TCA Peel: Stories

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50% TCA Peel - Is This Normal?

hpsredwood
updated 3 years ago

Not Sure
Cost: $450
San Diego, CA

Hi Everyone,I recently had a 50% TCA peel at the...

2 Oct 2009

Hi Everyone,

I recently had a 50% TCA peel at the doctors on 9/30/09. I am freaking out. My skin looks like a barnicle, crusty, ozzy, pussy. My face is swollem, almost to the point on non recognition. I just went to the restroom and noticed small blood patches mixed in with the crusts.

The burning sensation was a little more than exspected. It stung quite a bit and I was exhausted from the experience. I haven't ruled on the outcome because I am only 3 days in.

Is this normal? How long is this going to last? Is there anything I can do for the swelling and crusting? Is the blood going to leave scars?

Great review?

Comments (7)

Bangor ME 4 Jan 2011

tca peels are generally done of 20-25-30 percent meaning mild, center, and maximum to have 50% is usually used for tattoo removal, soo whoever did this may might want to be careful of future, you are not suppose to get more than three a year because can lead to skaring, directly after and before you should prep for with before, acne pads, and after triple anti-biotic ointment, sooo if had one at 50% could be alright?.

sunshinegirl1 22 Feb 2010

Hope your outcome came out well. I live in San Diego and looking for a doc to perform tca. Who was your doc? Thanks.

Tinydancer630 23 Dec 2009

How are you looking now after a few months from the peel. Did you have the results you wanted or are you still disappointed. I am considering either a TCA peel or an Obaji blue peel for fine lines around my mouth, however, I'm starting to get the feeling that this may not be a good idea.

Kickingtires 7 Dec 2009

Dr Hickman, I have been researching all the peels and think I am too nervous to go it alone the first time. I am 45 and my skin does not have wrinkles or spots, but I just want to bring out the luster again. What peel strength do you recommend for a beginner. I have med skin tone.

Donn Hickman, MD 25 Oct 2009

TCA 50% is a moderately deep chemical peel performed by your doctors. It penetrates to about 500 microns in the skin. This is maximum upper level of concentration for this acid. Consult with your physicians on the anticipated healing and care plan. They have selected this by their implied experience with peeling using TCA. Ordinarily we use 35-45% in selected cases for the face. Each practice will have a philosophy, experience, and treatment protocol for peels they perform. We have performed over 5700 peel in 25 years, and work in the center and at the limits of peeling concentrations for specific indications. They will guide you through the process.

View answers from Donn Hickman, MD

TheTruthwillsetYouFree 12 Oct 2009

Please let us know your final result. Thanks

mariakitty123 8 Oct 2009

Hi There! First of all, it is normal for the treated area to leak serum, (mostly clear, straw-colored fluid), a few days after the application of the peeling agent, but there shouldn't be any blood unless you haven't kept a good, thick layer of ointment on the treated areas and they are cracking because they're getting dried out. I had a medium depth peel a few years back, was super red, (and yes, very worn out after the ordeal), days 2-3 leaked serum and skin turning brownish, feeling tighter by the day, days 4-5 noticed the skin in dynamic areas (areas with lots of motion) like corners of mouth and nasolabial folds began to flake a bit, days 6-10 more peeling and flaking of the remaining "brown" areas. RESIST the urge to pick and help the peeling skin off - this will only lead to scarring. Be sure to drink PLENTY of water and if you live in a dry climate, consider putting a humidifier in your room. Keep treated areas moist by using the recommended ointment. Hope you have a great result!!