Do you have questions about TCA Peel treatments?
Here is a list of our most frequently asked questions. Click the question link below to read the answer to your question.
Trichloroacetic Acid or TCA Peel FAQ’s
- What are Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels?
- What can it treat?
- What are the benefits of having TCA Peels?
- Who are the best candidates?
- Contra-indications (Reasons you may not be suitable)
- How many treatments do you need and how often?
- How do you prepare your skin?
- What does a TCA Peel feel like?
- What can you expect after the treatment?
- After care
- Possible side effects & complications
- How do you maintain the results?
- How much does it cost?
- Call us and book online
- See before & after photos of our clients.
What Is A Trichloroacetic Acid – TCA – Peel (12-20%)?
Trichloroacetic Acid is also known as TCA and is one of the original skin rejuvenation peels. A TCA 12-20% Peel is recommended for men and women of all ages wanting to improve moderate to severe sun damage and or signs of ageing.
Superficial TCA Peels are designed as mild to moderate peels. Their strength, and therefore peeling effects can be increased, by layering the applications. The TCA peel depth is dependent on the patient’s skin type, skin condition, preparation and desired outcome, though you will see a noticeable improvement after each peel.
What Can It Treat?
- Sun damage
- Pigmentation (freckles, sun spots and melasma)
- Lines and wrinkles
- Dull skin
- Premature aging.
What Are The Benefits?
- Improves photo ageing (premature ageing caused from the sun)
- Speeds up cell turn over
- Helps stimulate collagen production
- Blotchy pigmentation is reduced
- Freckles are reduced
- Fine lines are reduced
- Some types of acne scarring are reduced.
Who Are The Best Candidates?
- Both men and women of all ages showing signs of sun damage and aging.
Contraindications (Reasons why may not be suitable for you)
- Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
- Dermatitis or infection in the area to be treated
- Pregnancy
- Abnormal wound healing.
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
We recommend a course of 2 to 4 peels at fortnightly intervals, depending on skin type, skin condition, peel strength and the desired outcome.
How Do You Prepare Your Skin?
Prior to having a TCA peel, we recommend that the skin is primed with active ingredients for at least two weeks prior. This is to maximise peel outcomes, assist in speeding the healing time and reduce the risk of post peel complications. A specific skin care regime will be recommended to you at your initial consultation.
What Does It Feel Like?
A TCA peel has a burning sensation when initially applied, which subsides in a couple of minutes as it neutralises. During this time you will hold a device, which blows out cool air, significantly helping to reduce the sting. Cold compresses are applied after completion to help cool the skin.
What Can You Expect After The Treatment?
- Mild to moderate redness and sensitivity (similar to a sunburn) lasting 12 to 48 hours.
- Skin feels dry and tight with almost a plastic type appearance.
- Some darkened areas of skin may occur (this is skin preparing to shed.)
- Varying amounts of sheet peeling (like sunburn) will occur for approximately 3-7 days after your treatment. It is very important not to pick or peel the skin prematurely as this can lead to prolonged healing or even scarring.
- After the skin has shed it is often slightly pink for 1-2 weeks, has a healthy glow, feels softer, smoother and is more even in colour.
After Care
- Most people go straight back to their normal activities that day.
- It is best not to apply make-up for the rest of the day.
- Avoid the use of moisturisers or lotions containing active ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acids, perfumes and colours.
- Keep your skin moist with the skin care provided to you for 3-7 days or until your skin is no longer sensitive.
- Makeup is fine to use, though just keeping the skin moist often looks better and assists in faster peeling time.
- Your skin will be a little more sensitive to the sun so keep sun exposure to a minimum. Please wear a hat and sunscreen daily. This should be a regular routine for you anyway.
- Continue with your usual active skin care once the skin has peeled and is no longer sensitive.
Possible Side Effects and Complications
- If the peeling skin is removed prematurely, prolonged healing and or infection is possible and may lead to a scar.
- Possible herpes simplex outbreak if prone to cold sores.
- Hyperpigmentation (darker areas of pigment on the skin) lasting 1 to 12 months.
How Do You Maintain The Results?
Daily use of your active skin care products and monthly maintenance treatments such as Microdermabrasion, Sonobrasion or Glycolic & Lactic Acid Peels will be recommended to you by your Dermal Therapist during your initial consultation according to your individual requirements.
How Much Does It Cost?
Call us on (08) 9300 3663, or book your initial consultation online now.
Before and After Pictures
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