Chemical Peel

What is a Deep Chemical Peel?

A Phenol chemical peel is the most aggressive type of skin peels. A phenol peel is an effective remedy for severely sun damaged skin, deep coarse wrinkles, scars, and even pre-cancerous growths. Because a phenol peel uses carbolic acid to treat the skin, the procedure is not suitable for treating selected areas. It must be used on the full face.

Phenol peels are so powerful that only one treatment is necessary to achieve dramatic results that can last for years. Due to the procedure typically results in pronounced swelling, patients are advised to allow for at least a week of at-home recovery after undergoing a deep chemical peel. You will discuss your history with Dr. Fustok before deciding whether the treatment is right for you.

If you are considering a phenol peel you should be aware that after the treatment the new skin will be unable to tan. It is important that you take proper precautions against possible sun damage after undergoing a deep chemical peel. You should avoid exposing the treated skin to the sun and always use sun block. If you decide to undergo a phenol peel, Dr. Fustok can give you further advice about proper sun protection and can recommend products to camouflage the treated area during your healing period.

A phenol peel provides a dramatic rejuvenation. Once healing is complete, the skin is luminous, much clearer and the appearance of deep wrinkles and severe discoloration is significantly reduced. A deep chemical peel procedure can make you look younger, and the results can last decades without special care other than protection against sun exposure.  

What is a TCA chemical peel?

TCA is a non-toxic chemical (trichloracetic acid), which has been used to perform skin peels for over 20 years. “Trichloroacetic acid is a derivative of acetic acid (vinegar) and is used to remove the top layer of cells for a smoother, clearer complexion.  TCA peels use a type of acid that can be customized to a variety of applications and strengths, from a quick lunch-break treatment to a complete restart for your skin. When TCA is applied to the skin, it causes the top layers of cells to dry up and peel off over a period of several days to one week.  The strength of TCA depends on what condition skin is being treated. Medium and deep peels, including those that involve TCA, usually require a week or two of downtime as the old skin peels off.

What are TCA peels used for?

• Brown spots and age spots
• Sun damaged skin
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Acne and acne scars

The following conditions that can be treated with TCA are melasma, sun damage, actinic keratosis, lentigos, texture, and rhytides.

What can I expect from a TCA peel?

By the fifth day, peeling is usually complete and makeup can be applied. If the peel is purposely deepened, as is required for the treatment of wrinkles, healing can take as long as fourteen days. The redness of the skin will persist for two to six weeks. After the skin has peeled, the patient may be prescribed tretinoin and hydroquinone.