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What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels provide patients with healthy, rejuvenated skin by “peeling off” the upper skin layer and allowing the body’s natural healing process to generate new, blemish-free skin. There are several chemical formulas for this effective, skin-rejuvenating treatment. With a TCA peel, also known as a TCA Cross or TCA chemical peel, for instance, the solution used to enhance the appearance of your skin is trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

How do chemical peels work?

The treatment involves applying a chemical solution to your face (and decolletage if needed,) to induce skin renewal while stimulating natural collagen production. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that supports the bones and tendons, skin, muscles, cartilage, and tissues. Collagen is the component that lends the skin its suppleness, creating resilience and structure. Over time, however, the body’s collagen levels decrease as production slows, one of the primary causes of sagging, aging skin.

Why a chemical peel?

While other non-surgical cosmetic procedures can rejuvenate the skin, most patients find that the overall improvements after a peel are significant. A chemical peel can dramatically enhance your appearance and leave you with a flawless, youthful glow. If your facial skin has age spots, uneven tone and texture, acne scars, or other skin imperfections, a chemical peel may be the ideal solution for you.

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What are the benefits of a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is non-surgical and non-invasive and very effective in restoring an even skin tone, for a fresher, rejuvenated look. You are free to go back to your regular activities immediately following a mild chemical peel. Avoid direct sun, and always wear sunblock when venturing out.

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Why choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery for your chemical peel?

Patients in the Chicago area looking for relief from their skin concerns will benefit from working with one of the region’s most trusted aesthetic authorities. Dr. Moynihan is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, credentialed by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). He trained at Villanova, Loyola, and the prestigious Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Center. Today, he serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Moynihan and his team are passionate about patient safety and success, so they take all the time needed to get to know you and understand your goals so that they can create a personalized treatment plan fine-tuned to reflect your wishes and unique anatomy. To learn more about chemical peels, schedule a consultation with us today. You may also send us a message here to schedule a virtual consultation.

What are the types of chemical peels?

TCA Peel

A TCA peel is an outpatient procedure that generally takes less than an hour to complete. Our TCA specialist needs only around 30 minutes to complete the procedure. Before a chemical peel for acne scars, your skin will first be thoroughly cleansed, after which the TCA solution will be applied. You know the TCA peel is starting to work when you feel a slight burning sensation. This may last anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes. Patients have also reported feeling a slight stinging sensation after their TCA chemical peel procedure, as the chemical clears away the dead skin layer and stimulates the growth of a new layer. Patients may choose to be sedated during treatment to ease the discomfort.

VI Peel

The VI Peel is a type of chemical peel used to reduce the signs of aging, decrease active acne, restore skin texture, and correct discoloration. It works by eradicating dead cells from your face while stimulating fresh protein production. This powerful treatment uses an elite combination of trichloroacetic acid (10-12%), phenol (10-12%), salicylic acid (10-12%), vitamin C (4%), and tretinoin 0.1%-0.4%, making it one of the strongest peels available today.

Chemical Peel FAQs

How does a VI Peel work?

What needs to be done prior to my VI Peel?

What happens after the application of the VI Peel?

Where can the VI Peel be applied?

What guidelines should I follow after my VI Peel?

How long will my results last with the VI Peel?

How does a TCA peel work?

What do TCA chemical peels address?

What is the difference between a TCA peel and TCA Cross?

Can my TCA peel be combined with other treatments?

What should I expect after my TCA peel?

How long will it take to see results after my TCA peel?

What is the cost of a TCA peel?

Who is the ideal candidate for a TCA chemical peel?

How does a VI Peel work?

On the day of treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed. After this, the first layer of the chemical solution will be applied to the target area(s). After a set amount of time, a second layer will be applied. This entire process will take no longer than 30 minutes, but the chemical solution needs to stay on your face and other target areas for at least four hours. This is to allow the chemical to work its magic.

What needs to be done prior to my VI Peel?

Before you can proceed with the treatment, we will first thoroughly check your skin concerns to determine if a VI Peel is the right procedure for you. We may suggest a combination of treatments, like a chemical peel and microneedling, a chemical peel and dermaplaning, or other combinations. Or, instead of a combination of treatments, we may recommend a series of VI peels. This will depend on your unique skin condition.

What happens after the application of the VI Peel?

You will have specific instructions on how to properly wash off the chemical mask after four hours. During the waiting period, patients have reported feeling a mild tingling sensation and/or a bit of discomfort. This level of discomfort, according to them, is tolerable.

After about a day or two, you will notice that your skin looks a bit red, as if sunburned. This is a normal effect of the chemical. On the second day, you will notice that your skin is beginning to peel off. Since peeling is gradual, you may also notice that your skin tone looks uneven. Don’t worry; your skin tone will even out when the healing process is complete.

Where can the VI Peel be applied?

A VI Peel can be applied on the face and neck, arms, legs, chest, and back. It may also be safely used under your eyes.

What guidelines should I follow after my VI Peel?

You must stay out of the sun while the skin is peeling and healing, and always wear sunscreen when stepping outside. Also, while the skin is peeling, it may feel a little itchy. Refrain from scratching, peeling, picking, or touching your face to prevent infection and avoid damaging the skin. You should allow the skin to heal naturally according to its own timeline.

How long will my results last with the VI Peel?

Results may last up to four months, depending on your reaction to the treatment and your unique skin condition.

How does a TCA peel work?

Just like other chemical peels for acne scars or more extensive hyperpigmentation, the TCA peel is a skin exfoliator. The treatment involves applying the TCA solution to the target area(s). Patients can expect mild burning and stinging sensations, but this is generally a comfortable treatment.

  • When the TCA peel is applied to a target area, the acid removes the dead skin cells of the uppermost layer of your skin.
  • This promotes new cell growth in the underlying layer, resulting in a smoother, fresher layer of skin coming to the surface.
  • This new layer is less impacted by blemishes such as acne scars, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and the like.

What do TCA chemical peels address?

Acne chemical peels, such as our TCA chemical peels in Chicago, treat the following issues:

  • Various types of acne scars
  • Age spots and brown spots
  • Skin discoloration, such as melasma
  • Leathery skin due to sun damage
  • Wrinkles and fine lines

Areas commonly treated include the:

  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Neck
  • Upper Arms
  • Back

What is the difference between a TCA peel and TCA Cross?

A TCA Cross stands apart from a classic TCA chemical peel as it effectively targets singular acne scars through the usage of an exceptionally concentrated amount of TCA, between 50 and 100%.

Can my TCA peel be combined with other treatments?

For many patients, the best chemical peels in Chicago are those that combine TCA peels with Jessner chemical peels or other similar treatments, as these can help them achieve their desired results.

What should I expect after my TCA peel?

In the days following the procedure, your skin will begin to peel. You can expect some redness and scaling, which are normal and should resolve within three days to one week after treatment. TCA peels are ideal if you have facial scarring, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, or age spots.

How long will it take to see results after my TCA peel?

It’s possible to notice changes immediately after your TCA cross. However, as with most chemical peels, acne scarring and other skin concerns need 3 to 4 weeks to show the most improvement. A TCA peel before and after comparison will show a marked reduction in skin imperfections. For optimal results, you may want to undergo multiple chemical peels.

What is the cost of a TCA peel?

Depending on the size of the area(s) treated, a TCA peel can cost between $350 and $950

Who is the ideal candidate for a TCA chemical peel?

In general, men and women who seek smoother, more youthful skin, with reduced wrinkles and fine lines, a more even skin texture, and faded acne scars and dark spots are ideal candidates for a TCA peel.

Acne chemical peels treatments or chemical peels for other facial skin imperfections are not advised for the following:

  • Deep wrinkles and/or scars
  • Patients undergoing treatment for acne
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Patients with chronic skin conditions
  • Patients with poor healing responses
  • Patients with open wounds, sores, or lesions on the target area

If you spend a good amount of time outdoors under the sun, you may not be eligible for a chemical peel.

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