TCA peeling procedure: procedure, contraindications


CHEMICAL PEELINGS FOR FACE AND BODY

SURFACE PEELINGS SKIN TECH (SPAIN) EASY TCA

Duration of the procedure:

15-30 min.

Number of procedures:

4-6

Price:

from 5,000 rub.

Recovery period: up to 14 days

Product: Skin Tech

With the help of modern chemical peeling procedures - exfoliation and removal of the upper stratum corneum of the skin, you can achieve excellent rejuvenation results. The superficial peeling procedure is best performed by an experienced doctor who specializes in this area. In our clinic, specialists work only with well-known brands of cosmetics that have proven themselves well and use proven techniques.

TCA peeling - what is it?

TCA peeling is a peeling containing a solution with trichloroacetic acid (TriChloracetic Acid). Chemical TCA peeling is needed to perform superficial and medium peeling. Previously, I did deep TCA peeling, but today I abandoned this procedure. The TCA peeling procedure is a medical procedure and is performed by a cosmetologist.

What is TCA peeling

Peeling should be done in a medical center, not at home. The cosmetologist individually selects the concentration of peeling, recommends pre-peeling preparation and a recovery plan in the post-peeling period.

Features of the procedure

Trichloroacetic acid is an analogue of acetic acid, and it is absorbed through the epidermis, providing anti-inflammatory, cauterizing and bactericidal effects. For superficial (softer) peeling, 15 percent acid is used, and for medium peeling – 25-37 percent. Acid with a concentration higher than 37% is not used, as it can cause serious complications.

The penetration of all the beneficial substances of the acid into the skin and the effectiveness of its effect primarily depends on how many layers are applied, whether it will be of a gel or aqueous-alcohol type, and whether the acid will combine with other substances during the procedure. Not least important are the specific preparation before peeling, as well as the presence of mechanical damage and trauma in the treated areas.

This procedure, although cosmetic, is very serious, therefore it belongs to medical cosmetology and is performed exclusively by a cosmetologist.

KK Adapt. 5 paragraph

Mechanism of action of chemical TCA peeling

The mechanism of action is the destruction of protein components of the skin (chemical burn of the skin). In the first days, skin redness, swelling, and inflammation are noted. The healing process begins, it averages 7 days. New elastic and collagen fibers are formed, which helps to increase skin elasticity and smooth it. Next, the damaged skin is rejected and exfoliated, replacing it with new areas of cells.

Superficial TCA peeling

Superficial TCA peeling leads to release from the upper layers of the skin to the papillary layer. A 15% or 20% (up to 25%) TCA solution is applied to the skin for up to 15 minutes. The first procedure is carried out with a minimum acid concentration of 15%, the next time the concentration is increased by 5%. The cosmetologist selects the number of procedures and the duration of action of the acid individually, taking into account the person’s gender, age, skin color, its quality and level of damage.

Medium TCA peeling

Medium TCA peeling causes a deeper effect, down to the reticular layer of the skin (its upper level). With it, solutions with a concentration of 25% to 35% TCA are exchanged. To achieve results and reduce the risk of side effects, peelings are combined, using acid with minimal concentrations. The cosmetologist prescribes the number of procedures and duration of peeling individually.

Deep TCA peeling

Deep TCA peeling causes maximum destructive effect on the skin up to the middle layers of the reticular layer. The use of solution concentrations above 35% allows peeling to be applied locally (on a limited area of ​​skin) or in a targeted manner.

TCA peeling – non-surgical skin resurfacing

TCA peeling is used in classical cosmetology to treat acne and oily seborrhea, eliminate cosmetic defects, and also as anti-aging therapy. Its main component is trichloroacetic acid, an antiseptic, keratolytic and anti-inflammatory agent. Based on the intensity of the impact, the procedure is classified as peeling of both superficial and medium impact.

What it is? Effect of components on the skin

TCA peeling is an intensive skin exfoliation procedure. It is used to treat dermatological diseases, eliminate cosmetic defects (scars, scars, stretch marks) and signs of age-related aging.

Peeling application areas are the face, neck and décolleté, and hands. It is also used to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes. In addition, the technology allows you to apply additional layers of product to the skin in problem areas.

Depending on the intensity of the effect, peeling can be superficial or medium. The determining factor is the concentration of trichloroacetic acid, which is set in the range of 15-35 percent. This is the main component of the peeling product.

Trichloroacetic acid causes intense exfoliation of the layers of the epidermis, which helps whiten the skin and even out its texture. At the same time, it destroys bacteria that cause acne and regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands.

A distinctive feature of TCA peeling is a long rehabilitation period, accompanied by particularly careful skin care during the process of its renewal. Other types of peeling have a much shorter recovery period.

Recommendations for carrying out

Peeling with trichloroacetic acid is indicated in the following cases:

  • oily seborrhea and enlarged skin pores;
  • acne and traces left after its treatment (scars, scars);
  • freckles and age spots;
  • hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis);
  • signs of photoaging;
  • age-related skin changes - loss of turgor, first wrinkles;
  • stretch marks (stretch marks) on the body.

At what age is TCA peeling performed?

Although this procedure is also used as an anti-acne treatment, it is not recommended for clients under 25 years of age.

The following photos will demonstrate what results you can expect after completing the peeling course.

Contraindications

TCA peeling is one of those procedures that are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. There are also restrictions on its use during the menstrual period.

Requirements for the client's skin condition

If there are scratches, abrasions, local inflammation and allergic rashes, the procedure will do you harm, not benefit. You should not visit a cosmetologist during the period of exacerbation of dermatological diseases, including viral and fungal ones (herpes, demodicosis, etc.).

If you have a tendency to rosacea and the formation of keloid scars, it is better not to perform TCA peeling. Avoid this method of skin exfoliation if you have moles, warts and papillomas in the affected area.

Other contraindications to the procedure:

  • disorders of the endocrine system (including diabetes mellitus), mental disorders;
  • oncological and infectious diseases accompanied by elevated body temperature;
  • taking retinoid medications;
  • severe form of hyperpigmentation.

Seasonal indications

Since after the procedure the skin is defenseless against ultraviolet exposure, the peeling course is prescribed in the autumn-winter period. The optimal time is no earlier than October and no later than March.

Preparatory period and procedure protocol

Measures to adapt the skin to peeling

To take the first step towards completing the course, you must take the following measures a month before the first procedure:

  • 4 weeks before visiting a cosmetologist, avoid abrasive mechanical facial products (sponges, brushes), and do not conduct waxing sessions in the area affected by peeling. Protect your skin from sun rays with protective creams with an SPF index of at least 50.
  • Minimize skin stress from contact with chemical peels . To do this, the cosmetologist will prescribe products based on fruit acids for home use. It is necessary to carry out 1-2 preparatory procedures for surface peeling. Such measures are taken at least 2 weeks before the first session.
  • A few days before the peel, start taking antiviral medications to avoid the formation of herpes.

On the eve of the procedure, it is forbidden to visit the bathhouse or sauna or pluck eyebrows.

Stages of TCA peeling in the salon

  • Skin cleansing.
  • Apply the peeling composition with a cotton swab or brush. The product is applied in several layers - both on the entire face and pointwise (practised as a method for scars). A characteristic sign of peeling is the “frost effect”: a white coating resembling frost appears on the skin.
  • Elimination of exfoliant. The peeling composition is not washed off from the skin: the cosmetologist wipes it with a sponge soaked in a special neutralizer.
  • Applying protective serum or cream.

The average session duration is 60 minutes.

How to determine the desired concentration of trichloroacetic acid?

The depth of penetration and concentration of trichloroacetic acid is selected for the procedure depending on factors such as the client’s age, the nature of post-acne marks, the type of wrinkles, etc.

Main types of peeling based on the percentage of the main component:

  • Surface. The acid concentration does not exceed 15%. The goal is to gently exfoliate the surface layer of the epidermis and accelerate the regeneration of its cells. The result is an improvement in complexion and stabilization of the activity of the sebaceous glands.
  • Median. The acid concentration is 20-25%. The goal is to smooth out wrinkles and restore the smoothness of the skin (fighting scars, stretch marks). The result is a noticeable lifting effect, reducing the depth of scars, narrowing pores, and disappearing age spots.
  • Deep. A composition with a concentration of trichloroacetic acid of 30% or more is used exclusively for the correction of spot skin imperfections.

A special type of medium TCA peeling is also found in aesthetic medicine centers and beauty salons. For such procedures, the Italian drug PRX-T33 is used, which includes trichloroacetic acid with hydrogen peroxide. This exfoliant product does not provoke severe peeling of the skin, therefore it has no seasonal restrictions.

How does it feel during the procedure?

The belief that TCA peeling is not painful is incorrect. However, with the help of some techniques the procedure will be much more comfortable:

  • firstly, the cosmetologist will provide slight cooling of the skin by fanning the face or pointing a mini-fan at it;
  • secondly, the use of a neutralizing composition minimizes the burning sensation.

Recovery and care after peeling

Be prepared for the fact that you should set aside at least a week for skin rehabilitation. In the first days after the procedure, a feeling of tightness is felt: the upper layer of the epidermis darkens and hardens, turning into a crust. Often, after a session, the face resembles a baked apple: all wrinkles and folds become visually deeper. At the same time, the skin is stretched so that facial movements are difficult.

Another expected phenomenon is swelling after peeling. This side effect appears during the first day of the post-procedure period.

Around the third day, the peeling stage begins. The keratinized skin is transformed into a thin film, which is peeled off in small shreds. At this stage, it is important not to tug or touch their edges, so as not to injure the skin. Peeling continues for a few more days, and after about a week the upper layer of the epidermis is completely renewed. However, the skin may remain red after chemical exfoliation.

Red spots after peeling are also a normal side effect: usually this cosmetic defect goes away within a few days.

The following photos with a gradation of peeling by day will demonstrate what the face looks like after a medium peeling session.

Complete restoration of the skin occurs no earlier than after 3 weeks.

Important: to speed up rehabilitation, it is recommended to conduct mesotherapy sessions during the post-peeling period. This activates the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the layers of the dermis, which guarantees improved regeneration processes and skin rejuvenation

What to do after TCA peeling? Facial care recommendations and restrictions

During the skin healing process it is prohibited:

  • expose your face to the sun and sunbathe in a solarium;
  • visit the sauna, bathhouse, swimming pool, and also play sports;
  • use decorative cosmetics and products containing essential oils;
  • treat the skin with scrubs and apply caring masks.

Restrictions apply not only to appearance care. It is recommended to exclude spicy foods, marinades from your diet and refrain from drinking alcohol.

When can you wash your face after a peeling session?

Not earlier than 12 hours after the procedure. In this case, the means for washing is not the usual water (contact with it is prohibited during the first 2 days), but special professional products.

What should you apply to your face after the procedure?

  • during the period of peeling - with special medications prescribed by the doctor, as well as anti-burn ointments (for example, Panthenol). Conventional skin restoration creams will not work;
  • over the next 6 months, before going outside, use sunscreen with an SPF index of 30-50.

Duration of the course and frequency of procedures

To achieve the desired result, five sessions of TCA peeling are usually sufficient. One procedure cannot solve a cosmetic problem.

How often can you do it and with what frequency?

Due to seasonal restrictions, TCA peels are performed once a year. The interval between procedures is 3-4 weeks.

Negative consequences and measures to prevent them

In addition to the expected side effects (redness, swelling, peeling), unforeseen consequences may also occur during the rehabilitation period: allergic rashes, hyperpigmentation, the appearance of new scars. A common cause of complications after peeling is ignoring contraindications to the procedure.

Next, we will look at the main types of negative consequences and explain how to avoid them.

  • Herpes. The reason for its appearance may be skipping antiviral drugs at the preparatory stage. Medications and pulse therapy will help correct the situation.
  • Acne after peeling. The cause of the side effect is an incorrectly selected procedure. The solution is to use zinc-containing and anti-inflammatory drugs. The rash should not be burned with alcohol.
  • Pigmentation after the procedure. It can be triggered by the following factors: peeling during the season of increased solar activity, lack of pre-peeling preparation, use of cosmetics with essential oils. The solution is to take antioxidant medications and whitening salon masks.
  • Allergic reactions. To avoid them, consult a cosmetologist at the preliminary stage regarding the tolerability of the components of the exfoliant composition.
  • Scars after peeling procedures. A common reason for their appearance is the independent tearing off of the flaky skin. However, scars can also appear at the site of purulent rashes that have not yet healed at the time of peeling.

All these negative aspects can be avoided if the depilation procedure is carried out by a qualified professional. Therefore, we suggest using our catalog, which presents competent cosmetologists from Nikolaev, Odessa, Dnieper and other cities.

Is it possible to perform peeling at home?

Today, peeling products are freely available to everyone. Online stores sell 15 and 20 percent solutions that can also be used at home. The contents of the bottle are enough for several procedures.

However, in order to know how to do everything correctly and without complications, just a professional tool and instructions from the website are not enough. The procedure protocol can be individual, and only an experienced cosmetologist can control the process.

TCA peeling is a procedure that should be approached responsibly both in terms of choosing a cosmetologist and with regard to subsequent skin care. It is not suitable for those who expect instant results from visiting a cosmetologist or cannot carry out the rehabilitation period at home.

At the same time, the effect of the course of procedures promises you non-injection skin lifting and the elimination of cosmetic imperfections. To achieve this goal, this type of peeling is worth trying.

You can find a TCA peeling specialist in Kyiv on the services page of our website.

How many TCA peels are required?

How many TCA peels are needed? The quantity depends on specific factors, everything is individual. The cosmetologist determines the course for each person. Superficial peeling affects the superficial layers, so it can be applied more often at intervals of 2 weeks to a month. Medium peeling is performed 1 or 2 times a year. Sometimes superficial and medium peeling procedures are alternated. Combinations of peels with reduced concentrations of acid solutions are effective to reduce the risk of adverse reactions (for example, 35% TCA solution + Jessner solution).

peeling procedure

The lower the acid concentration, the less destructive effect and the less pronounced effect of use.

Important! When using higher concentrations of acid, the effect is achieved faster, but the risk of burns and scarring increases!

Contraindications

Since the procedure is quite radical in nature, there are quite a few contraindications for TCA peeling. To avoid any problems, we recommend that you immediately familiarize yourself with the main limitations of the procedure.


a) pregnancy; b) cold

Contraindications:

  • At any stage of pregnancy and at the lactation stage, it is prohibited to perform the TCA peeling procedure;
  • Any severe and chronic diseases;
  • Cold;
  • Any damage to the skin, wounds, or something similar in the peeling area;
  • Presence of moles, pits or warts in the TCA peeling area;
  • Mental disorders and diseases;
  • Age less than 18 years is contraindicated for the TCA peel procedure;
  • Hypertension;
  • Increased skin sensitivity after other peelings or after sunbathing;
  • Skin diseases such as rosacea, herpes, acne, dermatosis, psoriasis;
  • Skin inflammation;

These are the main contraindications for TCA peeling, but there are also recommendations under which this procedure should not be performed, such recommendations include increased skin sensitivity and menstruation. One way or another, no one will perform this peeling on you without first checking you and clarifying whether there are any restrictions.

Contraindications for TCA peeling

  • Acute period of infectious disease (ARVI, herpes, other viral infections, papillomas and warts).
  • Purulent-inflammatory skin diseases (danger of spreading bacterial infection).
  • New growths on the skin.
  • Dark skin color.
  • Allergic skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, eczema, etc.).
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding period.
  • The use of retinoids (Retin A, Roaccutane) and antibiotics that increase skin sensitivity to UV rays.
  • Simultaneous use of traumatic cosmetic procedures (dermabrasion, hair removal, etc.).

Contraindications for TCA peeling are determined by a cosmetologist. The list of contraindications may be expanded, so you need to visit a doctor for a detailed examination and examination.

Indications for use

TCA peeling will help in cases where there are the following shortcomings and problems:

  • Hyperkeratosis.
  • Acne scars.
  • Flat birthmarks.
  • Uneven skin.
  • Long-standing acne spots.
  • Inelastic skin.
  • Oily, acne-prone skin.
  • Dull complexion.
  • Stretch marks.
  • Enlarged pores.

TCA peeling will help if your face has fine or medium-depth wrinkles that appear as a result of photoaging.

When and how to do TCA peeling?

Choose the autumn-winter season to start procedures. At this time of year, solar insolation is minimal. The skin after the procedure is very sensitive and when exposed to sunlight, pigmentation may develop excessively.

Preparation before peeling is required. A month before the mid-peel, sunscreens with a high level of protection (SPF 30-50) are used. Before going to bed, tretinoin is prescribed externally and skin bleaching agents are applied.

The mid-peeling procedure is painful. At the discretion of the doctor, painkillers may be recommended for 1 day; a course of prevention of herpes infection is recommended for all patients.

Immediately before peeling, the skin is cleansed and degreased. The face is washed with soap and treated with a sponge moistened with an alcohol solution.

Identify areas of skin that require caution when applying acid. Apply protective Vaseline to the corners of the eyes, lips, surface of the lips, wings of the nose and other areas. When applying spot peeling, markings are performed.

Peeling: history

History shows that even the ancient Egyptians were very well aware of the peeling technique for the purpose of correcting age-related cosmetic defects. They very skillfully used various acids, balms and oils to perform the procedure that we today call chemical peeling. The Greeks and ancient Romans used sour milk, grape juice and lemon extract to rejuvenate the skin.

At the end of the nineteenth century, doctors showed interest in chemical peeling . The German dermatologist Unna in 1882 developed a scientifically based technique for performing chemical peeling with various agents. He reported on the successful treatment of a number of dermato-cosmetological problems using salicylic and trichloroacetic acid (TCA acid), resorcinol.

In the middle of our century, S. Monk described a method of treating scars using trichloroacetic acid. In 1962, Ayres presented data from histological examination of skin in patients undergoing trichloroacetic acid peels. In the seventies, a number of dermatologists (Resnik, Lewis, Cohen) reported their experience using trichloroacetic acid to perform medium peels. Since the mid-seventies, a huge number of scientific works have been devoted to the issue of medium chemical peeling, which served as an impetus for the widespread use of TCA acid in dermato-cosmetological practice. In the last two decades, work has been carried out to find the optimal formulation of the acid solution and its combined use with other agents.

Today, medium chemical peeling using TCA acid of various concentrations and in various combinations with other agents has become a generally accepted procedure throughout the world and is widely used in dermato-cosmetological practice to solve a wide range of cosmetic problems.

Medium chemical peels using trichloroacetic acid have been designed to exfoliate the skin deeper than superficial peels without all the risks associated with deep phenol peels.

TCA peeling at home: what are the dangers?

TCA is an aggressive and toxic substance. Experience and caution are required when working with TCA as it may cause harm to the skin. If the procedure is carried out incorrectly, scarring may form, areas of hyperpigmentation may appear, deep burns may occur with damage to the deep layers of the skin, damage to the germ layer of the skin and hair follicles. For home use, milk and glycolic peels are safer.

Important: doing TCA peeling at home is dangerous!

Positive properties of trichloroacetic acid

Positive properties of trichloroacetic acid

The substance is effective against most aesthetic defects due to its wide spectrum of action. Trichloroacetic acid has the following benefits for skin health. This:

  1. Cleansing . The acid pushes out dirt, dust and sebum from enlarged pores, giving the face a smooth texture.
  2. Regeneration . The effect of the substance on the deep layers of the epidermis promotes the production of new skin cells.
  3. Anti-inflammatory . By drying the skin and slowing down the secretory function of the sebaceous glands, the drug protects the face from acne, comedones, and other aesthetic defects.
  4. Stimulating . Accelerating blood and lymph flow normalizes the course of metabolic processes in skin cells, promoting the resorption of age spots and scars.
  5. Antimicrobial . The drug destroys all microbes, stopping any inflammatory processes.

Care after TCA mid-peel

The skin requires special care after peeling. During the first day, swelling and an inflammatory reaction with redness of the skin are observed. The cosmetologist prescribes treatment, which includes anti-inflammatory drugs, local anti-inflammatory ointment and cold water compresses.

After inflammation subsides, peeling begins. For peeling, moisturizing and emollient preparations are used; the frequency and dose are prescribed by the doctor. Gently wash your face 2 times a day with soap, without rubbing or intense exposure. The resulting crusts cannot be removed by force, as this may contribute to the formation of scars. Avoid skin exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen for 3 months.

Complications after peeling

After peeling, complications may occur: infection, prolonged redness and swelling. This is the result of violating the recommendations of a cosmetologist or incorrectly performing the procedure, underestimating contraindications (simultaneous use of mechanical peeling, other local effects), or the use of local drugs. Dark-skinned individuals develop hyperpigmentation, and hyperpigmentation can also appear when exposed to the sun without using sunscreen.

Important: to reduce the risk of complications, you need to perform pre-peeling preparation and follow all doctor’s recommendations!

What to do if there is pigmentation on the face after TCA peeling?

Go to a cosmetologist, he will assess the scale and give the necessary recommendations. To prevent pigmentation, use high-protection sunscreens and avoid sun exposure to the skin. Choose the autumn-winter period for cosmetic procedures.

care after medium peeling TCA

Advice! Women benefit from wearing wide-brimmed hats to protect themselves from the sun!

What is yellow peeling and is it more effective than TCA peeling?

Yellow peeling is a type of chemical peeling. The composition includes retinoic acid and additional components that color it yellow. Retinoic acid is a derivative of vitamin A. Peeling is carried out by a cosmetologist in a medical center. The action is aimed at restoring a healthy complexion, combating skin imperfections, and has a brightening effect. Suitable for performing superficial and medium peeling. The effectiveness will be determined by a specialist, taking into account the patient’s initial problems and the quality of the skin. For a specific person, a way to solve the problem is selected individually.

TCA peeling: real reviews

I don't know what happened to my skin during my student days, but it was just terrible. The skin is oily, there is a lot of acne, enlarged pores, constant inflammation (probably, in addition to heredity and adolescence, this was facilitated by student fast food food and an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as a bunch of various creams and ointments that I generously stuffed my exhausted skin with). TCA peeling was recommended by a dermatologist, who was recommended by a friend after college. The procedure was painful and very unpleasant for me. To evaluate its effectiveness, I will attach my photos before and after peeling.

TCA peeling - real reviews with photos before and after the procedure

The skin after it was red for a couple of days and itchy a little, so I had to take a couple of days off from work. But literally within a month the effect was noticeable - the number of inflamed pores decreased, the skin seemed to be renewed from the inside, so I was satisfied with the effect.

Expected effect of the procedure

Peeling with TCA acid has a powerful healing and rejuvenating effect on the skin.

  • As a result of the procedure, the skin is smoothed, uneven relief is eliminated, scars and freckles are eliminated, the effects of acne are eliminated, and facial wrinkles are straightened.
  • The procedure helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, narrow pores, and cleanse the ducts of the sebaceous glands.
  • The procedure is widely used when it is necessary to whiten the skin. Peeling provides exfoliation of the upper layer of the epidermis. Women suffering from pigmentation and freckles will be satisfied after using this peeling.

Restore your skin to its former youth, radiance and beauty simply with the help of TCA peeling!

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