep they are when they do chemical peels. Knowledge of the depth of the peels helps you determine how... more

The basic risks of a chemical peel are scars, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation.  There are many types of peels and many strengths of peels designed to peel down to varying skin depths.  A phenol peel can even be absorbed and have systemic side effects.

I perform several deep chemical peels per week and firmly believe that they represent an important modality for facial rejuvenation. The risks of chemical peeling include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, pain, scarring, and foliliculitis. These risks are minimized with an experienced practitioner.

As with any procedure, there are risks. Risks are dependent on the type of chemical used and the medical condition of the patient. For most over the counter superficial peels, risks are minimal. For deeper peels, such as TCA and phenol, rewards are great, but there are risks. Redness and skin peeling can be expected after treatment. Depending on the depth of the peel, redness can last for several weeks to a few months. Patients prone to cold sores can experience outbreaks around the time of... more