The side effects of chemical face peels are typically rare when these cosmetic procedures are performed by a competent and experienced professional. There are side effects of chemical face peels which patients should understand before having a chemical peel procedure.

Chemical face peels are a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option for treating a number of facial imperfections and enhance the aesthetic quality of a patient's skin. Chemical peels are a good alternative to surgical facial enhancement procedures for many patients. The function of chemical peels is to penetrate the skin at various depths in order to shed the dead and damaged layers to expose smoother, healthy, and more vibrant skin.

The deeper the chemical penetration, the greater the risk of side effects of chemical face peels for patients. This is, in part, because the action of a deeper chemical peel is greater and more dramatic than the action of a lighter chemical peel. With deeper peels more of the skin is affected so it can lead to more serious side effects of chemical face peels.

Any chemical peel procedure is associated with some risk for side effects of chemical face peels. Common side effects of chemical face peels that can occur during recovery include, stinging, tightness, redness, a feeling comparable to a sun burn, and irritation. These side effects of chemical face peels are generally mild and subside within a few days. In very rare cases, the side effects of chemical face peels can include infection and scarring.

The lighter peels pose less risk for side effects of chemical face peels, though patients may still experience some of the aforementioned recovery side effects of chemical face peels. Alphahydroxy acid chemical peels and similar formulations can cause stinging, redness, irritation, and crusting, especially within the first few days following treatment. These side effects of chemical face peels typically subside without complication within a few days.

Medium depth chemical peels are associated with a greater risk for side effects of chemical face peels. People who receive TCA treatments may experience unintended color changes in their skin, known as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Deeper chemical peels carry a greater risk of side effects of chemical face peels. Phenol treatments may result in a patient's inability to produce pigment in the skin or tan. The side effects of chemical face peels for these peels can also include pigment imperfections and lines of demarcation.

It is crucial for any chemical peel patient to avoid the sun when possible and comply with all after care instructions after this procedure to mitigate their risks for side effects of chemical face peels.

If you are interested in learning more about the side effects of chemical face peels, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon who can discuss your questions and concerns with you in greater detail.