Chemical Peel Pre & Post Operative Instructions

Follow these Chemical Peel Pre and Post Operative Instructions for optimal results from your treatment.

Please Read First

The information on this page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for chemical peel treatment. For complete instructions—including specific timelines, skincare protocols, and recovery expectations—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below. These serve as your primary reference for a safe and successful recovery.

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia only—no fasting required. You may drive yourself home and do not need a caregiver post-procedure.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Stop or reduce smoking (including e-cigarettes) at least 4 weeks before your procedure.
Reduce or avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks prior to reduce bruising and support healing.

Day of Procedure:

Shower beforehand, but avoid applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products.
Do not wear makeup or apply skincare products.
Remove all jewelry and valuables.
Wear loose, front-opening clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head.

Suggested Supplies:

4x4 gauze pads
Vaseline
Gentle, fragrance-free facial cleanser (optional)

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Sleep Position: Sleep on your back with your head elevated (30–40 degrees) for one week to minimize swelling and prevent friction on healing skin.

Face Care:

Days 1–2: Do not touch, wash, or apply anything to the face.
Days 3–17: Gently cleanse the face 1–2 times daily with cool water and gauze. Follow by applying a thin layer of Vaseline to crusted areas 2–3 times a day.
- Showering: You may shower the day after your procedure, but avoid letting soap or shampoo contact your face.
- Swimming & Baths: Avoid submerging your face in bathtubs, pools, or Jacuzzis until skin is fully healed—usually 2–4 weeks.
- Sun Protection: Strictly avoid direct sun exposure for 8 weeks. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and stay in shaded areas when outdoors.

Recovery Expectations

Common Symptoms:

Swelling (typically improves after day 3)
Itching, oozing, redness, and mild discomfort
Sensitivity and burning sensation
Temporary milia (small white bumps)

Nutrition & Hydration:

Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily.
Begin with small, light meals and advance as tolerated.
Return to Work: Most patients can return to work after 5–7 days, depending on job duties and visibility of healing.

Follow-Up and Support

Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience significant redness, warmth, drainage, fever over 101°F, or persistent pain unrelieved by medication.

Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ongoing Communication:

For non-urgent questions, please email [email protected].
For urgent matters, contact the office directly from 9am – 5pm at (808) 585-8855.
For urgent matters that occur after hours, please use the physician exchange at (808) 524-2575.

Appointments: Follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Download Complete Instructions

For full details on skin care, wound healing, product use, and recovery milestones, please download the document below:

Download Chemical Peel Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)