Are Chemical Peels Safe for Under Eye Skin?

Chemical peels are easy to undergo and do great for wrinkles around the eyes but need to be done 2-4 times since they don't do much individually. Cost is roughly $350 per TCA peel (30-35%) and can be done every 2-4 weeks.

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Yes. Like anything else, the peels have to be performed in an appropriate manner for each individual. The findings of the skin (such as wrinkling), texture of the skin, color of the skin are all factors to be considered. There are various types of peels for the skin under the eyes including superficial glycolic peels, TCA peels, and phenol peels. In addition, laser resurfacing of the skin of the lower eyelids can be performed with a nice result. Although the skin of the lower eyelids tends to be more delicate than the skin on the other regions of the face, it can certainly be peeled safely by a competent physician.

Chemical peels can work wonderfully around the eyes, especially under them, to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. However, the strength of the peel (which determines the depth of the peel) is very important to achieve effectiveness. Very light and light peels will help with pigment and texture, but won't do much to help with fine lines and wrinkles, no matter how often they are repeated. For improving fine lines and wrinkles you need a medium depth peel. My favorite is the Monheit combination peel, which consists of application of Jessner's solution and 35% TCA. You will have about a one week downtime, but this level is necessary to really achieve improvement.
Be sure to see someone who has extensive experience in chemical peeling, and make sure they show you before, during and after pictures of patients that they've treated before. The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the face, and cautious, safe peeling can help you achieve wonderful results. Of note, a hyaluronic acid filler such as Juvederm, may also improve the area under the eye, and these procedures can be combined.
Be well,
Dr. P

The safety of chemical peels varies by the physician performing the peel, the location of the peel, the skin type of the patient, the concentration and chemical nature of the peel and the duration of the peel. In the right hands, a mild TCA peel can be used in the eyelid area without complications.