Safe to Use TCA Peel on Just a Part of the Face?

Question

Is it okay to do a 25% TCA peel on some areas of the face but not the whole face? I want to try it at home. What would you recommend? I want to do a Chemical peel to get rid of some acne marks and make my bumpy skin absolutely smooth.I am light skinned and 32 yrs old. I have been using obagi nuderm. I've been on obagi clenziderm for a month. I am a medical student and do not get time to go to places to get these treatments done. I would prefer doing it at home. I'm open to as many suggestion as you can give. Thanks.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

TCA peels can be done on small areas of the face or individual spots but should only be done by a doctor with years of experience since you don't want to scar up your face with a home treatment. A cortisone cream should be applied 3-4 times the first day and twice a day thereafter for 10 days to prevent scarring and irritation. A sunscreen is also necessary. Home TCA peels should not be above a 10%TCA and can be done every 2-4 weeks.

Jenifer L. Henderson, MD · Answer

I agree, the strength of TCA that you are contemplating can in fact cause scarring. The more passes, the deeper the peel even with a lower strength solution. Higher percentage peels (greater than 10 percent) should be done by a physician or at least under direct physician supervision. Having said that, it is possible to just peel isolated aesthetic subunits of the face as long as the entire subunit is treated. If that rule is followed, the peeled area should transition nicely into other nontreated areas.

Safe to Use TCA Peel on Just a Part of the Face?

Answers (2)