Overview | Ideal candidates | Treatment steps | Results and risks | Immediate and future skincare tips
The first signs of aging are one of the most dominant reasons why people consider visiting a dermatologist. Most of my patients come to me looking for a solution to rejuvenate their skin and look younger. However, this is not the only skin-related concern that people have. Hyperpigmentation, scarring, and sun damage can also make your skin look dull and unhealthy. I can help you get your natural appearance back by suggesting a few ways.
In this article, I will talk to you about the Trichloroacetic acid peel, which is also known as a TCA peel. It is a resurfacing method of skin treatment. This peel removes deteriorated, damaged, and older-looking skin. This chemical peel improves the coagulation of skin protein, which destroys the top layer of the skin and resurfaces a healthier layer. The peel can successfully treat ice picks scars, pigmentation, and signs of aging.
What are some important things to keep in mind about TCA peel?
According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, a TCA peel which is a type of chemical peel can be used to treat acne scars, blemishes, and more pronounced wrinkles, as it can work deep into the skin. The peel is available in different varieties of strength, which can be used according to the condition of your skin. The TCA chemical peel removes the dead skin cells, and the collagen and elastin production of your body improves. This results in younger, healthier, and brighter looking skin.
However, like any other chemical peel treatment, this procedure too has a few possible side-effects. It can cause temporary redness and change in the skin tone. In some rare cases, the procedure can result in bacterial or fungal infections too. For people with the herpes simplex virus, the peel can trigger a herpes outbreak.
Who is an ideal candidate for the treatment?
When performing the TCA chemical peel, I want to make sure of the patient’s utmost safety and the effectiveness of the procedure. To achieve that, I expect certain conditions that make someone an ideal candidate to receive the chemical peel. It is a medium-strength chemical peel, which is not suitable for people who are pregnant or currently breastfeeding. People with psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, or any other serious skin condition should not opt for this treatment either.
If your wounds do not heal properly or if you suffer from keloids, then I will not recommend this procedure for you. Lastly, I will expect you to have realistic expectations from the chemical peel. We can discuss the same during our pre-treatment session.
Which parts of the body are best suited for this treatment?
The National Health Service website states that the chemical peels are used to remove the dead skin cells from the face and influence the regrowth of newer cells. While it is true that chemical peels are mostly used to treat the acne marks, aging signs, and pigmentation from the face, the TCA peel can be applied to certain other parts of the body as well. The chest area, back, shoulders, neck, and upper arms are the body parts that can benefit from this treatment. With this chemical peel, the skin tone and smoothness of those areas can be improved effectively.
How does a TCA peel work?
When the TCA peel is applied, the chemical breaks up the keratin protein found in your skin. This results in the peeling away of the top layer of skin and also the lightening of the treated skin areas. When the damaged, old skin layer is removed, a smoother and healthier layer of skin resurfaces. The new skin layer will have reduced signs of aging or acne scars. Depending on the strength of your skin damages, I will apply either a light or a medium strength peel to effectively make your skin appear younger and brighter. The strength of the peel depends on the concentration of the Trichloroacetic acid used.
What are the treatment steps?
Before starting the treatment, I will make sure that you are comfortably sitting or lying down. Your face will be properly cleaned. Depending on the depth of the treatment, you will be given a painkiller or sedative to make you feel comfortable. I will begin to apply the chemical peel on the targeted area. You may feel a little burning sensation when the TCA chemical peel is applied, as it will exfoliate the topmost layers of the skin. However, the pain does not last for more than a few minutes. If required, I will apply additional layers to increase the depth.
After completion, the TCA peel will be removed from the skin and you will be offered a cool compress to soothe the skin. It takes about half an hour to complete the procedure. This procedure is completed in one session. However, you may require multiple sessions to reach the desired result.
What results can you expect from a TCA Peel?
Harvard Health Publishing states that the result from any chemical peel depends on the strength of the chemical used. The TCA chemical peel is no different. If a light peel is used, you will notice that the skin starts to appear brighter, firmer, and more evenly toned after the treatment. It will reduce the light acne scars, pigmentation, and lines. After a medium strength peel, the wrinkles and scars are further reduced. Most fine lines and acne scars can be completely removed with a medium peel.
If the TCA peel was used to treat particular scars, it will require multiple sessions. Your condition will get better with time and the scars can heal further for a few months even after the final session. However, you should remember that the final result largely depends on the seriousness of your skin condition and your body’s natural ability to heal.
What are some risks or side-effects involved with a TCA peel?
This treatment method has a few possible side-effects. The most common side-effect is redness in the treated areas. It can last up to a few weeks. An outbreak of herpes can be seen in patients who already had the herpes simplex virus. In some cases, the chemical can cause organ damage or different infections. However, these side-effects are very rare. If you notice any swelling, blisters, oozing, or a formation of pus after the treatment, you can contact me so I can immediately help you manage the side-effects.
However, I am very careful and do not perform a TCA peel on a dark-skinned patient very often, as chances of post inflammatory hypo pigmentation or hyper pigmentation is common. Individuals, who are exposed to a lot of sun regularly, are also not good candidates for a TCA peel. I also personally like to perform this peel during the monsoons and winter, when it is not very hot.
What are the other forms of peels carried out by a dermatologist?
Other than the TCA peel, there are many other forms of peels too that can help treat your skin. One of the peels that I recommend is the Glycolic peel. This treatment can effectively reduce wrinkles, discoloration, fine lines, and scarring. It removes the top layer of your skin to resurface a healthier, brighter, and fresher-looking skin. If you are suffering from comedonal acne or the marks left behind by it, I will recommend the Salicyclic peel for you. It is found in wintergreen leaves and willow bark. The peel is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-redness. This treatment works instantly.
How often is the treatment required?
The number of treatment sessions required for you depends on the strength of the scars and pigmentation. It also depends on the result you are expecting to achieve. Depending on these factors, you may require multiple peeling. You must wait for your skin to completely heal after each session before opting for the next one. This may require several months.
How long is the recovery time after the treatment?
The TCA chemical peel results in the formation of crusts on the areas that were treated. It can take up to a week for the crusts to flake off. The newly resurfaced skin layer may have redness but that too fades away within seven days. The complete healing of the treated area will take another couple of weeks after which your skin will appear healthier, brighter, and more evenly toned.
What are some immediate and future skincare tips to follow after the treatment?
Immediately after the TCA peel is applied, a cold press will be provided to you for soothing the treated areas. You need to make sure of taking special care of your skin in order to recover fast and without too many side-effects. Do not touch the treated areas and keep your hair away from the spots. Use a good quality sunscreen product to protect your skin from sun exposure. In the long run, keep your skin hydrated, as this is an effective way to maintain its health and youthfulness.
Closing thoughts
I understand how heartbreaking it can be to see the first signs of aging or dark spots on your skin. I can assure you that it is nothing to worry about. The TCA peel has the ability to remove the dead skin cells and resurface a healthier and evenly toned layer of skin. With this treatment, I will help you to regain your youthful and bright appearance.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine:
- National Health Service: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/chemical-peels/
- Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/aging/want-to-take-years-off-your-face-these-treatments-can-rejuvenate-your-skin
Dr. Batul Patel is a celebrity dermatologist and the medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic an award winning clinic located in South Mumbai & Bandra. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. She has been practicing for more than a decade. Her range of expertise include emsculpt NEO, coolsculpting, fillers, acne treatment, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, hair transplant, PRP & pigmentation treatments.