Overview:
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Treats: Moderate to severe acne scars.
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Targets: Deeper skin layers for extensive rejuvenation.
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Treatment Area: Primarily the face, suitable for other scar-affected areas.
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Sessions for Optimal Results: 1-3 sessions, depending on the concentration used and the severity of scarring.
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Frequency: Typically every 3-6 months; more for higher concentrations.
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Maintenance: Based on individual skin evaluation and specialist recommendations.
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Duration: 30 minutes, including pre and post-application observation.
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Preparation: Skin conditioning with retinoids or AHA/BHA creams; cessation of any irritant topical agents days prior.
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Pain Level: Moderate discomfort, often rated 4-6/10, depending on individual pain tolerance.
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Downtime: 1-2 weeks of healing time, with significant peeling and possible crusting.
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Results: A marked improvement in scar appearance and overall skin texture.
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Makeup Application: Resume after the peeling process completes, typically 7-14 days post-peel.
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Skin Tone Safe to Treat: Caution with darker skin tones; patch testing recommended.
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TCA Concentrations: Customizable, with higher concentrations reserved for deeper scars.
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Price Range: $$-$$$, varies with peel concentration and treatment complexity.
Who is TCA Peel for?
Patients with more pronounced scarring seeking a significant improvement in skin texture and appearance.
Problem and Solution:
Deep acne scars require aggressive treatment to resurface the skin. A higher concentration TCA peel removes layers of damaged skin, allowing smoother, regenerated skin to replace it.
How Does a Higher Concentration TCA Peel Work for Acne Scars?
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at higher concentrations deeply exfoliates the skin, causing the top layers to dry up and peel off over the course of several days to one week. The new, regenerated skin is typically smoother and less scarred.
Why We Like Higher Concentration TCA Peels for Acne Scars at AcneClinicNYC:
These peels can offer dramatic results that are often visible after just one treatment, making them a compelling choice for those with deeper scarring who are prepared for the associated downtime.
Combination Treatments:
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Higher Concentration TCA Peel + PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): To enhance healing and results.
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TCA CROSS Method: Specifically targeting the deepest scars individually for precise application.
Contraindications:
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Active acne or other skin infections.
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Darker skin tones are at risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
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Isotretinoin (Accutane) use within the past 12 months.
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History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
FAQs:
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When can I apply makeup? Wait until the skin has fully healed and peeling has stopped, typically after 7-14 days.
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Will I need time off work? Yes, expect to take time off to manage the healing process, especially for higher concentration peels.
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What about sun exposure? Strict sun avoidance and high-SPF sunscreen use are critical post-peel for several months to prevent PIH.