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Chemical Peel
In general, the deeper the peel, the greater the risk of side effects and complications.1 Chemical peels can result in:
- Redness (erythema). Expect some redness of the skin after a chemical peel. With deeper peels or with certain skin types, redness can be severe. It may fade within a few weeks, or it may last several months.
- Color changes in the skin. Treated areas may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
- Crusting and scaling.
- Swelling (edema), especially around the eyes.
- Scarring.
- Allergic reaction to the chemical.
- Infection. People who have a history of herpes outbreaks are especially prone to infection after a chemical peel.
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Special concerns with deep peels
Deep peels using phenol can rarely cause more severe complications during the procedure, including heart, liver, or kidney failure.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Keith A. Denkler, MD - Plastic Surgery | |
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