Trichloroacetic Acid Skin Peel (TCA)
What is a TCA Skin Peel?
All peels involve applying a solution to remove the outer layers of skin so that a smoother appearance can be obtained.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The result of TCA peels produces more dramatic results than AHA peels. Clients will require 4 treatments to achieve optimal results.
Does it hurt?
This procedure is fairly painless. You will experience a mild stinging to the skin when the solution is applied. Your skin is exposed to the acid for approximately 2-3 minutes.
Do I need to take time off work to have a peel?
It is not necessary to take time off work but your skin may look a little red right after the procedure and will peel for approximately 5 days.
Who can benefit from this treatment?
Most people who have sun damage such as multiple solar keratosis, pigmentation abnormalities, certain types of acne, and fine wrinkling might benefit from this treatment. It is often used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and hereditary factors can often be reduced with this procedure.
What is the procedure like?
After cleansing the skin to remove oils, the peeling agent is carefully applied. Within minutes, there is a very warm sensation that feels like sunburn. This lasts for a few minutes and is rapidly relieved by the application of cool air and a post peel mask. Very rarely, there may be some swelling, especially around the eyes for the first two days, but discomfort is minimal. By the third or fourth day, the skin has a tight feeling and sheds. This is replaced by skin with a pink colour and smooth texture, usually by day 7.
How much improvement will I have?
The amount of improvement is individual and depends on the initial condition of the patient's skin. Maximum improvement of damaged skin and wrinkling ranges from 50%-85% and, although 100% percent improvement is not possible, most patients view the results as dramatic.
What are the limits of skin peels?
Peels cannot heal loose or sagging skin, and do not serve the same function as a face-lift. In addition, it will not remove deep scars. Laser resurfacing, punch grafting, punch elevation, scar excision, or soft tissue fillers may be much more effective. These options should be discussed with your surgeon. Skin peels may help with the appearance of large open pores.
