TCA Peels needed to fully benefit from Fraxel Laser?

I'm considering getting Fraxel on my face. At one clinic I was told that I should get a TCA peel 30% at least 20 peels each a week apart before doing Fraxel or I will not fully benefit from the treatment. Should I get it on my neck as well?  I was informed that since I'm olive-skinned, I may end up getting dark. I'm confused and need some clarification. All I need is eliminating fine wrinkles, spider veins, some discoloration and getting a dewy, glowy complexion. Thank you for your time. 

4 answers to “TCA Peels needed to fully benefit...”

A: TCA peels not needed as a pretreatment for Fraxel

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD

TCA peels are working in a similar manner as the Fraxel treatment.  20 peels spaced a week apart does not sound possible.  Perhaps that is a typo.  Typically our patients with olive skin will begin a home skin care regimen prior to having a Fraxel re:pair treatment.  Some patients will... more

A: You don't need TCA peels to benefit from Fraxel treatments

David Hansen, MD

"Shaving down the sides of the nose" is not a clear statement. Doing a septoplasty and turbinate reduction is for improving the nasal airway and is not a cosmetic operation. Doing procedures to change the external appearance of the nose (Rhinoplasty) is a different operation that may or may not be... more

A: Fraxel Laser and TCA Peels

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Meeting Point, That was meant to be 2 peels, not 20, correct? You can get excellent results with Fraxel repair without having TCA peels. If your physician recommends two TCA peels for optimal results, like chicken soup, it can't hurt. To minimize your chances of hyperpigmentation, wear sun block, wide... more

A: TCA not needed with Fraxel

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD

A. Fraxel and TCA peels: I cannot see the need for that many TCA peels prior to a series of fraxel laser treatments. Sometimes I do combine other laser treatments with Fraxel in order to enhance results. Some examples of lasers used in combination with Fraxel are: Vbeam pulsed dye or... more

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