TCA Peel to Remove Sunspots and Rejuvenate Skin - Glendora, CA

I am 53 years old and had a 35% TCA peel to help remove age spots/sun damage. I am on day 8 and am very happy so far with the results. I should be completely peeled within the next day or two. Looking back I am glad I had a dermatologist do the procedure for several reasons: being given a pre-TCA regimen that included hydroquinone for several days before the procedure, medication to prevent infection and cold sores, being realistically prepped with what to expect, a post peel regimen leading up to the shedding of skin, a different regimen when my skin was actively peeling, and post-op follow up appointments to check my progress. Unlike other people whose posts I've read, I don't have the pain tolerance to have done this medium deep peel on my own. I know I would have stopped short simply because of the level of discomfort. It felt like chili peppers were applied to my face, but the intensity subsided within 3-5 minutes depending on the level of sun damaged area being treated. I was also fanned during the procedure to help minimize the "hot/burning" sensation. I was instructed to keep a thick layer of vaseline on my face for the first 4 days and to wash my face only with a diluted vinegar wash every 6-8 hrs. After that I started using Cetaphil soap and applying sonafine and a prescription corticosteroid cream twice a day. My forehead and chin has pretty much completed peeling while my cheekbones are about 80% done. The new skin came out pink, but each day the skin looks like its calmed down and the pinkness is almost gone on my chin and forehead and completely gone on my nose and above the lip. I will post pictures once it's completely peeled. I was instructed not to apply makeup (and then only lightly) for another day or so. I am not yet comfortable being in public and am glad I had downtime planned for this procedure; plus I don't want to be out in the sun unless absolutely necessary. I did go out for coffee yesterday, but with a nice helping of sunscreen and a hat for added protection. I was told it would be about 10 days and that's what it seems on track to be.

I am on day 18 and still waiting for some of the pinkness to go away. I have a follow up appointment and will ask about it. The brown spot that made me decide to go through a peel is still there, but lighter so that and the residual pinkness is what made me change my "Yes" would recommend to a "Not Sure." The texture of my skin has improved, but I'm hoping the remaining pinkness disappears.

I previously believed what Dr. Sudhi had told me that the mark above my lip was not a scar and would go away after the steroid shot. It has not and is now a divit in my skin and a bit darker than my normally light skin tone. I have used sun screen diligently. His assistant told me that this is a side effect from the steroid, but I had the mark prior to the shot. I've been given so much misinformation that I now have given up on this doctor and his office (Foothill Dermatology). In the past his assistants had tried to sell me on other procedures like used car salesmen, but I had shrugged it off as part of what they were encouraged to do... I now feel differently about this place and will not be returning. I have an appointment with another dermatologist to get a second opinion if anything can be done about the divit. I regret having this procedure done. Just not worth it for me.