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The
function of a skin peel is to create an even controlled shedding
of several layers of damaged cells. This exposes a new fresh layer
of skin with a more even color and a smoother texture. In addition,
the peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the
skin, which decreases wrinkling.
There
are several types of peels, each using a different chemical to
create this peeling effect. Light and medium depth peels use the
chemical TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) to create their peel.
TCA
peels can effectively improve many conditions including: dull,
weathered skin, freckling, blotchy pigmentation (including the
mask of pregnancy), sun damage (including precancerous lesions),
fine freckles and shallow acne scars.
How
is the peel performed?
TCA peels are performed as an outpatient in the doctors office.
A solution containing TCA is applied to your skin. This is usually
associated with 2-3 minutes of a burning or stinging sensation.
This burning is so brief that most patients choose not to use
any sedation or anesthesia.
Are
there any restrictions on who can have a TCA peel?
As with any procedure, not everyone is a candidate for the TCA
peel. Unlike other peels, those done with TCA usually do not permanently
lighten the skin. Therefore they can't be performed on patients
with darker skin types including Hispanics, Orientals or Blacks.
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