TCA  peel is one of our favorite treatments for a reason: it rejuvenates the skin, eliminates acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles, diminishes stretch marks, and reduces enlarged pores. This type of chemical peel offers an effortless path to achieving elastic, firm, and radiant skin.

tca peeling before and after

What is a TCA peel?

TCA peeling is a highly effective medical procedure that involves the application of a trichloroacetic acid solution to remove the surface layer of the skin. This process reveals new, healthy, and youthful skin with improved texture, elasticity, and even complexion. TCA peeling is a safe, comfortable, and painless type of chemical peel. Chemical peels deeply cleanse the skin, eliminating excess sebum, accumulated dead cells, and bacteria, while purifying clogged pores. Unlike simple exfoliation, chemical peels, including TCA peeling, deeply regenerate the skin, rejuvenate it, and help prevent premature aging. You can learn more about chemical peels and their effects by visiting this link.
TCA peeling is suitable for treating the skin on the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and other body parts. It is particularly effective for removing stretch marks that commonly appear on the stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Different concentrations of trichloroacetic acid solutions, ranging from 15% to 80%, are used depending on the specific skin concern. Two types of TCA peels are distinguished: medium and deep.
It is crucial to note that any form of chemical peeling, including TCA, is a medical procedure that should only be performed by experienced doctors. This ensures the safety of the treatment and guarantees your satisfaction with the results.

How do TCA peels work?

Unlike superficial peels that only target the outermost layer of the skin, TCA peels penetrate deep layers, allowing for the treatment of more significant damage. This becomes particularly relevant when addressing the removal of acne scars, especially deep or “ice pick” scars. In such cases, the doctor will apply a chemical solution to the scar tissue, effectively removing the top layer of skin and reducing the visibility of deeper scars. Following the treatment, the new skin appears smoother, and the scars become shallower.
The trichloroacetic acid solution works by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing elastin, collagen, and hyaluronan. This process facilitates faster skin regeneration and promotes the generation of new collagen, preventing the early signs of aging.
By removing the surface layer of the skin, TCA peels effectively eliminate impurities and accumulated dead cells, allowing for the growth of new, youthful, and healthy skin. As a result, issues such as spots, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections become less noticeable on the rejuvenated skin.

tca peeling

TCA peel concentrations

Depending on the specific skin issue being addressed, various concentrations of acid are used in TCA peels.

  • For treating hyperpigmentation and spots, lighter TCA peels with concentrations ranging from 10% to 15% are employed.
  • To address sun damage (photodamage), minor scars, and shallow wrinkles, solutions with a strength of 20% are effective.
  • Medium-deep peels, utilizing solutions with concentrations of 30% to 35%, are suitable for targeting deep wrinkles and more profound scars.
  • Solutions with higher concentrations, ranging from 70% to 80%, are reserved for severe conditions and limited areas of the skin, such as the treatment of individual scars.

It is important to note that the specific concentration of acid used will be determined by the doctor based on your skin condition and the desired outcome.

What conditions do we treat with TCA peel?

TCA peeling is a potent method for rejuvenating the skin and enhancing its quality and texture. This type of peeling yields excellent results in addressing various skin concerns, including:

  • Acne scars, as well as other types of scars and stretch marks.
  • Various types of spots and hyperpigmentation, including age spots.
  • Fine wrinkles and lines on the face and neck, with particular effectiveness in reducing wrinkles around the lips and eyes.
  • Evening out the complexion and improving skin texture.
  • Treating hyperkeratosis, which refers to the thickening of the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. Hyperkeratosis appears due to the excessive accumulation of keratin protein, resulting in hardened skin.

TCA peeling is suitable for anyone seeking to achieve more beautiful, healthy, and radiant skin. It is ideal for those wishing to address or minimize the appearance of scars and spots, as well as to strengthen and rejuvenate the skin. This treatment is suitable for all skin types and can be used both as a preventive measure and in response to the first signs of aging and minor skin imperfections.

What does a TCA peel treatment look like?

The treatment begins with a thorough cleansing of the skin. Subsequently, a solution of trichloroacetic acid, at the concentration prescribed by the doctor, is applied. The application may involve one or multiple layers of the acid, depending on the desired depth of the peeling effect. During this stage, you may experience a mild burning sensation on your skin. The entire procedure typically lasts around ten minutes. Once completed, the solution is gently removed from the skin, and a protective cream is applied. The treatment is generally not painful, and local anesthesia is not required. However, it is normal to experience a burning sensation and heightened warmth during the application of the TCA acid solution to the skin.

Before treatment

Prior to undergoing TCA peeling, patients are advised to follow specific products:

  1. Refrain from undergoing any laser treatments, hair removal procedures (including waxing, creams, and laser hair removal), as well as fillers, Botox injections, or surgical interventions for at least 7 days before the peeling.
  2. Avoid using any skin products that have the potential to dry out or irritate the skin.
  3. Refrain from exfoliating the skin for a minimum of 72 hours before the scheduled treatment.

Following these product guidelines helps ensure optimal results and minimizes any potential complications during the TCA peeling procedure.

Recovery

The duration of skin recovery after chemical peeling will vary depending on the depth of the treatment. TCA peeling, which penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, provides more effective and long-lasting results. The recovery period typically lasts around 7 days. Following a TCA peel, the skin may initially appear red, which will gradually transition to darkening, flaking, and peeling. To aid in the recovery process, the doctor will recommend a reparative care cream.

It is of utmost importance to adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. Avoid touching the treated skin and refrain from forcefully peeling it, as this can lead to bleeding, scarring, or pigmentation issues.
  2. Use gentle facial cleansers that do not irritate or further sensitize the skin.
  3. Apply a protective cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) daily for a period of 2 months after the treatment. Additionally, avoid direct exposure to the sun.
  4. Refrain from using tanning beds or sunbeds.
  5. Do not undergo any other treatments until the skin has fully recovered.
tca peeling recovery

Results after TCA peel

Already after the first treatment, you will notice an improvement in the appearance and quality of the skin.
With TCA peeling we achieve the following:

  • The skin is smooth to the touch, fresh, radiant, the complexion is even.
  • Hyperpigmentation, melasma and spots are lighter.
  • The scars are softened.
  • Shallow wrinkles are removed.
  • A higher concentration of TCA peeling, i.e. deeper penetration allows us to increase the density and tone of the skin.
  • Enlarged pores are narrowed and less visible.
  • We achieve the antiaging effect by stimulating the growth of healthy, new skin cells, as well as the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Side effects

After each chemical peel, it is very important to strictly follow the instructions given by your doctor. This way you will achieve the best results and reduce the recovery period of the skin.
After a TCA peel, you can expect the skin to be red for a few days, flaky and flaky as the old skin is replaced by new, young skin. This type of skin is particularly sensitive to UV radiation. If you do not apply a cream with a high SPF when leaving the house, it can lead to the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

How many treatments do I need?

To achieve optimal results, it is necessary to do a series of 3 to 5 treatments, with an interval of one month.

When is the best time to do a TCA peel?

Because it is a medium-deep or deep peel, TCA peels are best done during the fall, winter, and early spring. Then the intensity of the sun’s rays is lower, but regardless of the season, it is mandatory to use a cream with a protective factor.

Contraindications

TCA peeling is not performed during pregnancy, breastfeeding, active skin infections (e.g. herpes), burns, cuts, wounds, inflamed skin acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema. In any case, the doctor will present you with everything that is important and that you need to know about TCA peeling. It is important to mention if you have any acute or chronic illness or are on certain therapy.

Price and additional questions

You can see the prices of all our services, including TCA peeling, on the Pricelist page.If you have additional questions or want to book an appointment, please call us at 060/345-0304 or write at estetikabgd@gmail.com.