As a professional skin and laser clinic, it’s our duty to ensure you’re well aware and well-informed of the potential risks and side effects associated with the treatments we offer – regardless of how small or unlikely those risks might be.
To ensure the best results and successful treatment outcomes, you should always follow this advice.
You may be given advice specific to your individual circumstances that may not be mentioned on this page. Please pay special attention to this advice.
Please take a moment to read this information in full. Make sure you understand the possible risks and side effects associated with the treatment, and how to manage them should something adverse occur.
You must use a broad spectrum SPF/sunscreen product – this is critical and should not be ignored! Failure to use SPF for at least 7 days following the peel treatment could result in a significant sunburn and may compromise the overall result achieved.
General Information
What you can generally except to experience pre and post treatment.
The information below is general in nature. Some side effects are very rare, whereas others may be more common. The severity will vary from one client to another.
During your consultation, we can advise you of any side effects that we believe may be of higher risk to you.
- The skin may feel uncomfortable and appear like a bad case of sunburn.
- During and after the procedure, expect redness, stinging, itching, burning, tightness, puffiness, with thickening and peeling of the superficial layers of the skin.
- These sensations will gradually diminish over 7 days
- A white ‘frosting’ may appear during the procedure and usually settles within 1-2 hours.
- In severe and rare cases the skin may turn very red, blister, swell and later scab or crust.
- There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
- There is a risk of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’ in clients with a prior history. TCA cannot be performed if an active cold sore is present.
- There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
- The treatment is left on the skin for approximately 8-12 hours. After which time, gently rinse off with a bland cleanser and follow with appropriate homecare as recommended by your Clinician.
Cosmo Peel Forte Treatments
The first 24 hours you can expect frosting, swelling around the eyes, redness, itching, warm sensation. A darker thickened peeling and shedding of the skin is expected for 7-10~ days with underlying redness lasting 14~ days.
Contraindications
The treatment can not go ahead and will not be performed on you.
Contraindications are specific reasons or circumstances that will prevent you from receiving the treatment due to a high risk of complications.
If any of the following apply to you, the treatment will not go ahead.
- You are currently pregnant
- Have used Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3–6 months
- You are currently taking Photosensitising medications such as Tetracycline, Tretinoin etc.
- Active psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, open wounds, cold sores, sun or wind-burn, infected or irritated skin within close proximity of the treatment location.
- Currently active severe acne or rosacea
- Currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or immune disorder treatments.
- Active and present cold sore(s).
Cosmo Peel Forte Treatments
Immunocompromised with delayed healing, Insulin dependant diabetes, and any heart liver or kidney disorders
Precautions
Things you need to be aware of prior to treatment.
Treatment may still be possible, but you may need to be willing to take extra steps and precautions to ensure the treatment remains safe and suitable for you.
You must inform us if any of the following apply to you:
- History of skin cancer – you must have completed a recent skin cancer check (within the last 6 months)
- Diabetes – May impede wound healing
- Tattoos including semi-permanent makeup – cannot treat within 1 inch of the tattoo
- History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring – meticulous pre- and post-care is required
- History of vitiligo – Depigmentation may occur, whereby your skin gets lighter (loses its pigment)
- Smoking – impairs healing and increases the risk of complications
- Fresh scars – Check with your surgeon and/or specialist before starting treatment.
Before Your Treatment
Pre Treatment Advice & Recommendations
What you need to do!
Before treatment, do the following:
- Ensure you have read and understand the information on this page. If you’re unsure about anything, contact us!
- Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications.
- Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
- Use the products you’ve been prescribed, as directed, to prepare the treatment area (if applicable).
Cosmo Peel Forte Treatments
A minimum 2 weeks daily use of prescribed products are mandatory. eg. C25/TriActive + Melacream/Radiance
What you must not do!
Before treatment, do not:
- Do not expose the area to sun or tanning products for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- Avoid medical aesthetic treatments (eg. botox and fillers) in and around the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- Avoid known skin irritants in the treatment location for at least 7 days before treatment, including hair removal such as waxing and shaving, as well as products containing Tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids and granular scrubs.
Cosmo Peel Forte Treatments
Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 4 weeks
After Your Treatment
Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations
What you need to do!
After treatment, do the following:
- Gently rinse the skin approx. 12 hours after treatment using a basic cleanser such as SkinCeuticals Simply Clean, Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser or SkinBetter Science Cleansing Gel.
- Apply any products you’ve been prescribed, as directed.
- Apply broad spectrum SPF30+ or higher daily. No, coconut oil is not considered a safe or effective option for sun protection and should not be used as such!
- Gently pat dry the treatment area rather than rub dry after showering or cleansing.
If for any reason you are concerned about possible adverse reactions, something doesn’t look right, you are unsure what do, or you are concerned about anything whatsoever, please notify us as soon as possible so that we can assist you. Do not attempt to resolve, remedy or remediate the situation on your own as this may exacerbate the problem.
Cosmo Peel Forte Treatments
- 10 days daily use of prescribed post care products are mandatory.
- Cleanser, Growth factors, K-ceutic and Panthenol Ceutic
What you must not do!
After treatment, do not:
- Do not scrub, pick, peel, pull, rub or aggravate the treatment area in any way.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, pools, spas, intense exercise or other activities that may cause excessive heat to the treatment area for at least 3 days.
- Do not expose the treatment area to direct sunlight for at least 7 days.
- Do not use any products, creams, lotions or solutions on the treatment area unless we have explicitly approved these for use.
- You must not, under any circumstances, apply solutions such as essential oils, citrus, plant/fruit extracts, or other botanicals.
- Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid known skin irritants in the treatment location for at least 7 days, including hair removal such as waxing and shaving, as well as products containing Tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids and granular scrubs.
Cosmo Peel Forte Treatments
- Do not expose the treatment area to direct sunlight for a minimum of 4 weeks.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, pools, spas, intense exercise or other activities that may cause excessive heat to the treatment area for at least 7 days.
Possible Adverse Effects
Unlikely adverse affects that may occur.
TCA Peels, as well as Cosmo Peel Forte, are considered a safe and effective treatments when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional.
However, and although rare, these are possible adverse side effects that may occur, especially if you fail to follow the pre- and post-treatment advice provided:
- WOUNDS – Low Risk – Applicable to TCA Peels Level 1 to 3.
- INFECTION – Low Risk – Unlikely, but any type of wound can develop into infection.
- SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Low Risk – TCA is designed to lighten hyperpigmentation. Expect reduction of freckles, sunspots and similar lesions. However, there is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH). Daily SPF is mandatory.
- HAIR LOSS – NA – No effect on hair growth.
- DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigment related issues. Additional preparation and post care may be required to maximise skin protection
Cosmo Peel Forte Treatments
- WOUNDS – Medium Risk – Due to depth of peel / skin shedding. Extra care must be taken to ensure the treatment area is well protected and cared for.
Other Treatments
Pre & Post Treatment Advice for other treatments are linked below: