Abstract
Chemical peeling, a procedure wherein a chemical agent is applied to the skin causing a controlled destruction followed by regeneration and remodeling, is a dynamic instrument when used as a feature for treatment of acne, pigmentation issues, and photoaging (Nikalji et al, J Cutan Aesthet Surg 5(4):254–260, 2012). Outcomes and complications are related to the depth of the injury, with deeper peels giving more marked results and higher rates of complications.
Complications are more likely with darker skin types, certain peeling agents, and sun exposure (Nikalji et al, J Cutan Aesthet Surg 5(4):254–260, 2012). They can vary from minor irritations, uneven pigmentation to long-lasting scars. In extremely unusual cases, complications can be life threatening. This knowledge is really important to prevent, diminish, and eliminate the rate of complications (Gadelha and Costa, Dermatologia cirurgia dermatológica, 2nd edn. Atheneu, São Paulo, 2009).
Swelling, pain, persistent erythema, pruritus, allergic reactions, folliculitis/acne, infection, herpes recurrence, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation, demarcation lines, and scarring are some of the complications that will be discussed in this chapter.
The first step in avoiding complications is to recognize the patients at risk, so that complications can be anticipated, prevented, and if they still happen, treated at the soonest.
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Costa, I.M.C., Damasceno, P.S., Gomes, K.G.P. (2018). Managing Chemical Peels Complications. In: Issa, M., Tamura, B. (eds) Chemical and Physical Procedures. Clinical Approaches and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16805-0_17
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