Frequently Asked Questions

TCA Chemical Peel

Q. What is a TCA peel?
A. A TCA peel, or trichloracetic acid peel, is a medium-depth chemical peel that uses a chemical solution to peel away the top layers of the skin. TCA peels can renew the skin by treating sun damage, uneven pigmentation and fine wrinkling. These peels can be used in various concentrations and strengths and may require more than one treatment.

Q. How do I know if I'm a good candidate for a TCA peel?
A. If you're bothered by skin that is sun damaged or has areas of uneven pigmentation and/or fine wrinkling, you may be a good candidate for a TCA peel. Patients should also be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations.

Q. What can I expect during a consultation for a TCA peel?
A. During a consultation for a TCA peel, the surgeon will discuss your goals and your options. He will explain all details of the procedure, including the technique, the facility where the procedure will take place, the risks, the recovery and the costs. Any questions or concerns that you may have should be discussed at this time.

Q. Where does the TCA peel procedure take place?
A. Most TCA peels take place in a surgeon's office.

Q. Is anesthesia required for a TCA peel?
A. Additional anesthesia is typically not required, though sedation may be used in some cases. If anything, patients may experience a slight stinging sensation during application.

Q. How is a TCA peel performed?
A. For a TCA peel, the skin is first cleansed and the TCA solution is then applied. The process may take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour to complete.

Q. How long does a TCA peel take to perform?
A. The TCA peel can take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour to complete.

Q. Are TCA peels painful?
A. Patients may experience a stinging sensation during the application of the TCA peel. In addition, some tingling or throbbing can occur after treatment and this can be releived with mild pain medication.

Q. What is the recovery like after a TCA peel?
A. The recovery period after a TCA peel will vary according to the strength of the peel. Patients receiving a 10% TCA peel can expect a recovery of about two to three days, while patients receiving a stronger 25% to 35% TCA peel can expect a recovery of about one to two weeks. During recovery, some throbbing, tingling, swelling and redness can occur, and a crust or scab will form on the treated area.

Q. How much time will I need to take off from work after my TCA peel?
A. The amount of time that patients will need to take off from work will depend upon the strength of the TCA peel. For milder peels, patients may be able to return to work within a few days. Otherwise patients can expect to return to work within about seven to ten days. Regardless of the strength of the peel, patients will need to protect the skin from the sun for several months.

Q. What are the risks or complications that can occur with a TCA peel?
A. The potential complications associated with a TCA peel include cold sores, fever blisters, infection, scarring, skin allergies, and whiteheads.

Q. Does insurance ever cover the cost of a TCA peel?
A. TCA peels performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Q. What does board certified mean?
A. Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.

Q. These days, almost everything is digital and high tech, even in the aesthetic world. Is a chemical peel done by mostly surgical instruments or is it hands-on application?
A. It is hands-on and done by a professional RN or an MD.