A chemical skin peel is one of the oldest cosmetic procedures in the world; it dates back to ancient Egypt. The specialist applies a special solution to the client’s face in order to remove the outermost layers of skin to unveil healthy, new skin.
Types of Chemical Peels
There are many types of chemical peels, and they are categorized by the type of solution used and by their effects. Light or superficial peels are the mildest type. Glycolic acid and AHA are the solutions most commonly used. Light peels may be used to treat chronically dry skin, discoloration, acne and fine lines, and they can be applied to other parts of the body besides the face. There is little to no recovery time.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the solution most commonly used in medium peels. They remove more skin layers than do light peels and, thus, produce more dramatic and noticeable effects. Medium peels may be used to treat minor scars, discolored skin and wrinkles.
Deep chemical peels are the strongest type of skin peel. Phenol acid is the most commonly used solution. Deep peels may be used to treat pre-cancerous growths, deep wrinkles and blotches caused by sun damage or aging. They penetrate deeply into the dermis.
The TCA Skin Peel
Although TCA peels are usually medium peels, they can also be shallow or deep peels. TCA peels can be used for “spot” treatments on part of the face or on the whole face. It all depends on the unique situation.
During this procedure, the specialist uses a cleanser, alcohol and maybe acetone to thoroughly clean the treatment site. They need to remove all of the oil from the skin to make sure the TCA penetrates it evenly. The specialist then applies the TCA and removes it. At the end of the treatment session, an ointment may be applied to the treatment site to help it heal more quickly.
What Happens After the TCA Skin Peel?
The patient’s skin will peel for about a week after the procedure. It will be very sensitive to sunlight. The patient should wash their skin every night and use a gentle cleanser. They should then apply a thick moisturizer. Once the full results of the peel come through, the patient will look more youthful and refreshed.
Treating Your Blemishes with a TCA Chemical Skin Peel
Do you have fine lines, acne, age spots or sun-damaged skin? Consider a TCA skin peel at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery in Folsom, CA. We also serve the Sacramento, CA and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.