Risks & Complications of Chemical Peels

[queenofsurjery]

If you have oral herpes. You MUST gain the approval of your primary physician and seek a prescription for oral acyclovir - one brand name is Zovirax. This is very important! Zovirax can significantly decrease your chances of a break out. If you have a break out during your healing period, it can spread to your entire face and result in severe and permanent scarring.

Be careful of crusting or excessive weeping. In AHA peels you may think this is normal but there is a borderline appearances that you must watch out for. Ask your skin care specialist for specifics regarding what to look for. If for a typical AHA peel, you should feel and look normal within 3-4 days. For deeper peels your downtime may take weeks and then months for complete recovery.
If you experience painful areas of the face, contact your surgeon or skin care specialist immediately, especially if you are prone to cold sores. Blisters that form will need to be reported immediately!

Hyperpigmentations (excessive coloration) and hypopigmentation (lack of pigmentation) can be problematic of misdiagnosed skin types, failure to reveal any skin problems or ethnicity and improper post-peel care. Infection is uncommon but possible so keep an eye out for redness and pain.

Scarring is a problem if the above is experienced so please adhere to your post-peel instructions to decrease your chances of long term or permanent, visible signs of damage.