What is the recovery like after a chemical peel?
The recovery after an AHA peel is the mildest whereas recovery after a phenol peel is the most extensive. Patients may experience some minor and temporary stinging, redness, irritation, crusting flaking, scaling or dryness after an AHA peel. Similar side effects may occur after a TCA or phenol peel, along with some temporary throbbing, tingling and swelling. Crusts or scabs usually occur on the treatment area after the TCA and phenol peel. The new skin will emerge within five to ten days after a TCA peel and within seven to twenty-one days after a phenol peel. Full healing and fading of the redness may take as much as three to six months after a phenol peel. The skin should be protected from the sun after undergoing a chemical peel.
