LIGHT CHEMICAL & TCA PEELS
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Chemical peels have been performed since
ancient days. They may be the oldest cosmetic
procedures performed which are still in use. Chemical
peels were performed in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome and
MODERN CHEMICAL PEELS
In modern times, chemical peels using stronger chemicals have become popular. Two strong acids have been used over the years for chemical peels: phenol and tricholoracetic acid (TCA). These acids provide deep and medium depth peels, but have some potential side effects.
Phenol is used for a deep peel, but because of potential toxicity to the heart, kidneys, and liver it requires being performed while on a heart monitor. Only certain skin types are candidates for this peel due to the possibility of uneven pigmentation.
TCA is used for medium deep peels. Although less toxic than phenol, TCA still can require significant healing times as well as pigmentation problems in some skin types.
LIGHT CHEMICAL PEEL
More recently, light peels requiring no anesthetic and minimal healing times have gained popularity. These peels may be done in the office and frequently employ one or more of the naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), also known as “fruit acids”.
The simplest of these fruit acids or AHAs is “glycolic acid”. Glycolic acid is the natural acid found in many fruits and sugar cane. It has recently emerged as a rival to Retin-A for the treatment of wrinkles, acne, scars and aging, sun-damaged skin. Glycolic acid may be used in low concentrations for home treatment. It is also used in higher concentrations by a physician for an in-office light peel. The glycolic acid peel is a safe, light peel and may be done on all skin types. It requires no anesthetic and may be repeated for better results. One advantage is that this gentle treatment usually causes little or no “down time”.
THE PEEL PROCESS
Pre-treatment: Prior to the peel process, a patient will use one or more glycolic acid products at home, usually for two weeks, to prepare the skin for the light peel. I recommend Glytone Cream Wash twice daily, along with Glytone Day Cream in the A.M. and Glytone Overnight Exfoliating Fluid in the P.M..
Treatment phase: The actual peeling procedure consists of the application of higher concentrations of glycolic acid in the physician’s office. This usually results in a mild peeling or exfoliation of the skin. In performing this peel, I try to aim for a mild “micro-peel”, such as one may have following a sunburn. This way patients are still able to appear at work while undergoing their peel.
To maximize results, this peel is usually repeated as a series light peel treatments every two or three weeks. This whole cycle may be repeated several times a year if desired to maximize results and rejuvenate and freshen the skin.
Post-peel treatment: Following the completion of the peel series, a patient may continue with post-treatment home therapy using one or more Glytone products mentioned above and gradually step up to the stronger Glytone products over three months.
RESULTS
This chemical peel is beneficial not only for fine lines and wrinkles, but also may improve acne, the overall texture and color of the skin, scarring and dilated pores, and may even-out uneven pigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the skin, such as “melasma” which may result from an interaction of the sun and pregnancy or use of birth control pills.
Results may vary from one patient to another, but generally most experience some benefit to the skin’s appearance. It is important to realize that no specific results can be warranted in any particular patient.
COMPLICATIONS
Serious complications are usually not seen wit the light peel. Mild side effects are usually avoided but can include temporary blistering or redness. Those with a history of cold sores could experience a flare up and may need to take suppressive medication. Pigmentation changes, although reported in the literature, are more common in stronger peels. To date, adverse pigmentation has not been seen in this office using this light peel.
COST
The cost for the light chemical peel series is $60.00 per each session and is due at the time of treatment. The majority of light chemical peels are performed for cosmetic reasons and therefore are not covered by insurance.
A TCA peel is a medium depth peel using the chemical trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Stronger than a light, glycolic acid peel, the TCA peel can approach the dramatic results of laser resurfacing in its effects. Being a medium depth peel, the TCA peel is able to effectively remove the thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin from the face or other parts of the body. These dead skin cells are replaced by healthier ones. This allows the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface. Deeper than a light glycolic acid peel, the TCA gets stronger results. The TCA peel is a medical procedure and should only be performed by a trained, licensed physician.
What does a TCA peel treat?
The TCA peel is effective at helping to reduce wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and uneven pigmentation. It also helps make rough, aging skin smoother and healthier. Unlike alphahydroxy peels or other superficial procedures, the TCA peel allows the physician to control the depth of the peel and the number of coats applied in order to tailor the process to your skin's specific needs. The TCA medium depth peel can even be performed on the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs.
What does the procedure consist of?
The TCA peel is a quick, relatively simple and highly tolerable procedure that, in most cases, does not require sedation. Application of the TCA peel takes about 20 minutes, depending on the number of coats necessary to achieve your goals. You experience a mild burning sensation that lasts two to three minutes. (We may use an electric fan to minimize this sensation.) Immediately after the procedure, a whitish discoloration remains on your skin, which usually washes off in 12 to 24 hours.
How long is the recovery period?
After the procedure, you will experience light swelling, and your skin will begin to peel within 2 or 3 days. This peeling will continue over the next several days and should be healed in an average of 7 to 10 days. If you are having a lighter TCA peel, healing is completed in 3 to 6 days. In either case, this peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestyle for long, although you may want to limit your normal activity. To best aid in the recovery process, makeup should only be applied after the skin is completely healed.
How will my skin look after recovery?
When your skin has completely finished peeling, you may begin to notice the results of your newly improved complexion. Your skin's appearance will continue to improve for the next 4 to 6 weeks, becoming firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier and more youthful looking.
Can the TCA peel be combined with other procedures?
Yes. I can combine the TCA peel with many other procedures in which you may be interested. This can be effective in achieving even more dramatic results in the same time period. Ask me about the possible combinations that may be best for your skin.
Can the TCA peel be repeated for maximum results?
Yes. I can give you an idea of how many peels are necessary to give you the desired result. In most cases, one to three TCA peels can achieve dramatic improvements in many skin problems. The peels can be performed in 6 to 8 week intervals until your desired goals are reached.
How can I maintain the benefits of the TCA peel?
Keeping your skin's new health glow and youthful appearance is an ongoing process. I will work with you on at0hom programs designed to promote long-term overall skin health that will work safely and effectively in conjunction with the TCA peel.
What do I do to get started?
Take the opportunity to discuss the TCA peel with me. I can help you determine whether the TCA peel id right for you and give you information you need to get started on the road to smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Margaret
Sparks, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
381 Meadowview Dr.
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 263-0067
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