What is a TCA Peel and its benefit?

A chemical peel involves the application of toxic chemical solutions to the skin in a controlled manner, producing controlled tissue death. The desired depth of the wound is dependent upon the condition to be treated. After the peel, the skin regenerates. The damaged skin regenerates from deeper layers of the epidermis and from the superficial dermis.

Trichloroacetic (TCA) peel is a light chemical peel. Many people don't relish the idea of two weeks in hiding while waiting for their new skin. Less drastic types of peels were introduced in the 1980s, using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This procedure hurts when performed, but peels more superficially than when phenol is used. The epidermis and superficial dermis peel, healing in five to eight days. The more superficial the peel, the fewer wrinkles are removed. 

TCA concentrations range from 15% to 50%, alone or in combination with other chemicals. Higher concentrations result in deeper peels. The TCA peel is useful for pigmentation irregularities, such as sun-damaged skin and discoloration from pregnancy. It helps wrinkles and other sun damage. Acne and large pores are improved. Even some premalignant conditions can be corrected.

Safety:

• The TCA peel application process sometimes causes temporary side effects such as burning and discomfort.
• After a chemical peel, you may experience redness and skin sensitivity. In rare cases, there is a risk of scarring and infection from a TCA peel.
• Finding a licensed and certified health practitioner to perform the TCA peel will lower your risks of negative side effects.

Who is a good candidate for TCA peels?

Chemical peels can be superficial, medium, or deep strength. TCA peels are considered medium strength, meaning they should only be applied by a certified skincare professional. The ideal candidate for a TCA peel:

• is not breastfeeding or pregnant
• does not have a skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea
• does not have a job that requires them to be outside
• has no history of keloids or poor wound healing
• will be counseled by the doctor beforehand about realistic expectations of the results

People who have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Zenatane, Amnesteem, Claravis) should avoid chemical peels for a period of time after completing treatment.

Procedure for a TCA peel

The TCA peel treatment itself will probably take around 30 minutes. You will be instructed to lie down as the dermatologist applies the TCA solution to your skin.

Most people feel a burning sensation for the first few minutes of the procedure, followed by a stinging pain as the acid exfoliates and clears away the top layers of your skin.

The procedure is done in a single session. It may be recommended that you prepare your skin with certain products prior to a TCA peel to achieve better results.

If you are looking to achieve a certain result, multiple sessions may be required. It’s advised that you wait several months between chemical peels to allow your skin to fully heal.

You may be sedated during the TCA peel, according to what you and your dermatologist decide.

How does one prepare for a TCA peel?

Often it is suggested to pretreat patients with tretinoin cream for a period prior to the peel. People who get cold sores (herpes simplex infections) should start on antiviral medications like acyclovir (Zovirax) one week prior to treatment and continue taking these for two weeks after therapy to prevent reactivation of cold sores. All patients should be encouraged to use high SPF sunscreens prior to and after peeling. Those with darker skin may also require pretreatment with hydroquinone preparations.

Kemps skin clinic, Vaishali sec-4 Ghaziabad provide TCA peel the facility, you may contact and book an appointment for it.