Chemical Peel
Possible Complications of Chemical Peel
The risks of chemical peeling in the hands of a competent plastic surgeon such as Dr. Cruise are very low and satisfaction is extremely high. The most significant complication is scarring. This is avoided by proper skin pretreatment as well as by controlling the depth of the peel. Dr. Cruise has the experience to adjust the depth of peel precisely depending on skin type and patient wishes. Another complication unique to chemical peeling is hyper- or hypo-pigmentation. This can occur if early sun exposure occurs or if the peel is too deep for a particular skin type. Other possible complications are prolonged redness and whiteheads. Whiteheads, otherwise know as milia, are not uncommon as the sebaceous glands become blocked by the newly formed skin. They go away and are not usually a problem.
A particular concern is the patient with a history of facial herpes. A chemical peel may cause a reactivation of the herpes. Dr. Cruise addresses this by prescribing the medication Valtrex, which is quite effective.

