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TCA Chemical Peel

What it is: A chemical peel that utilizes trichloroacetic acid, a common chemical for medium depth peels, with varying concentrations. A TCA peel is intended to improve the skin texture and tone of the skin.  

What it addresses:  Minor skin conditions such as:

- Fine wrinkles
- Surface discoloration
- Uneven skin texture
- Uneven skin tone

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Question

Can a TCA chemical peel treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

The marks that are a red/brown color were left by cysts. Would a TCA chemical peel have any effect on them?

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Asked by: ludwig
Brooklyn, NY

Answers (1)

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1
October 11, 2008

Yes, TCA peels would help

David Hansen, MD
David Hansen, MD
Board Certified
Dermatologist

TCA chemical peels really help with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation such as acne marks.  If your skin is more asian or black then a few light TCA peels 10-15% every 2-3 weeks do good.  I like to use a bleaching cream with it as well such as Tri-Luma to help prevent any unexpected pigmentation problems and of course a sunscreen as well. 

The TCA peels run about $250 each for the face.   You can also do spot treatments instead of the whole face which are less expensive.

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elac
elac
10/26/08

Hi Dr. Hansen, is the improvement with PIH only temporary? will discoloration from acne scars come back?
I have very light asian skin and several dark marks left from cystic acne on my chin. There are no indentation, only discoloration. I'm wondering if TCA Peel is all i need or do I need to consider alternative treatments? thank you

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