TCA Resurfacing Peel Video: Victorian Cosmetic Institute

This video shows Dr. Natasha Moscato of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute discussing and performing a TCA resurfacing peel. This skin peel is ideal for anyone with sun damage, pigmentation, or expression lines in the face. TCA stands for trichloracidic acid, which is applied to the face in order to resurface the skin, creating a more youthful appearance.

The peel comes in different percentages which indicate the strength of the treatment and the length of recovery. Low strength treatments are four to eight percent and will result in redness and peeling for several days. High strength treatments are twenty to 35 percent and may result in more significant side effects for up to a week. The higher the strength of the peel, the more drastic the results.

In this video, Dr. Moscato performs a 35 percent TCA peel, which is the most powerful. The procedure begins with the application of a numbing cream to the entire face. This cream is left on for approximately an hour in order to fully numb the skin. It is then removed, and the facial skin is cleaned with a toner and acetone so that the acid may penetrate more easily and evenly. The sides of the nose, eyes, and mouth are protected with Vaseline in order to prevent the acid peel from pooling in those areas. An air cooler is used to provide additional comfort on top of the numbing cream.

Once the face has been prepared, the acid peel is applied evenly over the skin using gauze pads. The higher the number of applications, the more powerful the peel will be. The application of the acid immediately results in "frosting" of the skin, which indicates coagulation of the skin's protein. This means that the skin will later peel off, exposing new, fresh skin beneath. Cool cloths are placed over the treated areas in order to provide comfort.

After the peel has been completed, the patient is free to go home, where the affected skin will peel, exposing brighter, less damaged skin and providing a younger appearance.