Skin Peels with Trichloroacetic Acid
Your skin is a living organ made up of millions of cells. Unfortunately, as
we age, skin repair becomes a slower and more haphazard process, no longer
able to shed dark blotches, sun damage, resulting in a dull, lifeless
complexion. The function of a skin peel is to create an even controlled
shedding of several layers of damaged cells. This exposes a new fresh layer
of skin with a more even color and a smoother texture. In addition, the
peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin, which
decreases wrinkling.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) has been used to perform skin peels for over 50
years. TCA peels create a fresh, natural-appearing complexion, while
preserving the normal skin color. Although one peel can significantly
improve the appearance of the skin, some skin problems are deeper than
others. It is possible that you may require more than one peel to achieve
your best results.
TCA can effectively improve many conditions, including:
- Dull, weathered skin
- Freckling
- Blotchy pigmentation (including the mask of pregnancy)
- Sun damage (including precancerous lesions)
- Fine wrinkles
- Shallow acne scars
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. No sedation or anesthesia is needed for
superficial peels.
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, a new layer of skin with smoother texture and more even color is
revealed.
How much time will I miss from work?
During the healing process, it will look as if you had a sunburn. Healing
time depends on the depth of the peel. The skin will be dry and scaly,
sometimes pink or brown and streaky. We will recommend care products for
you during this time. Don’t expect to miss any work.
How soon can I resume my normal outdoor activities?
Anyone who has had a TCA peel is more sensitive to sunlight because the skin
is renewed. During this time it is very important to protect the new skin
with sunscreens, and the avoidance of strong sunlight. We urge patients to
maintain protection even after the peel is completed, prolonging their
results.
Are there restrictions on who can have a TCA peel?
During your consultation, Dr Resnik will assess your skin and advise you on
what will be needed to give you the best results. As with any procedure, not
everyone is a candidate for a TCA peel.
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 that present on the face. Fortunately, TCA peels can be
performed successfully on these non-facial areas as well.
Click here to schedule your consultation with Dr. Resnik
See complete Wikipedia article here.
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