QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON TCA PEELS
How is the peel performed?
TCA peels are performed in the doctor's office. A solution containing TCA is applied to your skin. This is usually associated with 2-3 minutes of a burning and stinging sensation. (This burning is so brief that most patients choose not to use any sedation or anaesthesia.)
What happens to my skin during a TCA peel?
When TCA is applied to the skin, it causes the top layers of cells to dry up and peel off over a period of several days. When the old skin has peeled off, it exposes a new layer of undamaged skin, which has a smoother texture and more even colour.
How much time will I miss from work?
Most people take 5-7 days to heal from an average TCA peel. During the healing process there is no pain, but the skin looks as if it has had sunburn. Therefore, most patients choose to stay home during this healing time. However, if you are not too self-conscious about your appearance you may be able to work during part of your peel. This all applies to a medium depth peel. By combining a superficial peel with a repeated application none of the downtime is significant and the “sunburn” will be virtually non-existent.
How soon can I resume my normal outdoor activities?
Anyone who has had a medium or deep TCA peel is more sensitive to sunlight for at least 6 to 8 weeks after his or her peel. During this time it is very important to protect the new skin with sunscreens, hats and the avoidance of strong sunlight. Superficial peels do not require total sun-avoidance, even though it is advisable to apply sun-protection. It is still beneficial for the skin to follow the same regime as with a medium to deep skin-peel. After all it is sun-exposure which causes the premature skin-ageing in the first place. To maintain the new improved skin, sunscreen should be applied daily. A sun block that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 20 or more should be used during daylight hours.
Are there restrictions on who can have a TCA peel?
As with any procedure, not everyone is a candidate for the TCA peel. Unlike other peels, those done with TCA usually do not permanently lighten the skin. Therefore they can be performed on patients with darker skin types including Hispanics, Orientals and Blacks.
Can TCA peels be performed on other areas of the body besides the face?
Most people have similar aging and sun damage changes on the neck, chest and hands as are present on the face. Fortunately, TCA peels can be performed successfully on these other non-facial areas as well.