why TCA peel had no results?

Question

I had TCA peel exactly 1 week ago. The doctor applied 25 %, my skin frosted and after approx.2 min was neutralized. My skin peeled off completely yesterday and I was very enthusiastic about the results, but I see no results at all?! How is it possible, as I have read so many good reviews? Even large pores are still there not to mention about acne scarring...wich is really not so significant to begin with... Do I have to give it more time or is TCA just not suitable for my skin???

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting your question.  I consider a 25% TCA peel the strongest of the "light peels."   It sounds like you had some peeling and so it should be revealing the fresh skin underneath.  The fact that you frosted and  skin peeled implies some results as some of the old outer layer of skin was removed.  However, just one light TCA peel will refresh the skin, but not improve acne scarring or significantly reduce pore size.  Serial or repeated peels spaced 2-4 weeks apart need to be performed to show improvements in these areas.  The alternative is to go for something stronger like a fractional CO2 laser or 35% TCA.  These procedures involve more down time though.  You may want to talk to your doctor about repeating the peel or trying a stronger facial resurfacing option.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Chemical peels removes a certain thickness of skin layers, which is dependent on the type of acid, the concentration, and in some the amount of time it is left on the skin which translates to the depth of the peel.Light peels are mild acids (alpha hydroxy). medium depth peels are lighter concentration of acids. and very deep peels, the TCA and Phenol, croton peels. The medium and deep peels need extreme expertise to perform safely.Medium and light peels will improve the quality of the skin, the pigmentation and may be fine wrinkles. Several peels are needed to see the results.Very deep peels can be similar to dermaberasion, and CO2 laser resurfacing. These peels would improve also on the fine wrinkles, deep wrinkles, pores and acne scars.for deep wrinkles, acne scars skin quality improvement and pigmentation correction the skin needs to be fair complexion, and CO2 laser remains the gold standard.The deeper the peel is the longer the recovery, and the higher the risk of complications.Never expect a mirror surface smoothness. expect 50 to 70% improvement. May require more than one time treatment.Even light peels can be associated with complications and risks. infection (Viral and bacterial), scarring, pigmentation problems, prolonged redness, Blotchy skin, prolonged flaking of the skin.pre-operative specific treatment and post-operative treatment is needed. preoperative pre-operative skin preparation and post-operative treatment is needed for optimal results and decrease the chance of complications.Peels should be done by medical professionals only, who are experienced in skin care and chemical peels and laser treatments. And the treatment of complications.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I agree, TCA at 25% is the strongest of the light to medium peels. Frosting is a good end point, and this is what you achieved. Large pores will NOT be treated with one single 25% TCA, in fact for large pores and deep ice pick scars, I frequently use FOCAL or TCA CROSS to these areas. Even then 2-3 treatments are needed. (70- 100% Concentration!!!!) As you know collagen stimulation and remodelling takes upto 3 months for optimal results, so I would just chill, and see what happens. You can always go stronger next time around. Hope this helpsDr Davin Lim Laser and surgical dermatologist Brisbane, Australia. I have a few examples in my before and after pics, - this gives you an understanding as to what is needed for best results.

why TCA peel had no results?

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why TCA peel had no results?

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Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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