Chemical Skin Peel
TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) Peel
Chemical skin peels are one of the most innovative ways to easily and optimally rejuvenate the skin. They are designed to accelerate the removal of old dead skin cells at the surface of the skin, and promote new cell growth. TCA peels visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars and once peeling is finished, the skin will feel soft, smooth, toned and more elastic.
TCA Chemical Skin Peel Price
| Single TCA Peel | £150 |
| Course of 4 | £499 |
| Preparation Skin Kit | £124 |
What are chemical skin peels?
All chemical peels involve applying a solution to the damaged outer layers of the skin in order to cause these layers to peel away leaving younger, smoother, more evenly pigmented skin beneath and a glowing appearance.
Types of chemical peels?
There are 3 main types of chemical peels:
- Light Peels are most commonly performed using Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHAs). AHAs are found in plants and foods such as citrus fruits, sugar cane and sour milk. Glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane is the most commonly used AHA. Glycolic acid breaks the intracellular bonds, decreasing the ‘glue’ that holds the dead skin cells on the skin surface. It stimulates the production of collagen and the growth of better quality skin.
- Medium Peels are usually performed using Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA). They have the same benefits as light peels and in addition improve conditions such as sun-damaged skin, irregular pigmentation, pre-cancerous skin lesions and light wrinkles.
- Deep Peels such as Phenol peels are used for large wrinkles and have dramatic effects. However they are generally performed under general anaesthetic as they are very invasive and involve 4-6 weeks of recovery. We DO NOT perform this type of peel in our clinics.
Which type of chemical peel is right for me?
Each treatment is customised for a patient’s skin type and specific skin problem. The basic principle is the deeper the peel the better the results but the longer the recovery period. The depth of the peel is dependent on the concentration and type of acid used; the duration of contact and a person’s skin type and sensitivity. All our chemical peels are carried out by doctors who are licensed to use a much stronger concentration of acid, if required, than other aesthetic nurse practitioners.
Preparing for the treatment
During your consultation a full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability, and the benefits and potential side effects will be discussed in full. If you suffer from cold sores, oral anti-viral medication should be started 2 days prior to the treatment and continued for 3 days after the treatment.
Depending on your skin type and condition, pre-treatment with Retin-A for 2 weeks may be advised. Retin-A is a prescription only cream (derived from Vitamin A). It is used to thin out the skins surface layer to allow the chemical peel solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin will not tolerate Retin-A, an AHA may be used instead. On the day of your procedure you should arrive at the clinic without make-up or perfume.
What is the treatment like?
Your skin will first be cleansed thoroughly and degreased. The chemical peel solution will then be applied to the skin. With Glycolic Peels a warm, mild prickling sensation is experienced; with a TCA peel this sensation is much more intense however the solution is only left on the skin for a few minutes before the skin is cooled with cold compresses.
After the treatment
You face may be red immediately after a peel. With a Glycolic peel the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience should not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. With a TCA peel you will experience mild discomfort and swelling similar to mild sunburn for a few days. In about a week your new skin will be apparent and you should have healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. After all chemical peel treatments you should avoid sun exposure for several weeks and use a good sun protection cream.
How many treatments will I need?
Superficial peels such as glycolic peels require a course of 4-6 treatments every 2-3 weeks to achieve the optimum results. Medium TCA peels can be used as a one off treatment, however, depending on a patient’s initial skin condition, some patients may wish to repeat the procedure after a few months to achieve even more dramatic results.
Who is not suitable for a chemical peel?
Chemical Peels are not advisable if you are pregnant or breast feeding or you have been prescribed Accutane in the past 6 months.
Are there any side effects?
Chemical peels are normally safe procedures when performed by a qualified, experienced nurse or doctor. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while extremely infrequent, are possible.