Skin Peels
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons, to enhance appearance and self confidence. Chemical peel therapy may be performed in conjunction with other treatments. However a chemical peel is not a substitute for a facelift, and does not prevent or slow the aging process.
Chemical peeling uses a chemical solution in order to improve the skins appearance. It can reduce or eliminate fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, correct uneven skin pigmentation, treat acne and soften the appearance of scars caused by acne. The procedure can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun damage as well as skin blemishes common with age and heredity. Chemical peels can be performed on the face, hands, and all other body areas.
What Conditions Can Improve With Treatment?
Age and Liver Spots (Lentigines) usually categorised by flat, brown areas with round edges usually found on the face, hands, back and feet. They are age related and photo-aging related, and nothing to do with the liver. While they are unsightly, they are not usually dangerous. Solar keratosis and hyper-pigmented areas are due to hormonal changes and photo damage.
What is TCA
Trichloracetic acid (TCA) can be used successfully in the effective treatment of:
- Reduction of smooth fine surface wrinkles
- Reduction of superficial blemishes
- Correction of pigment problems
- Reduction of Acne/Acne scarring
Anaesthesia is not required for TCA peels. Two or more TCA peels may be required to obtain the desired improvements.
TCA Peel Patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and to use a sun tan protection cream (minimum SPF 30) for several weeks following treatment. Failure to comply with this recommendation may produce some unintended colour changes in the skin.
Skin preparation may be required on darker skin tones and hyper-pigmented areas. This involves using a bleach and blend cream two weeks prior to TCA Peels. People with active acne also require skin preparation with purifying cream two weeks prior to TCA Peels
How is the Treatment administered.
The procedure is a chemical solution that is applied to the skin. The solution causes the layer of skin to separate and peel off. The new regenerated skin underneath is usually smoother, less wrinkled and more even in both tone and colour than the old skin
How long will the Treatment take?
Typically the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then the practitioner will carefully apply the TCA solution. You may feel a slight tingling sensation as the peel solution is applied, but the feeling will quickly pass.
A full face TCA Peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. The course duration is four weeks with one peel each week. Two or more courses of TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and may be spaced out over several months.
How can I find out if I am a candidate for Treatment.
If you would like to know more about available cosmetic options, and find out if TCA peel treatment might work for you, place call to arrange an appointment for a consultation with the practitioner.
Are there any Medical Exclusions?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should wait to be treated. If you have a history of cold sores, you should inform the doctor prior to the procedure. You may be better suited to an alternative treatment or product. The practitioner will review your medical history with you during your initial consultation prior to administering any treatment.
During your initial consultation it is important that you discuss your expectations with the treatment practitioner. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. The practitioner will explain the planned procedure in detail, including the risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs.
Possible Side Effects
All products have a potential for allergic reactions. It is important that the patient informs the practitioner of any allergies that they may have.
Transient reactions may include redness to the skin, itchiness, dryness and in some cases swelling.
It is common for most patients to experience transient hyper-pigmentation. This will settle during the course of the treatment and with the use of the appropriate treatment creams and sun protection. Although very rare, there may be in some cases a risk of blistering.