Pamela Hill Institute

The TCA chemical peel is a medium depth intensity peel which like all chemical peels uses a chemical solution for improvement and smoothing of the texture of the facial skin by removal of the damaged outer layers. It is often helpful for those individuals who have facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Trichloroacetic acid  is the solution used, and it is the next stronger step after  alphahydroxy acids used in the AHA chemical peel. While not a substitute for surgery, the TCA peel is sometimes performed in conjunction with a face lift or other surgical procedures.  It is most commonly however used by itself as one measure to present an appearance of youth, or a fresher appearance.

Who Is Right For A TCA Peel?

If your client is wondering if a chemical peel, and in particular a TCA peel, is right for them, explain that the peel can enhance personal appearance and for many people self confidence.  The peel can also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften facial scares that came from acne and may even control acne.  Also health insurance in many case covers the chemical peel procedure, though the client should check their policy and contact their insurance company to be sure.

Trichloroacetic acid or TCA is  used in many different concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling, which is helpful for treatment of fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. The results of the TCA peel are  less dramatic than and are  not as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. Many clients discover in fact that more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired results. But the TCA peel has the advantage of a much shorter recovery time.

Always Some Risk and Uncertainty

Clients should realize that there is always some uncertainty and risk in any chemical peel, but the light peels and medium peels carry less risk than deep peels.  A TCA peel is generally a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified professional.  Still, some risk of infection and scarring, though infrequent, should be thought of.

The client considering a TCA peel should also realize that the healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always. The peel will not bleach the skin.  TCA peel clients are however advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after receiving the treatment to protect the newly formed skin layers. Even though TCA is milder than phenol, it can at times  produce some unintended color changes in the skin.