CHEMICAL PEEL

TCA Chemical Peel
TCA is short for Trichloroacetic Acid. This is one of the
most commonly used acids for chemical peels.It is an acid
solution which is applied to the skin, It then blisters off
over a period of up to 14 days.The chemical solution
improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by
removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those
individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin
pigmentation.There are different types of chemical Peels.
Phenol, TCA and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). Some types
of chemical peels can be purchased and administered
without a medical license, however people are advised to
seek a qualified practitioner on a specific type of chemical
peel before a procedure is performed.
TCA is normally used for shallow peels (EasyPeel), where
the concentration of acid is low, or for a medium deep
peels, which is effective against fine wrinkles, freckles,
pigmentation changes, acne and other superficial skin
conditions, malasma being one.
4 t0 5 TCA peel treatments are required in order to
achieve a good result. A shallow peel with AHA or TCA
only affects the top layer of the skin (the epidermis),
whereas a deeper peel with TCA or Phenol also works on
the underlying skin layer (the dermis).
The purpose of a peel is to remove old and wrinkly,
pigmented, or sun damaged skin and to stimulate the
production of new and fresh skin cells.
A peel can reduce the fine lines underneath the eyes and
around the mouth, wrinkles caused by sun damage, sign
of ageing as well as liver spots, freckles, and pigmentation
changes. A peel is also able to improve the appearance of
shallow scars, and can treat some forms of acne. It can
be used on certain types of acne.TCA peeling can improve
the appearance of acne and can be beneficial in
combination with clinical and dermatological treatment.
TCA is mostly used for shallow or medium deep peels, and
is the most commonly used acid for chemical peel.
Phenol is the strongest of the three, and is used for
medium deep and deep wrinkles, as well as for
pigmentation changes.
Persons with a tendency to form of keloid (excess scar
tissue) or other forms of irregular scar formation are not
suited candidates.

The procedure
The treatment takes 15-20 minutes. Usually, the patient
will be asked to apply pre peel skin care product on the
skin for 2 weeks before the treatment. These cream
contain active agents, which help prepare the skin for
the peel, and which will improve its ability to form new
skin cells afterwards.

What is the treatment like?
After cleansing the skin to remove oils, the peeling agent
is carefully applied. Within minutes, there is a very warm
sensation that feels like sunburn. This lasts for a few
minutes and is rapidly relieved by the application of post
peel mask.
Usually, no sedation is used during a chemical peel. For
a Deep chemical peel, a local anesthetic is required to
numb the face. Sedation is also an option for this
procedure. The skin is cleansed and a strong chemical
peel formula is applied and left on for around 30 minutes
before being removed.
Patients can feel ill after a deep chemical peel, and may
experience moderate to severe pain lasting many days.
The face swells in the first two days and it can be very
itchy during the peeling and healing process. The face
will be very red and may ooze a little fluid after the deep
chemical peel treatment and it will take around two
weeks before the face is healed enough that you may
want to venture outdoors.

Risk of complications
There is a risk of temporary discolouration of the skin in
the treated area.With medium peel hyrer-pigmentation
can occur even if you use sunscreens. Brown blotches
can be treated with bleaching and bleaching cream.The
risk of pigmentation changes increases when taking
contraceptive pills.

Healing and recovery
After the peel, the skin will react similar to when getting
sunburned. The skin will typically turn red and start to
peel off, and it might swell up a little. This usually stops
within a week.
After having a deep TCA peel, you might get fluid filled
blisters, similar to having a second-degree burn. These
will disappear within 1-2 weeks though.
Normal activities, such as work, can be resumed after
10-14 days(medium peel).
The new skin on the treated area will be very sensitive
to sunlight for at least 6-8 weeks afterwards. During this
time it is very important to protect the new skin with
sunscreens, hats and the avoidance of strong sunlight.
Use sunscreen with a high protective factor for several
months.

Duration of the result
The result after a few TCA peels is a smoother, fresher
skin, where freckles as well as other imperfections in
the skin will be significantly reduced, or gone. One deep
chemical peel treatment can give remarkable results and
the effects last for a decade.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much improvement will I have?
In principle, the amount of improvement is individual and
depends on the initial condition of the patient's skin.
Maximum improvement of damaged skin and wrinkling
ranges from50%-80% and, although100% percent
improvement is not possible, most patients view the
results as dramatic.
Chemical peel cannot heal loose or sagging skin, and do
not serve the same function as a face-lift. Laser
resurfacing, or soft tissue fillers may be much more
effective. These options should be discussed with your
medical practitioner. Chemical peels can not remove
broken blood vessels on theface. However, chemical
peels may improve the appearance of these conditions.

What happens after the treatment?
After having a TCA peel patients are advised not to
wash the treated area with water for 24 hours and
protect fromUVA radiation. Apply Post peel moisturising
cream and sunblock as required. Patient's progress
should be monitored and should be invited back to clinic
at prescribed intervals for follow-up examinations with
the practitioner and given specific post-peel instructions.

How Much Does The Treatment Cost?
The price of the treatment ranges from £80-£1,000 for
easy and medium peel. It will also depend on the type
of chemical peel that is recommended for your type of
skin.