Skin Rejuvenation » Medium Depth TCA Peels 35%

TCA stands for tri-chloroacetic acid and is one of the original skin rejuvenation peels. It can be used at varying strengths for either a superficial or medium depth peel. This medium depth peel will significantly improve dull, weathered skin, pigmentation and freckles, sun damage, fine wrinkles and acne scarring. It is a once only treatment and is a good alternative for a person not quite ready for laser resurfacing but wanting a significant rejuvenation.

Price: $1,500.00

What is a medium depth TCA 35% peel?
TCA stands for Tri-Chloroacetic Acid and is a chemical form of exfolitation.  It has been used for over 30 years to perform skin rejuvenating peels.  It can be used at varying strengths for either a superficial or medium depth peel.  It improves dull, weathered skin, reduces blotchy pigmentation and freckles, sun damage, fine wrinkles and acne scarring.

What will a medium depth TCA peel treat?
•    Improves photoageing
•    Speeds up cell turn over
•    Helps stimulate collagen production
•    Acne scarring
•    Fine lines
•    Pigmentation and freckles are reduced

Who are the best candidates for a TCA peel?
•    Both men and women of any age and all skin types showing signs of ageing or acne
•    Patients  who do not feel ready or do not require laser resurfacing.

The Procedure
Having a TCA peel takes 30-60 minutes.  With a medium depth TCA peel there is noticeable stinging for a few minutes. This is controlled with a cold air stream. Some patients may prefer to have some local anaesthetic cream on the skin prior to the treatment.  There will be some redness for a few hours after the peel.  The skin will begin to feel dry, tight and go darker and after 3-5 days the skin will begin to peel. The underlying skin will be softer, smoother and more even in pigmentation. Peeling is generally completed between the 5th and 10th day.

The recovery
1 week to 2 weeks off work.

Skin preparation and after care
Preparing the skin with an exfoliative cosmeceutical is recommended prior to peeling.  Skin preparation 1 to 3 weeks prior to peeling may include glycolic acid cream or lotion 3%-10%, any tyrosinase inhibiting cosmeceutical and SPF sunscreen 30+ UVA/UVB. You will need a heavier moisturiser. Do not try and peel the skin off more quickly than it wants to.  It is important, especially after a medium depth TCA peel to protect the skin from the sun.  A sun block of at least 30+ should be worn daily for 2-3 months (preferably long term) after peeling is complete.  Good skin care is essential to make the most of the improvements of a TCA peel. Usually ongoing AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) therapeutic skin care products should be used.

Complimentary consultation
You may wish to speak with one of our qualified Dermal Therapists.  During this free consultation, the Dermal Therapist can discuss both surgical and non-surgical options to treat your cosmetic concern(s).

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
MEDIUM DEPTH TCA PEELS


WHAT WILL MY SKIN LOOK LIKE AFTER THE PEEL
Immediately after the TCA is applied the skin will frost (go white). This will last about an hour (depending on the depth) and the skin will feel tight. You should expect some redness and swelling within 24 hours, any brown spots will look darker than they were previously, in fact the skin itself looks darker.  This is the beginning of the peeling process. Occasionally there maybe a small amount of tissue fluid weeping as the superficial layer of skin separates from the deeper layers.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SKIN AFTER THE PEEL
It is important to wash your face three times daily with Cetaphil cleanser (or try 100 ml of water with a teaspoon each of salt and vinegar) and to apply a bland moisturiser like Cetaphil (not one containing glycolic acid). It will be important to keep your face relatively moist at all times. It is better to apply your moisturiser more regularly and be too greasy than for it to be dry.

There can be considerable swelling if the peel is done on the eyelids or lips. Steroid tablets and or creams can help reduce this.  The peeling skin is a natural bandage and it is better leaving it on than aggressively peeling it off. This will leave you with a rather strange appearance over the first 5-7 days. During the peeling process do not apply ice packs or cold compresses to the face to reduce swelling. This causes excess moisture to the skin and increases the speed of peeling. Light spraying of the face with water is soothing and permissible.

With TCA peels the skin may continue to peel for up to 10 days. However after that time the skin should appear refreshed, slightly pink and be softer and smoother. At this stage it is important to wear regular sunscreen, as the skin is more sensitive to the damaging rays of the sun. This is important even when wearing a hat.  After the peeling process is completed it will be OK to wear make-up.

Often during the peeling process the skin is quite itchy. Keeping the skin moist with moisturising creams will reduce this.

GENERAL
Potential problems include infections, these are generally red, uncomfortable and may scab. Cold sores may flare up by a peel and if you have a history of cold sores an antiviral medication will be necessary. Infections raise the risk of scaring, so if you have any concerns please contact our office.