Trichloracetic
Light Chemical Peels
With Trichloracetic Acid
A light chemical peel with Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) is a safe and effective procedure to rejuvenate skin and improve facial irregularities. Brown spots, uneven pigmentation, fine wrinkling, sun damage, acne and some pre-cancers can be improved or removed. Your skin will look smoother and younger after a series of these peels.
What to expect: Your skin will first be prepped with an alcohol-acetone application. The TCA is then applied. Immediately after the TCA is applied to your skin a stinging/burning sensation is felt. This lasts for several minutes, then cool compresses are applied which will calm your skin. One or more days after the peel the treated areas will become red and flaky (similar to a sunburn.) This usually lasts between several days and one week. Some patients will develop temporary brown patches which will peel off within 7-10 days.
Risks: With a light chemical peel, only the top layers of skin are removed, therefore the risk of scarring is extremely unlikely. Other risks that can occur, but are also unlikely, are infection, darkening or lightening of the skin and persistent redness.
Preparation: Strong glycolic acid products or Retin-A, Avage, or Tazorac should be used for two weeks prior to your first peel to enhance your results. After your first peel, these products can be restarted one week before each successive peel. If you are not already on one of these products, glycolic acid is the easiest of these products to start with. Physician-strength glycolic products, such as Neostrata and Vivite are available in our office.
Arrive for your peel appointment with a clean, freshly washed face. You should have no make-up or moisturizers on your skin when you arrive.
Duration of treatment: Each treatment takes approximately 15 minutes. Peels are usually performed approximately every two weeks. A series of four to six peels is recommended to achieve the best cosmetic results.
Aftercare: Sunscreens and moisturizers containing poly-hydroxy-acids (gluconolactone) are recommended after treatment. Tylenol and cool compresses can help relieve mild discomfort if it occurs. Sun protection is necessary for 6 months following treatment.
Fees: Individual peels - $175. A series of four peels - $600 (if paid at the time of the first peel.)
We do not bill insurance for this procedure. Payment is due at the time of service.
