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Chemical Peel - How Many Layers of Skin Are Removed?

How many layers of the skin are removed when you have a 20% TCA chemical peel? What if you are using a AHA in combination with the TCA? Is this going to take off more layers?

Asked 40 months ago by LRM in ohio
Sort 3 expert answers by:
+4

The degree of peel is dependent on the strength and time of exposure

Peels are typically described in terms of depth rather than layers. Alpha Hydroxy Acid peels, such a glycolic acid, are a light peel which are good for fine wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Since it is a light peel, the recovery is faster, but you may need multiple treatments. The day after the peel, you are usually presentable to return to your normal activities. TCA peels are considered a medium-depth peel which are also effective for fine wrinkles and blemishes. The recovery time is... more
David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Chemical Peels, how deep does it go

It really depends on how it is applied. Usually it just works on the top part of your skin, the epidermis.
Kimberly A. Henry, MD
Greenbrae Plastic Surgeon
+1

Probably just epidermis.....depends

Low strength TCA peels usually remove the epidermis and treat the underlying dermis to a varying extent. Some of this depends upon how it is applied  - how many layers, strength, and the pressure with which it is applied as well as your skin type.
John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
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