Hi all, I know we discuss this a lot on here and I am always fretting over these lines. I went today for a free consultation with a respected plastic Surgeon. He said there are 2 things to do. He stated they can be very deep or not so deep, but usually very difficult to get rid of entirely depending on the severity of the lines. He recommended for me a 40% peel in his office. The cost is $500. The other alternative is a laser but more then likely more than one pass and more money. He does not do them nor does he recommend the fillers they are a waste of money for long term use. So I am contemplating the 40% peel. Isn't that risky to do ourselves?? Do you think $500 is a lot of money for it? If I am done with the wrinkles long term I would be happy. any thoughts?

Boy, I would not attempt a 40% at home, and especially if you have not been doing peels.

Just musing here, but I know that using a 35% TCA combined with Jessner, is equivalent to a 50% TCA (but safer). So I wonder what would be a safer equivalent to a 40% than an actual 40%?

When I was doing Jessner/20% tca combos (which was 2-3 layers of 20 over the jessner), that was pretty major - but no way did it take away my lip lines. They are lighter and lighter with each peel, but I have done 7 on my face now. I wonder if one 40% would really do it? I think they would have to be pretty light and not deep at all. I guess what I am saying is I fear you would end up needing more than one treatment. Then again, maybe 40 is truly much stronger than what I have ever done and it might make all the difference. I would assume your doctor must have had success before if he is suggesting it.

Are you paying that strictly for lip lines only, or having your entire face done?

Please, if anyone has experience with these stronger peels and what they can do on lip lines, please speak up!

Hi No that is just for the oribital area, upper and lower lip lines. ($500) I think that is what most PS do, with these bad boys. I have been on this site right along. I am the one who goes to the estician (sp?) who started with 7% TCA then up 10% that is like using a water pistol on a towering inferno. nothing happening. I have paid $70.00 so far. He said that is nothing, and will do nothing. He said he feels pretty confident that they will be gone with a 40%. He said with those lower strengths nothing will happen and I am just wasting my money. I do 40% Glycolic peels on my entire face. I do get a good peeling action with the lower TCA but nothing helps those lines. Well we will see. I am certainly contemplating having it done. He said about 10 days of down time crusting, peeling etc. I would guess so!!!! 40% yikes!

Well, good luck!!

I know the lower TCA would not do anything, just wondering if maybe a 25% in combo with the Jessner would do it? I say this only because I think that is something you could do at home, and that may be close to a 40%. I have done the 20 three layers with jessner, but 25% would be a good jump from that.

I have these deep lines that come down from the corners of my mouth. They are actual cracks, like very deep lip lines. I have definitely had improvement doing the cross method with 25% TCA right in those cracks (not marionette, but actual cracks like deep lip lines). I've had to do a series though and I have not done the Jessner with it to increase strength.

Hi yes I am also wondering since I have done 7.5% and 10% in that area if I could safey jump up to 20% and do it myself and see what happpens. Are you saying you have done the Jessners/Tca combo peel? Isn't the Jessners more for acne issues etc.? I do not have that and is there nor more chance of discoloration using the jessner? I am a 4 of that scale. I think I would like to try this and if I see no improvement I can always have the 40% done by him or a laser.

I have read that CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) is effective for lip lines. Have you considered micro-needle treatments?