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Procedure: Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Chemical Peel
Introduction:
A chemical peel is an aesthetic procedure performed to achieve better skin tone and to remove fine lines, especially on the face. The chemical solution removes outer layers of skin which are damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems. Removing the outer skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which are tainted by the previous skin condition.
A good candidate is:
- A non-smoker
- Not in the active stages of acne
- Generally in good health
- Not pregnant or breast-feeding
Procedure description:
TCA peel is performed as an office procedure lasting between 15-30 minutes depending on the areas being treated. During the procedure trichloroacetic acid solution is carefully applied to a clean/make-up free face and is allowed to remain on the skin for a short time in order to remove the layers of damaged skin. At this point, the skin will turn white, a frost-like effect and the skin will then be neutralized. It is common for the patient to feel a stinging sensation during the treatment. Ice is applied after the procedure to help with any minimal pain and swelling.
Skincare products are used 4-6 weeks prior to the peel as a pre-treatment. Recommended products are Retinol 0.5-1%; facial cleanser; and hyper-pigmentation solution.
Recovery:
The recovery period for TCA chemical peels averages about a week or two during which time patients experience some redness, irritation, thin crusty scabs and discomforted in the treated areas. Do not pick the scabs, will cause scarring. A week or two after TCA chemical peels, patients will begin to notice the new skin and the improvements made to their appearance. Patients who have received TCA chemical peels will be sensitive to the sun, and therefore it is crucial to properly protect the skin.
Skincare products are used 1-3 weeks after the peel as a post-treatment. Recommended products are repair/healing cream; facial cleanser; hyper-pigmentation solution; and SPF 30 sunscreen.
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