TCA Peels
For those who are looking to improve their overall skin
smoothness, and reduce the visibility of fine wrinkles, medium
chemical peels are perfect. Medium chemical peels are highly
effective in promoting skin smoothness and vitality. They also
improve superficial discoloration and eliminate fine wrinkles. They
do nothing for acne scarring or dynamic wrinkles. Medium depth peels
can be achieved with a variety of chemicals. TCA (trichloro acetic
acid) is the most common. Jessner's solution, glycolic acid,
salicylic acid, and other agents are also used.
Advantages
A medium chemical peel will not only improve the color, freshness
and texture of your face, but it also helps to improve skin tone and
reduce the visibility of fine wrinkles and superficial discoloration,
such as age spots. It may improve blotches and can sometimes improve
dark circles under your eyes. Medium peels may be repeated every
three to six months for optimal results. Unlike deep peels, medium
peels may be performed safely on people with olive and light brown
skin. They may also be used in some people with dark brown skin,
although the risk of discoloration is higher.
Disadvantages
Although you will see an improvement in the visibility of fine
wrinkles, medium chemical peels offer no improvement for dynamic
wrinkles. To achieve the best results, you should use skin care
products before your peel and anticipate that two or more peels may
be needed at three-month intervals. The effects of a medium chemical
peel may dissipate over six months to a year, but improvement will
persist if you adhere to a skin care program along with micro peels.
Preparation for Medium Chemical Peel
Preparing your skin prior to a medium depth chemical peel will
result in deeper penetration, faster recovery, lower risk of
discoloration, and a better results. Applying Retin-A, glycolic
acid, and bleaching agents daily to the treatment area for four to
six weeks will help to prepare the skin for treatment. Retin-A will
help your dead superficial layers of skin shed and will allow
chemical peel agent to penetrate more deeply. Retin-A will also
stimulate your skin to regenerate and heal more quickly. The Alpha
hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, will enhance the effects of
Retin-A.
Women with dark skin are at increased risk for developing blotchy
skin after a medium chemical peel. Bleaching agents used before and
after your peel will minimize this problem. If you are on a skin
care program, you may already be prepared for a medium chemical peel.
Some physicians may perform medium peels in patients that do not
prepare their skin beforehand. These patients must understand that
the results may not be optimal, recovery may be longer, and risk of
discoloration is greater than if the skin were properly prepared.
The Procedure
Medium peels are performed as office procedures and require 15-60
minutes. Your surgeon may offer you pain pills or sedatives to help
you tolerate intense burning during the peeling agent application.
Your surgeon will apply a chemical solution, usually TCA, to your
skin, one area at a time.
When the desired depth has been achieved, your physician will
neutralize the peel by applying iced saline.
After ice is applied, you will have no further discomfort.
Burning lasts about two to ten minutes.
Once all areas have been neutralized, your skin will return to
its normal color in 15 to 45 minutes. Your face will be covered with
an oil-based ointment, steroid ointment, or vegetable shortening to
keep your skin moist and promote healing. You will then be allowed
to go home. Post operative pain medication is not required.
Recovery
There should be no discomfort following the micro peel procedure.
You will wash your face twice daily with gentle soap and water
followed by application of ointment. Your face will initially appear
red. Within a few days, your superficial layers of skin will turn
dark, become stiff, and resemble leather. They will then crack,
flake, and peel. Flaking is usually complete in four to seven days.
There will be no open wounds and no scabs. Once your old skin has
sloughed, your new skin will be bright and flushed. Once your skin
has finished peeling, you may begin wearing makeup. You will
physically be able to return to work immediately, but your
appearance may preclude this. Most patients are able to comfortably
return to public within seven days. You should resume your skin care
program within two weeks of your procedure. Your flushed appearance
will fade slowly over several weeks.
Cost
Total cost of a full-face medium chemical peel averages $2,000.
If you wish to have only a portion of your face peeled, such as
the area around your mouth or the area around your eyes, you will
pay about $1,200.
Expected Duration of Results
The average duration of medium chemical peels is anywhere from
six months to two years. If you use skin care products regularly
after your peel, you will maximize the duration of improvement. Most
women who choose medium chemical peels as the mainstay of their
facial rejuvenation have a repeat peel every six to twelve months.
Satisfaction
Women who seek dramatically increased skin vitality with a reduction
of fine wrinkles, who understand recovery and temporary duration
of effect, and who do not expect improvement in dynamic wrinkles
are generally satisfied with medium chemical peels.
Concluding Thoughts on Medium Peels
When compared to all simple and serious treatment options, medium
chemical peels provide an intermediate level of improvement at an
intermediate cost and impose an intermediate period of recovery.
They are ideal for the woman who wants more than a superficial peel,
but cannot afford the expense or recovery time of a deeper treatment.
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