Peel 3

A TCA peel is administered in the office without anesthetic. The surgeon rubs the treatment areas with a gauze moistened with trichloracetic acid, a substance related to, and smelling like, vinegar (acetic acid). However TCA is a much stronger acid than vinegar. A burning pain is relieved by a fan and lasts for about 10 minutes. The skin peels in the manner of a sunburn, usually without weeping. Healing is complete in 7-10 days. Sun spots and wrinkles are removed but tend to gradually return over 18 months. It may be repeated.