What is a Chemical Peel? Trichloroacetic acid peels or TCA peeling are chemical face peels which are highly beneficial for men and women who are not happy about their skin condition. This is a treatment meant to improve the skin color, the texture, reduce wrinkles, even out skin tone, and reduce scars (except acne scars and dynamic wrinkles). The TCA peeling are not recommended for patients who smoke.
The advantage of using TCA peeling include improvement in the skin color, texture, tone and increases the vitality of the skin. Men and women who have age spots can use the TCA peeling to reduce the extent of the damage brought about by the sun. Although the TCA peeling are considered non-surgical options to improve the skin condition, it is still imperative that men and women who think of going through the procedure should discuss the benefits and the risks involved with their health care professionals. The TCA peeling are medium chemical peels and the process may involve three to six months continuous treatment for the best results.
Chemical Peel Side Effects
Just like any chemical peels, the TCA peeling come with its own baggage of side effects and other disadvantages. Yes, TCA peeling can definitely improve the wrinkles on the face, neck, and hands, but the skin has to be prepared properly during and in between the treatment. Preparation may include the use of retin-A, glycolic acid and medically approved bleaching agents. Each of the chemicals and compounds mentioned has their own role to play to make the TCA peeling work advantageously. Ill-prepared skin can increase the risk of side effects and adverse reactions.
Only the doctors can perform the medium peels like TCA peeling and only the physicians can perform the procedure on those patients who have not prepared their skin beforehand. All patients are cautioned to have realistic expectations and not all TCA peeling results may be satisfactory. Recovery from the TCA peeling treatment may vary from patient to patient and there are always the risks of more damage on the skin, including discoloration.
The total cost of the TCA peeling averages at $2000, but again, this will depend on the extent of the skin damage and the medical history of the patient. For TCA peeling applied on the area around the mouth and eyes, the costs can cost around $1200.
The TCA peeling are usually not uncomfortable and the patients are cautioned to wash their face two times a day with gentle soap and water recommended by their plastic surgeon. There should also be a topical antibiotic prescribed to prevent infection post TCA peeling. After a few days, the skin should start to crack, flake, and then peel. The whole flaking can be done within a week and the patient is cautioned to look out for any open wounds or scabs. Once the old skin had been sloughed off the new skin should appear, bright and there should be a light flushing which should disappear after a period of several weeks. Women who wear makeup can resume using them once the skin is done with the peeling.
Men and women who go through TCA peeling can expect it to last for six months or up to two years. It would help to use skin care products that will maximize the duration. The TCA peeling are an ideal solution for men and women who want better results compared to the superficial chemical skin peels but otherwise cannot afford the more expensive procedures and lengthy recovery time of much deeper treatments.