TCA PEEL Munich

What is a TCA peel and how does it work?

TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid. A medium-depth TCA peel is used to remove the epidermis as well as parts of the middle and deeper connective tissue. It is a much more intensive peeling treatment than, for example, fruit acid peeling or microdermabrasion. The skin irritation stimulates collagen formation and cell regeneration, which in turn leads to skin regeneration. After the treatment, the skin appears significantly more youthful than before. The restructuring makes the skin firmer and deeply moisturised. Hyperpigmentation and wrinkles are minimised, and the skin appears more youthful overall.

Application areas for a TCA peel

The TCA peel is used to treat wrinkled, severely sun-damaged skin with enlarged pores. It can also significantly reduce pigmentation marks. The application areas for medium-depth peeling include:

• Enlarged pores, for example, large pores caused by acne
• Liver spots (especially due to excessive sun exposure)
• Wrinkles
• Chloasma (melasma), a pigmentation disorder that can be caused by cosmetics, the pill or pregnancy, especially in young women

TCA peeling is currently one of the few promising methods for treating chloasma. In most cases, I apply the peeling to the face. However, slightly lower doses can also be used on the neck, décolleté, arms and hands.

TCA peel procedure

You can learn about the TCA peel procedure below.

Initial consultation

Prior to the treatment, I conduct a personal consultation with my patients. Together we look at whether the TCA peel is the best possible treatment option for you. We also discuss your individual needs and expectations. I will provide you with a detailed treatment plan. Additionally, I will explain the necessary preparation and aftercare. Of course, you can also ask any questions you may have.

Preparation

The medium-depth TCA peel requires at least four weeks of preparation of your skin. To pretreat the designated skin area, we will provide you with a specially blended bleaching cream tailored to your needs and with an ointment containing vitamin A. It is important not to use any other skincare creams during this time. If you are frequently affected by herpes, it is advisable to carry out a prophylactic treatment 24 hours before and up to 5 days after the peel. Please do not wear any make-up for the treatment and do not apply any cream to the area. You should also refrain from using perfume and shaving immediately before the peel.

Treatment

The TCA peel takes about 30 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic or in twilight sleep. After thoroughly cleansing and degreasing the skin, I carefully apply the trichloroacetic acid in the form of a gel. The treatment is pretty painless with weaker TCA peels but can be somewhat painful with higher concentrations. You may feel a slight burning sensation with light peels, but it should subside after a few minutes. The intensity of the peeling varies depending on the desired result. After about 15 minutes, the skin will turn white. After the exposure time, the gel is neutralised.

Aftercare

The white discolouration mentioned above subsides after 30–60 minutes. Reddening and warming of the treated skin areas occurs, which is comparable to a sunburn. Over the next few days, the skin will turn dark brown. After 3–4 days, your skin will peel off completely to reveal vibrant, healthy skin with a delicate pink colour. Any swelling should subside after 3–4 days. You can expect the skin to fully regenerate after about 2 weeks.

To avoid bacterial infections, it may be advisable to apply an antiseptic ointment during the healing phase. High sun protection with a sun protection factor of at least SPF 50 is crucial for the next few weeks after the peel. I will give you detailed aftercare instructions during your personal consultation.

Potential risks and side effects of a TCA peel

As a specialist in the field of TCA peeling, I provide a very safe treatment. However, redness and slight swelling may occur after the peel, which usually subside on their own after a few days. With the right preparation and aftercare, skin infections are very rare. The professional application also minimises any risk of hyperpigmentation.

Cost of a TCA peel

The cost of a medium-depth TCA peel varies and depends on the desired outcome and treatment area as well as the number of sessions. I will compile your individual costs projection in a detailed consultation and provide you with a specific offer. However, you should expect to pay at least EUR 800 per session.

Personalised consultation and treatment

In my practice, I attach great importance to personalised consultations, because I want to understand the specific wishes and needs of each patient and offer the best possible treatment. I would be happy to go over your options for TCA peeling in a personal consultation. Visit me at my practice in Munich or take advantage of my online video consultation for an initial assessment and personalised advice.