TCA Peel
TCA Peel
What is a TCA Peel?
TCA peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne. This peel is a medium-depth peeling system that may be performed in different variations. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems are commonly treated with this type of chemical peel. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve desired results.
If You're Considering Chemical Peel...
A chemical peel is a non-invasive technique for restoring wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away the skin's top layers. The new cells that form during the healing process produce a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface. A chemical peel can be used on the full face or on specific regions, such as the forehead or the area around the mouth. Chemical peel is not a substitute for a facelift -- it doesn't eliminate sagging or excess skin -- but many people can benefit from both procedures. There are two types of chemical solutions used in peels: phenol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This brochure will give you a basic understanding of the TCA peel – when it can help, what it involves, and the results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.
The best candidates for chemical peel
Chemical peel can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't remove all facial flaws or prevent aging. Before you decide on the procedure, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with us.
TCA. TCA peels are used primarily for fine surface wrinkles and for superficial blemishes or pigment problems. The results are less dramatic and much shorter-lasting than with phenol peels, but there are certain advantages. For example, the depth of the peel can be adjusted, depending on the patient's needs. And, because they produce less bleaching than phenol peels, they may be preferred for darker-skinned patients and for peels of selected areas of the face. TCA peels also take less time, have a shorter recovery period, and can be (and often are) repeated regularly.
Dermabrasion. If you have darker skin or deeper imperfections, such as acne scars, you may want to consider another technique called dermabrasion. This procedure uses a high-speed, hand-held rotary wheel to remove the top layers of skin.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
A Chemical peel is normally safe when it's performed by a qualified, experienced physician. Infection, numbness, and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
With a TCA peel, sun protection is still required. There is also a possibility of abnormal color changes. Tiny whiteheads may appear after a peel, but they usually disappear on their own or are easily treated. And people who tend to develop allergic rashes, fever blisters, or cold sores may experience a flare-up.
Planning for a chemical peel
In your initial consultation, be frank in discussing your expectations with the surgeon, and don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. Your surgeon should be equally frank with you, explaining the factors that could influence the procedure and the results--such as your age, skin color and condition, and previous plastic surgeries. If dermabrasion or laser resurfacing is an option, you should discuss this as well; find out which procedure the surgeon recommends for you--and why.
The surgeon will probably discuss your medical history, conduct a routine examination, and photograph your face. He or she should explain the procedure in detail, along with its risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs. Pre-operative photographs are a critical part of the planning process and will usually be made on your initial visit.
Preparing for your chemical peel
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the peel, including guidelines on eating and drinking, and on avoiding aspirin and other medications that affect blood clotting. If you smoke, you'll probably be asked to stop for a week or two before and after the procedure, since smoking decreases blood circulation in the skin and impedes healing.
You'll also be given special instructions regarding the care and treatment of your skin prior to the peel. To prepare your skin for a TCA peel, your doctor may tell you to begin applying Retin-A and or a skin lightening agent such as hydroquinone four to six weeks ahead of time. (Retin-A is a cream derived from vitamin A and available only by prescription.)
Where your peel will be performed
Chemical peel may be performed in our office.
Types of anesthesia
Anesthesia isn't required for chemical peel, since the chemical solution itself acts as an anesthetic. However, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to help you remain relaxed and comfortable.
The peel
After washing your skin thoroughly, the surgeon will apply the chemical solution, usually to one region of your face at a time. You'll feel a mild stinging at first, but this should pass quickly.
After treatment, the surgeon will probably cover the treated area with petroleum jelly. In some cases waterproof adhesive tape is used. In others, particularly for a lighter peel, the surgeon may use no covering at all.
In the case of TCA, two or more treatments may be required to obtain the desired results. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.
After your peel
Shortly after your peel, your skin may begin to tingle and throb; this can be relieved with medication. If you've had a phenol peel, your face will be very swollen; your eyes may be swollen shut, and you'll need close care for a day or two. You may be limited to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days.
Your doctor will give you a very specific routine to follow during the first week or two of recovery. It's essential that you follow these instructions to the letter, even if a friend has had the same procedure and was given different instructions.
Getting back to normal
New skin will begin to form about seven to ten days after a phenol peel. It will be very red at first, gradually subsiding to a pinkish color over the following months. Full healing may take three to six months. It's important that you avoid direct or reflected sunlight during this time; otherwise, you may end up with blotchy coloring.
You'll be able to wear some makeup and can probably return to work in about 5 – 6 days with a TCA peel. After two weeks you can also begin gradually resuming your normal activities. If you swim, stick to indoor pools to avoid sun and wind, and keep your face out of chlorinated water for at least four weeks. It will be at least three to four weeks before you can drink alcohol without experiencing a flush of redness.
Within a week or less your new skin should be evident and you'll be back to your normal activities.
Your new look
Your skin will be noticeably tighter, smoother, and fresher looking with a TCA Peel
Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) every day should become a lifelong habit.
Just as preoperative photographs are a critical part of planning your procedure, post-operative photographs are a vital part of our quality management process. Your surgeon will need post-op photos several months after surgery in order to assess whether we have met all of our preop goals and in order to further refine our surgical technique.
