Is it normal or a bad reaction to be so pink/red 16 days post 35% TCA chemical peel under my eyes? (photos)

Question

I had upper blepharoplasty and a lower chemical peel 35 % tca. I am still SO pink/red! Could this be a bad reaction? Will it ever go back to my normal skin color? I always worn very little to no makeup and I actually had to go purchase makeup to cover this up for public outings. I’m terrified it will never look normal again and I’ll always look like a raccoon. I sent photos to my plastic surgeon and expressed my concern but he told me it was normal. From what I’ve seen it’s not.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In most cases, swelling after a chemical peel and blepharoplasty resolves over the course of several weeks. Some mild edema and erythema is to be expected. I don't typically use TCA peels because I can achieve similar or better results with a fractional CO2 or erbium laser with less downtime than a TCA peel. A deep chemical peel is capable of greater results than any of the above listed treatments, including a TCA peel, but I reserve a deep peel only for severe wrinkling and photoaging due to a prolonged recovery.Of course, be sure to continue to express your concerns to your doctor and follow their recommendations.All the best,

Peter J. Malouf, DO · Answer

Hello,I would give it 60 days and make sure you are sun protecting. The one thing I don't agree with in your photos is a peel that involves the lower lids only.  I prefer to treat the entire face in order to avoid creating lines of demarcation.  In any event, tincture of time will likely result in the dissipation of this redness.Best,Dr. Malouf

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Is it normal or a bad reaction to be so pink/red 16 days post 35% TCA chemical peel under my eyes? (photos)

Answers (2)

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