TCA Peel

Now is a great time to consider cosmetic treatments and freshen up your look! One of my favorite things to recommend for my patients is a TCA (trichloroacetic acid) medium depth chemical peel. The reason is simple: the results!  The peel works to peel a layer of skin and help brown spots, such as freckles as well as sun damage spot areas including pre cancers. I perform this treatment during the fall, winter and early spring months for cosmetic and medical patients!

One reason I love recommending this specific peel is because I have first hand experience! In 2018 I went through the peel not knowing all I would experience. Swipe right to see some pictures of my process & results!

I included a recent photo of myself (and my fun family!) to show that 4 years later, my skin has stayed clear. Not without the help of my wide brimmed hats and Elta MD tinted sunscreen ????

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our blog or schedule a visit with me today!

Laura Stanz, PA-C

The peel process

24 hours prior to your procedure you will start taking an antibiotic and antiviral because the biggest risk of the procedure is infection — with this protocol I have yet to have a patient with an infection outcome. You will arrive the day of your procedure 1 hour early to have a numbing cream applied to your face — bring a book or something to do! Through a series of steps, our amazing staff will proceed to get your face ready for the TCA. Once you’re all prepped, I come in for the real fun! I apply the TCA in a thin layer until your face looks like a “frosted flake” — in medical terms, a Rubin II/III frost.

As for the discomfort, I describe it like a rollercoaster. It starts to burn gradually, as you go up it gets intense. Just when you’re thinking, “oh no! What did I do? This hurts!”, it gets better! The burning subsides a little slower than going down a roller coaster, but Everybody gets through it!

After it’s all complete, our staff will apply a thick coat of vaseline which brings cooling relief. From this point on you shouldn’t have much discomfort. You will apply vaseline day and night (put a towel over your pillow) and by day 4, your skin will start to peel!

7 days later, your skin should be just about healed. Prepare to be amazed with a fresh new look!