Skin Peels with Trichloroacetic Acid
Your skin is a living organ made up of millions of cells. Unfortunately, as we age, skin repair becomes a slower and more haphazard process, no longer able to shed dark blotches, sun damage, resulting in a dull, lifeless complexion. The function of a skin peel is to create an even controlled shedding of several layers of damaged cells. This exposes a new fresh layer of skin with a more even color and a smoother texture. In addition, the peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin, which decreases wrinkling.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) has been used to perform skin peels for over 50 years. TCA peels create a fresh, natural-appearing complexion, while preserving the normal skin color. Although one peel can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, some skin problems are deeper than others. It is possible that you may require more than one peel to achieve your best results.
TCA can effectively improve many conditions, including:
- Dull, weathered skin
- Freckling
- Blotchy pigmentation (including the mask of pregnancy)
- Sun damage (including precancerous lesions)
- Fine wrinkles
- Shallow acne scars
How is the peel performed?
TCA peels are performed in the doctor's office. A solution containing TCA is applied to your skin. This is usually associated with 2-3 minutes of a burning and stinging sensation. No sedation or anesthesia is needed for superficial peels.
What happens to my skin during a TCA peel?
When TCA is applied to the skin, it causes the top layers of cells to dry up and peel off over a period of several days. When the old skin has peeled off, a new layer of skin with smoother texture and more even color is revealed.
How much time will I miss from work?
During the healing process, it will look as if you had a sunburn. Healing time depends on the depth of the peel. The skin will be dry and scaly, sometimes pink or brown and streaky. We will recommend care products for you during this time. Don’t expect to miss any work.
How soon can I resume my normal outdoor activities?
Anyone who has had a TCA peel is more sensitive to sunlight because the skin is renewed. During this time it is very important to protect the new skin with sunscreens, and the avoidance of strong sunlight. We urge patients to maintain protection even after the peel is completed, prolonging their results.
Are there restrictions on who can have a TCA peel?
During your consultation, Dr Resnik will assess your skin and advise you on what will be needed to give you the best results. As with any procedure, not everyone is a candidate for a TCA peel.
Can TCA peels be performed on other areas of the body besides the face?
Most people have similar aging and sun damage changes on the neck, chest, and hands as that present on the face. Fortunately, TCA peels can be performed successfully on these non-facial areas as well.