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Many skin conditions are treated with chemical peels. They aid in smoothing the skin and enhancing its texture. It is made to appear younger and more bright by employing a chemical solution. Other names for a chemical peel include phenol peels, trichloroacetic acid peels, and glycolic acid peels. It is among the most popular ways to rejuvenate your skin and enhance its general appearance. Let’s first grasp what TCA Chemical Peel is before delving into the various steps in more depth.
What Is Tca Chemical Peel
A trichloroacetic acid peel, or TCA peel, is a type of cosmetic chemical peel performed to treat a wide range of skin problems, such as visible signs of aging, sun damage, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Achieve significant improvements in the appearance of skin with treatments from a Gainesville dermatologist at our clinic. We offer a wide range of cosmetic skin care treatments created to help our patients look and feel their best. Contact Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center today to schedule a dermatologist appointment.
What Is A TCA Peel?
The primary ingredient in a TCA chemical peel is trichloroacetic acid, a derivative of vinegar, and it exists in concentrations of 15–70%. These peels can be applied in a variety of strengths (from light to medium) and may be customized by the use of pre-treatment agents prior to treatment as well as the number of layers applied during treatment. TCA peels are applied to remove the uppermost layer of skin (epidermis) from the face, neck, hands, and other parts of the body. TCA peels use chemical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells from the treatment area, reducing the appearance and visibility of acne scars, sun damage, melasma, and hyperpigmentation while exposing a brand-new, unblemished layer of skin underneath.
TCA Peel Benefits
There are multiple TCA peel benefits that can help patients improve the visible appearance of their skin. TCA peels are most commonly used to treat the skin on the face and neck, but they may also be used on the chest, back, arms, and legs, or other areas of the body frequently exposed to sunlight. Depending on the strength of the chemical peel, those containing TCA can help you achieve the following benefits with noticeable improvements to the skin.
- Reduced brown spots and age spots
- Improved texture of leathery, sun-damaged skin
- Reduced appearance of certain types of acne
- Fewer fine lines and wrinkles
- Improved appearance of skin with melasma
- Increased skin elasticity and hydration
How Do TCA Peels Work?
Trichloroacetic breaks down keratin, a protein found naturally in the skin, causing keratin to cease proper function and allowing the skin to lighten and peel away over the course of several days. As patients shed layers of damaged skin, healthier and smoother skin is revealed. Peels with lower strengths affect only the topmost layer of skin, but medium-strength peels can penetrate the papillary dermis to treat damage located in deeper layers of skin.
The concentration of TCA used determines the depth of the peel. Lower concentrations offer subtle improvements, while higher concentrations significantly improve overall skin tone and texture. TCA peels with 10–15% concentrations (light) can treat skin issues like hyperpigmentation, while peels with a 20% concentration can treat sun-damaged and aging skin or skin with minor scarring. A peel with a concentration of 30–35% treats deep wrinkles, more severe scars, and precancerous skin lesions.
How Long Does TCA Peel Last?
TCA peel for acne scars and other skin conditions work by removing a layer of sun-damaged skin. “Light” or superficial peels remove only the outermost layer of skin, while medium-deep peels remove greater layers of skin with each increase in strength of the peel solution. TCA peels may be performed at different depths, ranging from shallow to deep. The several strengths of TCA peels allow various formulations to work at different depths in the skin.
The specific formula and strength that work best for your needs depend on multiple factors, such as the type and severity of the condition you seek to treat. Depending on your unique needs, our dermatologists might recommend a specific type and strength of TCA peel, in order to best accommodate your skin-care goals. The lasting power of results from a TCA peel depends on the depth of the peel and the extent of a patient’s current sun exposure.
How Many TCA Peels Do I Need To See Results?
Improvements to the skin following a TCA peel will be visible after one peel. However, patients with greater degrees of damage, such as those with severe scarring, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage typically require a series of peels in order to obtain clear skin. Following your initial treatment, additional TCA peels may be scheduled for a few weeks or months after the first procedure. The number of peels required depends on multiple factors, such as your skin’s reaction to the procedure as well as the type and severity of damage on your skin. Once patients obtain their desired results, they may schedule maintenance TCA peels every 1–2 years, depending on their specific skin requirements.
What To Expect During A TCA Peel
While the TCA peel procedure lasts only a few minutes, this treatment generally requires more than one appointment. Both a pre-procedure and post-procedure skin care regimen are likewise required in order to achieve optimal results from treatment. In the time leading up to the procedure, patients are recommended a skin care regimen by our dermatologists. Patients who frequently experience cold sores will be prescribed an antiviral medication in order to help prevent a flare-up after the procedure. Those who regularly use retinoid creams or medications will be asked to discontinue their use, as they may cause the TCA to penetrate too deeply into the skin. A week before treatment, patients must stop using hair removal products, exfoliants. and skin-lightening medications on and around the intended treatment area.
During a TCA procedure, the peel is applied with a gauze or cotton-tipped applicator to the treatment area. The skin may begin to whiten, causing a slight burning sensation. After approximately 5 minutes, additional layers may be applied in order to increase the depth of the treatment. Once the desired number of layers have been applied, the TCA is removed from the skin and a cool compress is applied for several minutes, followed by a protective topical medication or ointment.
TCA Peels Aftercare
After a TCA peel, your skin will appear red and feel swollen for several days, transitioning into darkening, crusting, and peeling of the treated area. Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to ease any discomfort during the recovery process. TCA peel recovery time typically requires 7–14 days of healing, but some degree of redness may persist for several months following treatment. Patients schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the healing process goes smoothly.
Your dermatologist provides you with specific instructions for chemical peel aftercare including the application of certain topical creams or prescriptions for medications. Use only mild skin cleansers and other skin care products and meticulously use broad-spectrum sun protection with a high SPF throughout the recovery period. Avoid picking and peeling the skin, as it may lead to scarring. Until the skin is fully healed, avoid using products containing vitamin C as well as retinoids and other exfoliation products.
TCA Peel Results
After a light TCA peel, your skin appears brighter, firmer, and more even with regard to texture and tone. Hyperpigmentation, fine lines, melasma, and shallow scars are lightened and less visible. Following a medium-strength peel, these imperfections are either further reduced or erased altogether. Wrinkles and skin laxity (looseness) are improved, while scarring and visible imperfections are minimized or eliminated. For patients who receive TCA treatment for individual scarring, several applications spaced out over a course of several weeks are necessary to see desired results. In this case, the treated skin continues to heal and reheal over time with gradual improvements seen up to 3 months following their final treatment.
Are TCA Peels Safe?
TCA is suitable for the treatment of many skin conditions across a variety of skin tones and types. Although chemical peels are widely considered safe, peels with medium-high strengths carry higher risks of complications than light-strength peels and they require downtime. Common side effects of TCA peels include swelling, itching, and burning. Redness and changes in skin color lasting several months may also occur. Patients with very light and dark skin tones may have a higher risk of post-peel skin discoloration than others.
About TCA Chemical Peels
Fast facts
About:
- TCA peels are cosmetic treatments that use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to improve your skin’s appearance.
- The peels come in a variety of strengths or concentrations of acid.
- A TCA peel works by removing dead skin cells and stimulating new skin cell growth.
- People use TCA peels to try to get younger looking skin, and to treat certain skin conditions, like melasma and acne scarring.
Safety:
- Nearly 130,000 chemical peels were performed by dermatologists in 2018, many using TCA.
- The TCA peel application process sometimes causes temporary side effects such as burning and discomfort.
- After a chemical peel, you may experience redness and skin sensitivity. In rare cases, there is a risk of scarring and infection from a TCA peel.
- Finding a licensed and certified health practitioner to perform the TCA peel will lower your risks of negative side effects.
Convenience:
- The peel itself typically takes about 30 minutes to apply.
- You can resume your regular activities after the peel has been applied, but protecting your skin from the sun is essential as you heal.
- This procedure is available through dermatologists trained in the procedure.
Cost:
- TCA peels aren’t typically covered by insurance.
- The average cost of a full-face TCA chemical peel is $693. This cost varies according to your region and provider.
Efficacy:
- TCA peel results vary according to the results you expect and the reason you’re using the peels.
- Studies show that peels containing TCA have been found to be effective for the treatment of acne and melasma,
What is a TCA peel?
A TCA peel is a noninvasive skin treatment used to treat skin discolorations, scarring, and wrinkles. These peels get their name from trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which is used to clear away dead skin cells to reveal the newer and smoother skin layers below.
TCA peels are part of the group of skin treatments called chemical peels, which are used to exfoliate your skin by using different strengths and combinations of nontoxic acid ingredients.
Who is a good candidate for TCA peels?
Chemical peels can be superficial, medium, or deep strength. TCA peels are considered medium strength, meaning they should only be applied by a certified skin care professional. The ideal candidate for a TCA peel:
- is not breastfeeding or pregnant
- does not have a skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea
- does not have a job that requires them to be outside
- has no history of keloids or poor wound healing
- will be counseled by the doctor beforehand about realistic expectations of the results
People who have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Zenatane, Amnesteem, Claravis) should avoid chemical peels for a period of time after completing treatment.
How much does a TCA peel cost?
The cost of a TCA peel is determined by the size of the application area as well as the expected results. In 2018 a chemical peel application cost an average of $693, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Keep in mind that the cost of a TCA peel won’t always be limited to the treatment itself.
After a TCA peel, it’s recommended you use additional moisturizing products to protect your face while it heals and rehydrate your skin.
These skin care products can get expensive, and the quality of the products you purchase can impact the overall result of your chemical peel as well as how long the results last.
If you work in an office setting or spend most of your time indoors, you probably won’t need to take time off from work after a TCA peel. Immediately after the peel is applied, your skin will appear extremely red and irritated.
Like other chemical peels, TCA peels are considered an elective procedure. That means that they are not covered by health insurance.
How does a TCA peel work?
A TCA peel dissolves cells in the top layer of your skin (epidermis). As the skin that’s been affected by TCA application peels off, new cell growth is encouraged underneath.
Once that top layer of skin has peeled off, a layer of brand-new skin cells becomes visible. Often, the new layer of skin is smoother and less affected by “imperfections” such as wrinkles and acne scarring.
Procedure for a TCA peel
The TCA peel treatment itself will probably take around 30 minutes. You will be instructed to lie down as the dermatologist applies the TCA solution to your skin.
Most people feel a burning sensation for the first few minutes of the procedure, followed by a stinging pain as the acid exfoliates and clears away the top layers of your skin.
The procedure is done in a single session. It may be recommended that you prepare your skin with certain products prior to a TCA peel to achieve better results.
If you are looking to achieve a certain result, multiple sessions may be required. It’s advised that you wait several months between chemical peels to allow your skin to fully heal.
You may be sedated during the TCA peel, according to what you and your dermatologist decide.
Targeted areas for TCA peels
TCA peels are typically applied to your face. They can also be used to improve skin’s smoothness and tone on other areas of your body, such as:
- back
- chest area
- neck
- shoulders
- upper arms
Are there any risks or side effects
There are some risks and side effects for the procedure. Common side effects include:
- redness that lasts for several days or even weeks
- herpes flare-up if you have the herpes simplex virus
- changes in skin color
Rarely, a TCA peel can cause:
- a bacterial or fungal infection
- organ damage due to chemical exposure
People with darker complexions may beTrusted Source at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation after a chemical peel. Hyperpigmentation causes the layer of skin exposed by the chemical peel to appear darker or uneven.
Speak to your doctor about specific risks for your skin type before getting a chemical peel.
After your peel, if you experience excessive redness, swelling in your peel, oozing, blisters, or pus formation on your skin, contact your health provider immediately.
What to expect after a TCA peel
After a TCA peel application, you may notice some changes right away. It could also take three or four days before you see the full effects develop.
After the initial redness fades from your skin, you’ll notice that your skin begins to feel tight. Throughout the next three days, the affected area will shed the skin that has been exposed to the TCA treatment. It’s normal for the peeling skin to come off in patches over the course of several days.
Avoid scratching your skin or peeling it off with your fingernails. After the skin comes off completely, the skin underneath may appear firmer, smoother, brighter, and more youthful.
During the period that your skin is peeling, make sure to wear sunscreen and protect your skin from sun each day. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to prevent stripping your skin of additional moisture.
You may plan another chemical peel in three to nine months if you like the result.
After your peel, continue applying sunscreen daily. Avoid excess exposure to UV light. You may also need to change your grooming habits: waxing and sugaring the hair where you have a TCA peel could injure your skin in the weeks afterward.
Preparing for a TCA peel
Prior to a TCA peel, you may need to switch up your skin care regimen.
Your health care provider may give you instructions to “prime” or prep the skin in the weeks prior to a TCA peel. Sunscreen and retinoic acid may be partTrusted Source of the skin priming process.
The Mayo Clinic suggests applying sunscreen daily for at least four weeks before any kind of chemical peel. This can help you achieve an even skin tone after the peel.
It’s recommended that you stop using any skin care products containing retinoids in the three days leading up to your TCA peel appointment. Retinol ingredients can thin the skin layer, making damage from chemical exposure more likely.
TCA and other chemical peels
Sometimes TCA is combined by dermatologists with other ingredients and acids to create different kinds of chemical peels.
Jessner Peels and glycolic acid peels may give similar results to TCA peels. In one small study from 2010, glycolic acid peels and TCA peels (both combined with pre-peel preparation routines) were found to have similar results for women who were trying to improve symptoms of melasma.
Some milder chemical peel options are available and can be performed at home. These at-home peels often contain lactic acid, glycolic acid, or citric acid.
While these peels may not offer the same dramatic results as a chemical peel done by a dermatologist, they are a more affordable option and they carry a lower risk of side effects.
How to find a provider
If you’re interested in trying a TCA peel, schedule a consultation with a doctor who performs them. Results may vary according to your skin type, age, and other factors. Your provider should speak with you about realistic expectations for the procedure, as well as risk factors and potential side effects.
The American Academy for Dermatologic Surgery offers a directory of dermatologists who have been trained in applying chemical peels to help you find a skilled and experienced practitioner.