Do Doctors Have Access to Better Quality TCA Peel Solutions Than What Can Bought Online?

Question

There are lot of companies offering at home TCA peels, but my question is do dermatoglist and plastic surgeons use better quality acids. I know that technique plays a major role, but in terms of product quality is it a better chemical solution?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The TCA peel solutions can vary depending on the company producing them. Generally speaking the reputable companies in the field of Dermatology that supply these to physicians are better and are more likely to have standardized TCA solutions. Also, if you do TCA peel at home and get into trouble you will then need a doctor's help. You are safer doing this in a doctor's office or at least discuss it with a dermatologist before you start a regimen at home. Bring the product and show it to your dermatologist.

	Regards

	Dr. J

	Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

The peels available online generally have lower doses of TCA than those available in your doctor's office.  Why someone would order an acid solution online and put it on their face without knowing the exact concentration or have confidence about what they are actually using, is really incredible.  Having your peel in your doctor's office, gives a greater amount of confidence in what your having done is approved, safe and effective.

	 

	Good Luck.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that the quality of TCA varies dramatically.  OTC tca that anyone can buy is either not TCA at all or extremely unstable TCA which is even worse.  The scarring stories are numerous from patients doing a so-called TCA to even aestheticians trying their hand at TCA peels.  DO NOT DO IT !!! Most pharmacists will not make up the TCA solution for docs for fear of the unstablenesss of it. There are very few places in the country that are qualified and certified to make true TCA solutions that we as docs can count on. Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

First, yes doctors buy from ethical companies that do not break the laws. They are very careful in how they prepare these agents and produce solutions that are very consistent. Maybe you will get that online and maybe you won't. But that is have the battle. The real challenge is applying the agent to the skin. How it the skin prepared. How wet or dry is the acid applied. What steps are taken to heal the skin. These are essentially surgical procedures that can produce severe pain and require complex methods to properly heal the face. Be smart and please don't try peeling yourself. I have many cosmetic surgery colleagues who can buy the agents and won't perform these peels because without proper training these agents can cause permanent damage to the face.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

There is no question that physicians have at their disposal higher quality, higher concentration, and safer chemical peeling agents than can be obtained on the Internet. I unfortunately now treat on a regular basis the mishaps and burns of patients who have acquired peels and other things on the Internet and thought they could safely apply it themselves...they are now paying for it with permanent scars and major expense to try and fix their mistakes. ~ Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Doctors have access to deeper peels and lasers that can improve the skin better and faster than home systems.

Channing R. Barnett, MD · Answer

I do not recommend doing home TCA peels as TCA done incorrectly or too aggressively can cause permanent discoloration and scarring. TCA peeling should be done in a physician's office and by a physician trained in TCA peeling.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

I would never recommend the use of TCA as an at home procedure.  This type of chemical peel penetrates into the dermis and can cause permanent scarring.  Very dangerous.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

It is unwise to do home TCA peels since you do not know exactly what product you are using and you can cause severe burns and scarring. Only have TCA peels performed in a dermatologist or plastic surgeon's office after you have been assessed to see if it is the correct treatment for you.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

It's hard to give an answer about this as I do not know where you would be buying solution from. When purchasing acid solution to put on someone's face I purchase it from legitimate pharmaceutical grade suppliers so that I know exactly what I am applying. There has recently been reports of fraudulent Botox, Fillers, and other counterfeits on the market. I would be extremely cautious in buying a TCA solution on the internet which is basically "acid" that you will be applying to your face. What if the concentration is wrong? What if it is contaminated with something else? You need to be very careful....

Do Doctors Have Access to Better Quality TCA Peel Solutions Than What Can Bought Online?

Answers (11)

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