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Chemical Peel Recovery Time


	Recovery time will vary based on the type of peel
	Lighter concentration peels may have no downtime at all
	Very strong peels may have more than a week of downtime

The recovery time for a patient who has had a chemical peel will depend on the type and strength of the peel they've had. For example, the common alpha-hydroxy and glycolic acid peels have little or no recovery time. There may be some slight pinkness to the skin, but that usually fades rapidly.

With the higher concentration peels, such as TCA or Phenol peels, you can have some peeling and irritation for a few days afterward. Very aggressive peels with very high concentrations can be more problematic. The post-treatment effects and recovery times can be similar to a total skin resurfacing with a carbon dioxide laser. Recovery from an extremely powerful chemical peel can take more than a week, requiring wound care. So the recovery time will vary depending on the type of peel, ranging from no recovery or downtime, to a week or more of downtime. You will have to discuss the strength of the peel and recovery time with your provider prior to treatment.

For more information see: Chemical Peels Comparison Chart, Pre-Treatment Questions, & Choosing a Physician

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Last Modified: September 04, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions
	What is a Chemical Peel?	What is TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid)?
	What can a Chemical Peel Treat?	What are Phenol Peels?
	Does a Chemical Peel Hurt?	What is an Erbium Laser?
	How much does a Chemical Peel Cost?	What is a CO2 laser?
	What are the Recovery Times?	What is Hypopigmentation?
	How long does it take?	What is Hyperpigmentation?
	Are there possible side effects?	What is the Stratum Corneum?
	What are Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels?	What is the Epidermis?
	What are Glycolic Acid Peels?	What are Keratolytics?

The information contained in the above article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended to provide any medical advice. Always consult with your physician before having any medical procedure performed.

Chemical Peel Recovery Time

Frequently Asked Questions