I have permanent redness 4 years after a chemical peel. Can I make it back to normal? (Photo)

Question

I had a chemical peel done 4 years ago in 2013 by an esthetician. I want to say it was called the "A peel" but can't find any information it. She told me she used the lowest strength because I had an event coming up. The peel left a permanent sunburn look underneath my eyes with redness where the peel was on my cheeks. I have had microneedling and IPL done to try and diminish it but nothing has worked. I also recently started retin A, will this make it worse? What can I do to help this go away?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend Melarase AM topical cream to reduce hyperpigmentation.
I recommend PIH Relief Complex in addition to relieve post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Best
H Karamanoukian MD FACS

John R. Burroughs, MD · Answer

This can rarely persist several months after a peel.  Avoid the sun and use a high quality sunblock.  IPL sometimes can help and topical steroids under the guidance of a physician.  I had one patient that had a mild fungal infection of the skin and once it was treated the redness cleared.  SkinCeuticals also has a topical serum called Phloretin CF that is an antioxidant that can improve discoloration of the skin that we have seen help the redness after peels and resurfacing to clear faster.  If your peel person doesn't know what else to try, I would seek a consultation with a dermatologist.

I have permanent redness 4 years after a chemical peel. Can I make it back to normal? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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I have permanent redness 4 years after a chemical peel. Can I make it back to normal? (Photo)

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.