Brown patches day after moderate chemical peel. Is this normal or will skin be scarred/discolored permanently? (photos)

Question

Just had a moderate chemical peel done yesterday. Certain areas of my face have brown patches. Will this be scarred and permanently discolored in these areas or is it normal?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo. Darkening of the skin is a normal reaction after a medium depth chemical peel. It is a result of the top layer drying up resulting in a darker shade. It is extremely important not to pick at the skin and let it peel on it's own without forcing it off. Once the skin is done peeling around (6-8 days) your skin should be back to its normal shade and appear much smoother with a clear and even complexion. In some cases it is a deeper reaction called PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation)  which may last several months but can be treated with a combination of topical products like hydroquinone 4% and retin-a. I would highly recommend contacting the office where you had the peel so they can monitor your healing and provide you with any post care you may or may not need. Best wishes.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to get skin darkening after a chemical peel. I would recommend that you begin a topical skin lightener such as Melarase AM and Melarase PM soon after a chemical peel to maintain results. Best, DR. Karamanoukian Santa Monica

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

A deeper chemical peel can penetrate the skin a little
deeper and cause hyperpigmented areas of the skin. This type of reaction
usually peels off within a week to a week and a half. If the peel burned the
skin sometimes this can result in post-inflammatory pigment, which can
gradually be reversed with lightening creams.

Brown patches day after moderate chemical peel. Is this normal or will skin be scarred/discolored permanently? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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Brown patches day after moderate chemical peel. Is this normal or will skin be scarred/discolored permanently? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.