A TCA, or trichloroacetic acid, peel is a chemical peel used to refresh and revitalize the skin. Chemical peels work by removing the upper layers of the skin, revealing less damaged skin to treat age spots, sun damage, and fine lines and wrinkles. The depth of the peel, side effects and its final results will depend upon the dilution of trichloroacetic acid used; however, TCA peels are most commonly a medium-depth peel.
Preparation
Prior to a TCA peel, your dermatologist will suggest a skin care regimen, including products like Retin-A and alpha hydroxy acids. According to InfoPlasticSurgery.com, a pretreatment regimen will allow for deeper penetration, faster recovery and better results. If you already use an antiaging skin care treatment regimen with these products, additional preparations may not be necessary.
Function
Prior to your TCA peel, your skin will be cleansed and degreased. Layers of the trichloroacetic acid solution will be applied and left on the skin for two to three minutes. Once the desired peel depth is achieved, a neutralizing solution is applied, reports Dr. Brian Zelickson of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Some discomfort and a stinging sensation is normal, and pain or antianxiety medications may be given for deeper chemical peels.
Effects
Allow several days to recover from a TCA peel or another medium-depth chemical peel. Redness, swelling and irritation are to be expected immediately after a TCA peel. According to Zelickson, a few days later, you can expect the skin to darken, crack and peel. This lasts for four to seven days, revealing fresh, younger looking skin once healing is complete. TCA peels may be repeated every three months.
Considerations
Unlike deeper chemical peels, TCA peels are appropriate for a wide range of skin tones, including olive, light brown and darker brown shades. Darker complexions do run a risk of uneven color or blotchiness after a peel, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Proper preparation lowers this risk. Your dermatologist can assess your personal risk factor and help develop a pretreatment regimen suitable for your sin.
Aftercare
The new skin revealed by your medium-depth peel will be quite sensitive to the sun, so avoiding sun exposure is essential, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. You can expect the effects of your TCA peel to last for a period of time ranging from several months to two years. Continuing use of skin care products will extend the positive effects of your chemical peel, reports InfoPlasticSurgery.com.
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