Can a TCA Chemical Peel Treat Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Question

The marks that are a red/brown color were left by cysts. Would a TCA chemical peel have any effect on them?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, a TCA peel will improve post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in combination with a sound topical skin care regimen.

	 

	I also recommend a Melapeel for my patients to improve PIH.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

TCA chemical peels really help with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation such as acne marks.  If your skin is more asian or black then a few light TCA peels 10-15% every 2-3 weeks do good.  I like to use a bleaching cream with it as well such as Tri-Luma to help prevent any unexpected pigmentation problems and of course a sunscreen as well. 
The TCA peels run about $250 each for the face.   You can also do spot treatments instead of the whole face which are less expensive.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Brown skin, Asian skin, East Indian and African American skin is prone to hyperpigmentation.
Before you spend $$ on peels or IPL, try these topicals.
This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 
I recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams from Kare Skin as well as a broad spectrum sunblock like Spectrase. Bothe are from Kare Skin. Scler-x post inflammatory hyperigmentation relief complex is a great supplement to take as well. See link below. 
Spectrase is a wide spectrum sunblock SPF 50+that is also recommended to prevent ongoing inflammation.

Stephen P. Smith, Jr., MD · Answer

The tried and true TCA-Jessner's peel is an excellent strategy to combat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It absolutely must be done in concert with a topical regimen including Hydroquinone and Retin-A. Typically, a series of lighter concentration peels (10-15%) are employed in series to treat PIH. A commitment to meticulous sun protection is required throughout this regimen for both success and safety.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

PIH can be teated with chemical peels including vitamin A peels, lactic acid, AHA Glycolic and also TCA peels. I would recommend TCA at 8-9% strength, every 2 weeks, for 4 sessions. PLUS fading agents such as Lytera or Hydroquinone. RegardsDr Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBrisbane and Gold Coast

Can a TCA Chemical Peel Treat Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Answers (5)

Answer: Along with topical regimen, the Peels should help

Answer: Along with topical regimen, the Peels should help

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

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Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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Can a TCA Chemical Peel Treat Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Answers (5)

Answer: Along with topical regimen, the Peels should help

Answer: Along with topical regimen, the Peels should help

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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