Treating Sun-Damaged Skin @ The Lewis Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic Part 4 (Series of 4 blogs)
Tuesday, January 28th, 2014
TCA Surgical Chemical Peel
(Part 4 of 4)
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used as an intermediate to deep peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 20-50%. This type of chemical peel is done in the clinic by the physician or in the Operating Room under light sedation by the surgeon. This method of treatment for sun damage is the most effective single treatment procedure.
Trichloroacetic acid peels can be used on all skin types and are preferred for darker-skinned patients over Phenol. The TCA peel works to smooth out fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes, and correct skin pigment problems.
Your physician or surgeon may require pre-treatment with Retin-A and additional skin lightening agents, such as hydroquinone. Immediately following your TCA peel, your skin will be red and likely quite swollen. It will take 5-7 day to heal from this peel depending on the peel depth. You may notice a slight redness or puffiness for an additional week or two.
