TCA Peels

General Information

You can expect to experience the following both during and post treatment. 

• The skin may feel uncomfortable and appear like a bad case of sunburn.
• During and after the procedure, expect redness, stinging, itching, burning, tightness, puffiness, with thickening and peeling of the superficial layers of the skin.
  • These sensations will gradually diminish over 7 days
• A white ‘frosting’ may appear during the procedure and usually settles within 1-2 hours.
• In severe and rare cases the skin may turn very red, blister, swell and later scab or crust.
• There is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
• There is a risk of triggering an outbreak of ‘cold sores’ in clients with a prior history. TCA cannot be performed if an active cold sore is present.
• There is a rare incidence of scarring and infection.
• The treatment is left on the skin for approximately 8-12 hours. After which time, gently rinse off with a bland cleanser and follow with appropriate homecare as recommended by your Clinician.

Cosmo Peel Forte

The first 24 hours you can expect frosting, swelling around the eyes, redness, itching, warm sensation. A darker thickened peeling and shedding of the skin is expected for 7-10~ days with underlying redness lasting 14~ days.

Contraindications

The treatment can not be performed if:

• Currently Pregnant
• Roaccutane or Accutane within the past 3-6 months
• Photosensitizing medications (Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin etc.)
• Psoriasis, eczema, lupus erythematosus, open wounds, cold sore, sun or wind-burned skin, infected or irritated skin in treatment location
• Severe Acne or Rosacea
• Currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or immune disorder treatments.
  An active cold sore is present.

Cosmo Peel Forte – Immunocompromised with delayed healing, Insulin dependant diabetes, and any heart liver or kidney disorders

Precautions

Additional care must be taken. Inform your clinician of any of the following:

• History of skin cancer – Must have completed recent skin cancer check (<6 months)
• Diabetes – May impede wound healing
• Tattoos including semi permanent makeup – cannot treat within 1” of tattoo
• History of keloids or hypertrophic scarring – meticulous pre and post care required
• History of vitiligo – Depigment may occur
• Smoking – impairs healing and increases the risk of complications
• Fresh scars – Check with your surgeon and/or specialist prior to starting treatment

Before Your Treatment

Pre Treatment Advice & Recommendations

Prior to your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

• Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications.
• Pretreat with antivirals if prone to cold sores.
• Use active skincare. The better the prep, the better the results from the peel!

Cosmo Peel Forte – A minimum 2 weeks daily use of prescribed prepping products are mandatory. eg. C25/TriActive + Melacream/Radiance

Do Not…

• Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 2 weeks.
• Avoid Botox/Fillers in the treatment location for 2 weeks
• Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
  • Includes hair removal such as waxing and shaving, as well as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

Cosmo Peel Forte – Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for 4 weeks

After Your Treatment

Post Treatment Advice & Recommendations

After your treatment, there are certain things you must do, and certain things you must not do. This includes:

Do…

• Rinse the skin 12 hours after treatment using a bland cleanser. Follow with prescribed products
• Apply broad spectrum SPF30+ or higher daily
  • Normal cleansing, growth factor serums, moisturisers can also be applied
• Pat dry rather than rub dry after showering/cleansing
• Keep the skin clean, cool and calm
• Notify us of any questions or concerns you may have

Cosmo Peel Forte:

• 10 days daily use of prescribed post care products are mandatory.
• Cleanser, Growth factors, K-ceutic and Panthenol Ceutic

Do Not…

• Do not expose the area to the sun (wear protective clothing and apply SPF 30 or higher, daily)
• Avoid exercise, swimming, and heat based activities including saunas, steam rooms for 3 days
• Avoid makeup for 24 hours
• Do not pick, pull, scratch or rub the skin
• Avoid skin irritants in the treatment location for 1 week
  • Includes hair removal such as waxing and shaving, as well as products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, granular scrubs etc

Cosmo Peel Forte:

• Do Not expose the area to sun or tanning products for minimum 4 weeks.
• Avoid exercise, swimming, and heat based activities including saunas, steam rooms for 7 days

Possible Adverse Effects

TCA Peels are considered a safe and effective skin treatment when delivered by a qualified and highly trained professional.

Although rare, these are possible adverse side-effects that may occur, especially if you fail to follow the pre and post treatment advice provided:

• WOUNDS – Low Risk – Applicable to TCA Peels Level 1 to 3.
• INFECTION – Low Risk – Unlikely, but any type of wound can develop into infection.
• SKIN COLOUR CHANGES – Low Risk – TCA is designed to lighten hyperpigmentation. Expect reduction of freckles, sunspots and similar lesions. However, there is a risk of developing temporary or permanent post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH). Daily SPF is mandatory.
• HAIR LOSS – NA – No effect on hair growth.
• DARK SKIN TYPES – Medium Risk – Have an increased risk of complications and/or pigmentary issues. Additional preparation and post care may be required to maximise skin protection

Cosmo Peel Forte:

• WOUNDS – Medium Risk – Due to depth of peel / skin shedding.