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POSTED UNDER Glycolic Peel REVIEWS

Glycolic Peel Left Me with More Swelling Than Was Expected

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I had a glycolic peel (40%) (3 passes then...

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SkyHighJuly 31, 2009
$100
I had a glycolic peel (40%) (3 passes then neutralized) by a nurse/esthetician. On the day of the peel I began taking Valtrex 500 mg twice a day. However, less than 48 hours later, my face become seriously swollen especially around the eye area. I followed up with a dermatologist who prescribed Prednisone, a Z-Pac and a tropical creme. At first he discussed herpes but seemed to think that because I had taken Valtrex that what I had was probably a chemical burn. I am curious as to what you think. My questions is: is a 40% glycolic peel (3 passes) considered a light, medium or advanced peel? What is the scarring potential?

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Replies (27)

cocooo
August 18, 2009
I would think it was caused because of the combination with the Valtrex as well
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SkyHigh
August 22, 2009
Thank you so much for your reply. It is comforting to know that the 'Realself' readers care. Not that it makes a difference now but do you think that I should have started the Valtrex a few days before the peel and not the 'day of'? or do you think perhaps 500 mg wasn't strong enough to prevent the outbreak....if that is what happened? The dermatologist I'm seeing suspects either it wasn't a glycolic peel but instead it was a TCA and/or that it wasn't neutralized properly. What I am wondering now is, if there is permanent discoloration, can it be corrected and if so, how? Do you know anything about this.
jaejae
November 27, 2010
I had a 50% glycolic peel yesterday and now my eyes are very swollen. I asked my dermatolgist why did I have such bad swelling and she asured me that the swelling will go away. How long was your face swollen? Does the swelling completely go away? I am in a panic. Please help!!
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Giselle Peels
September 21, 2012
Healing time is 2 weeks the most..
Charlieg
September 2, 2009
Hi i am Beauty Therapist from England and have been performing glycolic peels for the past 3 years. As you say at the top of the page you believe and were told? that you had a 40% glycolic peel. Your dermatologist is correct it look's like the Tri-chloroacetic Acid (TCA) was used on you and this is under the list of 'medium' peels but is said to really improve fine lines but you should of been informed what they were using before the procedure. I have never personally informed clients to take medication after a peel if you were? But as i am not a doctor and only perform 30% facial peels it maybe different! Best of luck!
te
October 1, 2009
I had a 70% glycolic peel (one or two layers), and had ZERO reaction other than slight redness...no peeling, nothing. It sounds like they used something much stronger on you!
sabrina goodram
July 13, 2015
Omg 70% is the idea not to peel so new skin arrives i have an extremely rare skin condition where scara appear on face for no reason would love regular strong peels to keep skin normal as possible had beautician ones no good
luvstodance
October 5, 2009
To all who have replied....thank you so much. My doc agrees with all of you. He says there is no way that a 30% glycolic acid peel should have affected my face like it did. The good news is that my face continues to heal each day but my dermatologist says it could be 2-4 more months before it is totally healed. Once an area heals (the redness goes away), hyperpigmentation (brownish color) seems to follow. I have been told by my dermatologist that I can now mix Obagi Blender it a .05 Tretinion which, over time, should diminish the hyperpigmentation. Also, the doc recommended GloMineral makeup which has great coverage and many healing properties in it. Again...thanks!
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