TCA Peel
The skin is the largest organ in our body. Every day
thousands of cells die and are replaced with new cells
from beneath the skin. As we age, this process begins
to slow down, our skin may have a less refined complexion,
fine lines, dark blotches and other signs of sun damage
and aging begin to appear.
Chemical peels have been used for decades to create
an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells.
The procedure involved the application of the solution
to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate
the production of new cells. It is commonly used to
treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation,
shallow acne scars, age spots, freckling, and melasma
(dark pigmentation of the face in women who are on the
birth control pill, or who are pregnant).
TCA (trichloroacetic) acid peels differ from glycolic
peels due to its ability to give you a deeper peelIngredients
TCA is usually given in a concentration of 25% to 50%.
Patients just starting treatments begin at the lower
concentration.
The amount of improvement depends on the patient’s
skin. The ideal skin type is best described as fair
Nordic skin that has had very little exposure to the
sun. Maximal improvement generally occurs after 2-3
peels usually given at 6-8 week intervals.
Preparing For Your Chemical Peel
Patients are assessed by the physician to review their
medical history (history of viral infections, sensitivity
of the sun, prior skin treatments, etc.), the underlying
skin condition and type, to determine if they are good
candidates for a peel. Patients will be advised as to
the concentration of the TCA peel and the appropriate
pre-peel skin treatment and instructions will be reviewed.
Treatment
The TCA chemical peel is performed as an outpatient
procedure at our surgical center. Patients are frequently
administered a short acting medication for sedation
and pain as this medium depth peel is somewhat more
painful than a glycolic peel. As the chemical is applied
with a gauze, a burning/stinging sensation will develop.
This may become very intense and will last for 3 to
5 minutes, until the chemical is diluted. Immediately
after the procedure, you may feel like you have a mild
sunburn. The skin may feel somewhat tight and darker
as peeling occurs during the next 2 to 5 days.
As the skin heals, crusts begin to form, and some tingling
and itching may occur. Cool compresses can reduce these
sensations. After the crusts falls off, the skin appears
quite pink, but this discolouration fades within a few
weeks. You will probably want to avoid public contact
for a period of 24 hours following the procedure. You
may wear cover up make up after 1 week of the procedure.
Although bandages are not worn, you will have to avoid
exposure to excessive wind, sun, heat, or cold during
this time. Patients are advised to wear sunblock after
the treatment. After the peeling occurs, a faint pinkness
will be apparent; this usually fades within 4-6 weeks.
You will be advised to take 1 week off work. If you
have a strong history of recurrent facial herpes simplex,
a TCA peel may not be for you.
Risks associated with TCA peels are extremely low. However,
they do include itching, scarring, hyperpigmentation,
hypopigmentation, temporary swelling and discomfort.
The Results
Most patients require two peels to achieve optimal improvement.
Everyone’s skin is different, therefore each patient’s
peel program is tailored to his/her individual needs.
Thousands of people undergo chemical peels each year
and are extremely pleased with the results.
|
