What Are the Risks of a Chemical Peel on my Chest and Arms?

Question

I am 27 and have small freckles ALL over my chest and arms. I wear sunblock every day now but I've had them for a long time. My dermatologist recommended a peel but I want to be sure it will definitely look BETTER afterward, not have a chance of looking worse somehow. Also what would happen to the pigment of any moles on my arms if I do this?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The skin of the face heals very differently than the skin off the face.  The face has numerous stem cells that help the skin heal.  The chest and arms have much fewer stem cells.  The mild peeling agents that can be used off the face are unlikely to actually clear the freckles.  Non ablative services are more likely to successful rather than a chemical peel like fotofacial.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

I advise you to make an appointment with board certified dermatologists ASAP! An expert needs to exam your skin and prescribe treatment to prevent darkening and aid healing process. In the future, avoid doing such treatments at home and seek help from an expert. Good luck!

Daniel I. Wasserman, MD · Answer

Chemical peels can work for the forearm and chest, but it does require some additional care when doing the procedure.  Lower concentrations of acid are usually required in order to protect these areas of the body from adverse outcomes.  They will work on brown spots, but not perfectly.   Your best bet is a Q-switched laser.  These will give the best results and as long as the physician does not point the laser at a mole, there is nothing to worry about.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

The more you chemically peel the chest and arms with medium peels (not heavy), the more even the color and texture.  Arms and chests do good but need several peels 3-4 wks apart and good aftercare.  Expect roughly about $1500 per peel.  Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

Chemical peel sof chest and arms are done frequently done but has be by an experienced physician. The concentration of the peeling solution is less than taht used in the face and you will see improvement.

What Are the Risks of a Chemical Peel on my Chest and Arms?

Answers (6)

Answer: Chemical peels help dark spots on the chest and arms but need to be done several times.

Answer: Chemical peels help dark spots on the chest and arms but need to be done several times.

Answer: What Are the Risks of a Chemical Peel on my Chest and Arms?

Answer: What Are the Risks of a Chemical Peel on my Chest and Arms?

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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What Are the Risks of a Chemical Peel on my Chest and Arms?

Answers (6)

Answer: Chemical peels help dark spots on the chest and arms but need to be done several times.

Answer: Chemical peels help dark spots on the chest and arms but need to be done several times.

Answer: What Are the Risks of a Chemical Peel on my Chest and Arms?

Answer: What Are the Risks of a Chemical Peel on my Chest and Arms?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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