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Q:
Will TCA actually remove acne scars, spots, and wrinkles?
A:
Yes, depending on the depth of scars, TCA will greatly improve
the appearance, if not remove them altogether. TCA removes
the outer 2 layers of skin (epidermis) and therefore decreases
the depth of wrinkles and fine lines; also removes discolorations
and age spots.
Q:
Is there any pain involved?
A:
Yes, you will
feel some burning for 3-4 minutes. But you will notice the burning
diminishing as the minutes go by. After rinsing the skin with
cool water, the burning subsides.
Q: How do I know
what strength to use?
A:
The instructions
you’ll receive explain how to do a patch test with a diluted
solution of TCA to determine for yourself how strong of a
solution to use. You’ll use a weak solution (10-15%) for a
"lunchtime peel" or a stronger solution (20-35%)
for a medium depth peel. Usually peels stronger than 35% are
for thick skin problems such as calluses.
Q: Is TCA okay to
use on different skin colors?
A: Yes,
TCA does not penetrate into the pigment layer of the skin,
so it will not permanently change skin color as does a stronger
peel such as Phenol. Although the new skin after a TCA peel
may appear somewhat lighter, it will normalize back to it’s
usual color in a matter of weeks. This is due to the new skin
having never been exposed to the sun. The surrounding skin
appears darker since it is tanned.
Q: Do I need to
take time off from work for the peel?
A:
If a light peel is applied, the skin will mildly peel and
you should be presentable enough to go to work (Note: you
will need to stay out of the sun even with a light peel).
Deeper peels will look bad since the skin darkens and crinkles
up somewhat. Because of your appearance you may want to take
time off. Also, you must keep the skin moist with ointment
and keep it out of the sun for the 7-10 day treatment.
Q: Will I be able
to wear makeup during the peel?
A:
No. Starting on day 1 you will need to keep the treated skin
moist with an antibacterial ointment. Ointment is to be kept
on the skin until it has peeled (about 7-10 days), so makeup
cannot be applied during that time (other than makeup applied
to areas not treated such as the eye lids or lips).
Q: How do I know
if I am a good candidate for this peel?
A:
Review the list
of contraindications included in the instructions and check
with your doctor to be sure you are a good candidate for a
TCA peel. Your skin type, condition, history, and any allergies
you may have could effect the outcome of your treatment. Even
if your doctor says the peel is okay, DO THE PATCH TEST.
Q: Is there any
thing I should do to prepare for the TCA peel?
A:
Each night before you go to bed, starting at least two weeks
before the peel, you should apply a mild alpha hydroxy acid
cream or lotion (2-8% AHA) to the face and/or any other areas
that will be treated. This conditions the skin and begins
the exfoliation process. It ensures a more even peel from
the TCA treatment. You should also discontinue use of any
harsh exfoliants and hair removal products (includes exfoliating
creams, buff pads, waxing of hair, etc.).
Q: Are there any
products I should not use when considering a TCA peel?
A:
Accutane is a prescription used for acne. It should not be
taken for at least six months before and after the peel. There
are reports of scarring in people who have taken Accutane
after a peel.
Q: How is the peel
treatment done?
A:
First a determination
is made as to how strong a solution is to be used on your
skin, based on your skin type, condition, and the desired
results. The instructions you’ll receive explain how to do
the patch test. The solution is applied with swabs, covering
the area 1-3 times. The TCA solution has a pH of less than
1 and burns intensely for 3-4 minutes. A hand fan is good
to have at this time for cooling. After timing the treatment,
the treated area is rinsed with cool water to relieve the
burning. A neutralizer may be applied at this time, although
a neutralizer is not required to deactivate the solution.
Immediately after the 3-4 minute application and rinsing,
the skin will "frost" or turn white temporarily. This is normal
and will subside within 15-20 minutes, returning to a natural
pink color. The antibacterial ointment is then applied. Before
too long the treated skin will take on a brownish color and
will remain this color until peeling begins. Total treatment
time is about 20 minutes.
Q: Will my skin
be red or pink after the peel and how long does that last?
A:
Yes, your skin
will have a pinkish color for a few weeks after peeling has
completed, depending on the strength solution used. This can
be concealed with makeup. (Note: A yellow based foundation
will counteract redness)
Q: What precautions
/ care do I need to take after the treatment?
A:
While you are
healing you should stay out of the direct sun (including tanning
beds), and always use a sunscreen of at least SPF25. Direct
sun can cause the skin to darken and you may reverse the benefits
of the peel. But with TCA (Trichloroacetic) acid peels, scarring
and brown discoloration of the skin is unlikely unless the
client goes to a tanning salon after having the treatment
or lays out in the sun. Daily sunscreen use should continue
indefinitely to prevent new photo damage from occurring.
Q: When can I begin
wearing makeup again?
A:
You can resume
wearing makeup around day 7, after the skin has completely
peeled.
Q: Is one treatment
enough?
A:
One treatment
is all that is needed for many skin imperfections. For serious
skin problems, more than one treatment may be required.
Q: How often can
I apply a TCA peel?
A:
The TCA solution
can be applied more than once for deeper skin problems. Wait
at least 4 to 6 weeks between treatments. The skin needs to
be totally healed before applying the solution again.
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