What are the risks associated with a chemical peel?
Fortunately, complications from chemical peels are infrequent. If you have side effects, you are more likely to have them with deeper chemical peels than lighter chemical peels. You should discuss the risks and potential complications with your aesthetic plastic surgeon during your consultation.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
- Infection and bleeding
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Damage to underlying structures
- Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
Other risks specific to chemical peel treatments are:
- Scarring
- Abnormal healing
- Unanticipated color changes or skin blotchiness
- Eruption of cold sore (herpes virus)
- Hyperpigmentation on darker skin colors
- Sensitivity to sun exposure
- Skin dryness and peeling
- Tiny whiteheads
You can help minimize chemical peel risks by following your board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon’s advice and instructions before and after your treatment.