TCA Acid Peels

TCA - TRICHLOROACETIC ACID FACIAL PEELS

The TCA Peel creates a chemical peel that offers less risk of scarring and pigmentation changes than the phenol chemical peel or laser resurfacing. However, because it is not as deep as these peels, it is not as effective in improving deep wrinkles, but it can make marked improvements in blotchy pigmentation, freckling, sun damage, fine wrinkles, and some types of acne scars. When you have healed after a TCA peel, you should have skin that is your own natural colour and texture.

The peel is an outpatient procedure performed in my office. It consists of the application of one or several layers of medication to your skin to create a controlled chemical burn. There is normally a few minutes of stinging and burning after the medication is applied. This usually stops within 10 minutes, and there is no more discomfort during the rest of the time you are peeling, although most people experience itching during the healing process.

During the next several days, your skin turns darker, feels tight, then cracks and peels off, leaving you with a new fresh layer of skin. There are no scabs, bleeding or bandages. During healing you should have no pain. Most people look strange during peeling and you may want to ‘hide away’ for a few days. You will not be able to be in the sun or do anything that would cause you to perspire heavily.

The average peel takes 5 to 7 days to complete. Some patients require more than one peel to achieve their best improvement. For most skin types, one or two peels are needed to give the best results, but some skin problems, such as excessive pigmentation from pregnancy or birth control pills, may require multiple peels for maximum improvement. Everyone’s skin is different. Some skin types, especially Asian skins, are not suitable for
TCA peels.