How Much Does a TCA Peel Cost?
Why costs vary
Financing options
A TCA peel costs $200 on average, according to 145 reviews from RealSelf members, but it can get as pricey as $1,200.
One of the most popular types of in-office chemical peels, the FDA-approved trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel can treat skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, acne scars, and sun damage.
Keep reading to find out why the price can vary so much—and whether real patients think their TCA peel results were worth what they paid.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About TCA Chemical Peels
Are TCA peels worth the money?
TCA peels have a 67% Worth It Rating from reviewers on RealSelf. Plenty saw improvements in skin concerns like fine lines, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.
However, those who were unsatisfied say the procedure exacerbated their issues (especially melasma), created new problems, or delivered results that didn’t last.
A variety of skin rejuvenation treatments can deliver comparable (or better) results. We recommend consulting with a licensed provider to get a customized analysis of your skin condition and bespoke treatment plan, designed to target your unique concerns.
Related: Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Why do TCA peel costs vary?
The price you’ll pay for this type of chemical peel will depend on:
1. The credentials expertise of your provider
Every state has their own laws for who can perform aesthetic treatments like this one, so you may find a variety of providers offering TCA peels, including aestheticians, nurses, physician assistants, and physicians.
The more training, experience, and patient demand a provider has, the more they can charge for their time.
For example, booking with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with their own swanky dermatology or plastic surgery practice and decades of experience will be more costly than it would be if you’re treated by an aesthetician just starting their career.
While this treatment is common, it still comes with risks, including burns and patches of hypopigmentation. The possibility of complications increases in inexperienced hands, so we recommend finding a board-certified dermatologist with a solid track record of positive patient reviews for this and other chemical peels.
2. Their practice location
If you live in a major metro area, you already know that everything, including aesthetic treatments, tends to be more expensive due to higher costs of living.
Prices can even vary between neighborhoods, as well as by how nice the practice is. So if you’re looking for ways to save, look outside the downtown core, and pay more experience to the provider’s credentials and reviews than the amenities of their waiting room.
3. The size of the treatment area
This treatment is most often used as a facial peel, but like any chemical peel, it can be used in other body areas to treat concerns like breakouts and acne scars, as well as texture and hyperpigmentation issues caused by years of sun exposure.
If you just treat small areas of your face or the backs of your hands, your bill will be far lower than treating, say, your entire back.
4. The strength and number of TCA peels you need
A deep TCA peel costs more than a medium-depth or light chemical peel.
At first blush, that seems surprising—after all, the provider is simply applying a topical solution. However, the potency of these treatments can require patient sedation (not just a topical anesthetic). It also increases the risks, potential side effects, and downtime. Procedures with a greater risk profile demand greater expertise, which again, comes at a price.
On the flip side, deep peels are a one-and-done treatment, and they tend to resolve more advanced concerns.
If you're looking to target the same issues with superficial peels or medium-strength peels, you may need several rounds of treatment, which will add up.
During your consultation, your provider will talk through the specifics of their recommended treatment plan and how the specifics will impact your total cost.
5. Coupons and special offers
There are plenty of ways to find savings on TCA peels.
- If you're booking a series of peels, your provider may offer package pricing to reduce the overall cost.
- Many providers also advertise seasonal deals, so keep an eye on social media to make sure you don't miss out.
- You can also find discounts on TCA peels on coupon websites. Just be sure to research the provider thoroughly before you book.
Can you finance a TCA peel?
You can find financing options through lenders like CareCredit or your provider.
Financing breaks your expense into monthly payments, but it also means paying interest, which makes your final cost higher. As you consider financing options, try to avoid unreasonable interest rates.