What Are the Possible Complications of Chemical Peels?
In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin.
Taking birth control pills, subsequent pregnancy or family history of brownish discoloration on the face may
increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.
Although low, there is a risk of scarring
in certain areas of the face, and certain individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can
usually be treated with good results.
There is a small risk of reactivation of cold sores in patients with a
history of herpes outbreaks. This problem is treated with medication as prescribed by the dermatologic surgeon.
Your doctor may also choose to give you medication before or immediately after the peel in order to prevent a herpes outbreak.
Prior to treatment, it is important for a patient to inform the physician of any past history of keloids
(scar tissue overgrowth created at the site of a skin injury) or unusual scarring tendencies, as well as
listing of x-rays treatments to the face or recurring cold sores.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of
Dermatology
Edited by
Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, Sept. 2003.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder in which small white or red bumps appear around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. The cause of KP is unknown. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and the condition may resolve on its own. Gentle exfoliation, professional manual extraction, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, along with topical products, are the best treatments for this condition.
Freckles are flat circular spots on the skin that may be red, yellow, tan, light brown, brown, or black in color. Lentigo is the term used to describe certain types of darker freckles. Ephelis typically appear during the sunny months. Freckles can be prevented with sunscreens, the use of wide-brimmed hats, sun-protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours, and seeking shade and staying indoors.
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. When the skin is constantly stretched, the dermis can break down, leaving behind stretch marks.
Melasma is a patchy brown discoloration of the skin on the face. When it occurs in pregnancy, it's called chloasma. Melasma is commonly treated with hydroquinone creams.
Wrinkles, whether they be fine line or deep furrows, typically appear on areas of the body that receive a high amount of exposure to the sun. Smoking, light skin type, hairstyle, the way you dress, your occupational and recreational habits, and heredity are all factors that promote wrinkling. Medical treatments for wrinkles include antioxidants, moisturizers, alpha-hydroxy acids, and vitamin A acid. Cosmetic procedures that treat wrinkles include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and fillers.
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