Tricholoracetic Acid (TCA) is a medium chemical peel that is highly effective in promoting skin smoothness and vitality by improving superficial discoloration and fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits

- Improvement in superficial lines and wrinkles.
- Corrects pigment problems.
- Removes superficial blemishes.
- Can be used on face, neck and other body areas.
- Can be used on all light to darker skin types.
- Peel depth can be adjusted.

Preparation

Preparing your skin for a TCA peel will result in deeper penetration, faster recovery, lower risk for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and better results. Dr Welsh may prescribe a regime or Retin-A, glycolic acid, and bleaching agents to be used daily 4-6 weeks prior to the peel.

Procedure

The TCA peel is performed in office, and typically takes 1 hour. Pain/Anxiety medications will be administered prior to application of the peel for comfort. Plan on a ride to and from the office. The nurse will apply the TCA to your skin until the desired depth is achieved. The burning sensation will last about 10 minutes. Once the areas have neutralized your skin will return to normal color in about 15 to 45 minutes.

Recovery

There is generally no discomfort following the procedure. You will wash your face with a gentle cleanser followed by moisturizer. Your face, initially, will appear red. Within a few days, your superficial skin will darken and become stiff. It will then begin to crack, flake and peel. The peeling process usually takes 7 to 10 days. Please do not pick or pull at skin during this time. This can lead to scarring. Once your skin is completely finished peeling, you may begin to wear makeup and resume your normal skin care routine.

The benefits of a TCA peel generally last 6 month to 2 years. Regular use of anti-aging products such as Kinerase Tretinoin Gel , Obagi NuDerm, and SkinMedica TNS Serum will maximize the duration of results.