What is a TCA peel?
- Is a medium depth chemical peel performed using TRICLOROACETIC ACID
- It’s a safe and noninvasive procedure, performed in the rooms by me (Dr) only
- It leads to desquamation or shedding of the skin about 3 days after application that can go on for up to 7 days
- There is a bearable level of discomfort during application that disappears after the peel is neutralized
- Immediately after the peel the skin looks red with some areas appearing almost whitish (frosting)
- The days following the peel the skin starts feeling dry and tight and appearing somewhat darker than usual
- From about day 3 for most patients the skin starting peeling off with loose skin visible
- Patients wanting to have a TCA peel done will have to be seen and assessed by the doctor before time, some might even require pre peel skin preparations that will be prescribed
Post peel care
- All patients are encouraged to use gentle skin care products
- They are to avoid sun exposure at all cost and use broad spectrum sunscreens
- They are to hydrate/moisturize their skins often as it will feel dry, moisturizing often also helps to mask the loose peeling skin to be more visible
Who often gets this peel?
- Patients with acne and acne scarring
- Patients who want to just rejuvenate their skins
- Patients with signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles
- Also patients with keratosis, especially as result of sun damage
Medically Reviewed by Dr Mathobele