Chemical Peeling is generally considered safe; however, like any procedure, it comes with certain complications and risks. Complications may arise from both known and unforeseen factors. Each patient is unique, with variations in skin texture, tissue, circulation, healing processes, and reactions to the procedure, which means there can be no guarantees regarding outcomes or potential complications. That said, the likelihood of experiencing an adverse effect or complication can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Siegel.

The following complications have been documented in medical literature. They are presented here to inform you, not to create fear, but to enhance your understanding of the peeling process.

Immediate Complications

• Skin irritation: Burning, pain, redness, swelling, and itching
  
• Eye damage: Corneal damage can occur if the solution gets into the eyes
  
• Frosting: The skin can appear white or frosted, depending on the depth of the peel. This is normal and should disappear a few hours after the peel.

Delayed Complications

• Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can occur. Although rare these can be treated with prompt resolution. Permanent scarring has been reported in rare cases.
• Scarring: Atrophic or hypertrophic scars can develop -exceedingly rare.
• Hypopigmentation (loss of pigment) is rare and may be permanent.
• Hyperpigmentation (Increased pigmentation) This is very common and temporary. Most cases resolve with no treatment or with the use of topical creams.
• Lines of demarcation can appear-very rare.
• Textural changes: The skin can appear porcelain-like or have mild telangiectasia
• Acneiform eruptions: Acne-like breakouts can appear

Other infrequent complications:
Allergic reactions, Toxicity, Ectropion, Cardiac arrhythmias, Laryngeal edema, and Infectious toxic shock syndrome.