Complications after a TCA eyelid peel. What should I do?

Dr. Irwin
November 28, 2010
Hello, I had a tca peel done one month ago on my lower eyelids. one month later they are red/brown. my doctor prescribed hydroquinone 4%. i woke up this morning and they look very red on the area where the peel was performed. should I keep using the hydroquinone cream and will the redness lessen over time. thank you.

You bring up several good points.  With TCA peels or almost any procedure, there is the procedure itself and then there’s what comes afterwards.  When there’s a complication, sometimes it’s the procedure and sometimes it’s the post care that the problem.  It sounds to me like the peel went fine but now you’re not healing well and often the culprit is the products you are using afterwards which are creating an irritant or allergic reaction.  I’m wondering if that’s the problem.  In my opinion, hydroquinone 4% is almost always too irritating to use on eyelid skin.  I would recommend stopping it for now. While you are waiting to see your dermatologist again, try just very bland Vanicream or even vaseline.

Finding a good dermatologist to help you now is key. You didn’t mention if your doctor is a board certified dermatologist.   I think you’ll need one to help you manage this problem.   I hope this helps.  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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