TCA Peel

Chemical peels can be a wonderful way to improve the overall look and feel of your skin. They are carefully formulated to remove upper layers of surface skin to reveal fresh, undamaged skin underneath. TCA peels can be especially effective for those with sun damage. If your skin has a leathery appearance or texture, you might be a good candidate for this highly advanced chemical peel.

What is a TCA peel?

TCA peel is a type of chemical peel used as a skin resurfacing technique. TCA stands for trichloracetic acid, the solution that is applied to the skin to induce peeling and skin exfoliation. The depth of the peel depends on the strength of TCA applied. TCA peels treat a variety of skin conditions:

  • Wrinkled or sun-damaged facial skin
  • Vertical wrinkles around your mouth, such as those that cause lipstick "bleed"
  • Crow's feet around your eyes and perhaps some skin laxity in your lower eyelid area
  • Fine wrinkling of your upper eyelids
  • Brown spots or blotchy skin coloring, including melasma
  • Certain precancerous skin growths
  • Acne or chicken pox scars
  • Facial scars

What are the benefits of a TCA peel?

A TCA peel can help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, blotchiness, melasma, pigment abnormalities, skin blemishes, age spots, and scars from acne or other causes. Lighter TCA peels usually require 2 or 3 treatments for optimal results, while medium depth peels may need to be repeated once or twice a year.

Many patients can benefit from having TCA applied not only on the face but also on the neck and other parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun such as the chest, back, arms, and legs.

How does a TCA peel work?

A TCA peel is most often performed as a light-to-medium strength peel. A light peel removes only the top layer of skin, while a stronger peel removes more layers of skin. During this treatment, a solution of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is applied to the face to remove the outer surface layer or deeper layers of skin. This then allows new, healthier skin to emerge. After the treatment, an ointment is applied to speed healing.

Your skin will be slightly redder and feel tight for 2-3 days after the peel. You will also begin to shed skin during this time. If you had a light TCA peel, you will peel for about 2-5 days. If you had a medium TCA peel, you will usually peel for about a week.

You will be more sensitive to sunlight for 4-8 weeks after a TCA chemical peel, so you should avoid all sun exposure. You will see results as soon as you are finished peeling, and your skin should continue to improve for 30-60 days as long as you stay out of the sun.

Reveal Radiant Skin Color and Tone with a TCA Peel

Iorio Plastic Surgery & Medspa looks forward to helping you achieve a more youthful appearance and even skin tone. Call us today to schedule your skin resurfacing consultation. We have two locations to serve you: 732-780-9191 in Holmdel or Colts Neck, New Jersey or 732-458-7400 for Brick, New Jersey. You can also use our convenient online appointment request form.

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