Chemical Peel

Jessner + TCA Peels: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview:

Jessner + TCA peels are a type of superficial to medium-depth chemical peel used to address a variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, wrinkles, acne scars, and pigmentation issues. While laser treatments have become increasingly popular, chemical peels remain a valuable tool in dermatology, offering unique benefits and effectiveness.

Procedure and Recovery:

Procedure Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Anesthetic: +/-numbing gel
Recovery Time: 6-9 days
Back to Work: 5-8 days
Duration of Results: 3-6 years
Cost: $225

Best Suited For:

Fair-skinned patients: Due to a higher risk of pigmentation issues in darker skin types, superficial peels at lower strength can be used, but I personally avoid medium depth peels.

Not suitable for:

Patients with a history of Keloid scars
Pregnancy: Medium-depth and deep chemical peels, like the Jessner TCA peel, are generally not recommended during pregnancy. These procedures are typically elective, and there’s limited research to confirm their safety for the developing fetus.
Lactation: The safety of chemical peels while breastfeeding is less clear, but light chemical peels are generally considered low-risk as the amount of chemicals transmitted to breast milk is likely minimal. However, deeper peels containing ingredients like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are usually avoided due to potential concerns about systemic absorption and its effects on the baby.

Conditions Treated:

Sunspots and precancerous lesions
Fine lines, wrinkles, and elastosis (sun damage)
Smoker’s lines and upper lip wrinkles
Superficial acne scars
Freckles and brown spots (not melasma)
Enlarged pores

Procedure Details:

Preparation: May include a pre-peel prep and de-greasing scrub.
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Cooling: Skin-directed cooling is used throughout the procedure.
Pain Level: Well-tolerated due to numbing creams, and cooling.

Recovery and Aftercare:

Downtime: 7-14 days for new skin to form.
Restrictions:
- No makeup until healed
- No exercise for 5-7 days.
- No direct sun exposure for 4 weeks.
- Preventative antiviral medication if you have a history of cold sores.

Combination Treatments:

Lasers and Peels: Combining medium to deep peels with clear and brilliant laser can yield superior results compared to using each modality alone.

Potential Side Effects:

Infection: 3% risk. Antiviral medication is necessary for those with a history of cold sores.
Dyspigmentation: 5% risk, more common in darker skin types and with sun exposure.
Scars: Uncommon (<2%), often related to picking, poor aftercare, or infection.

Advantages of Jessner TCA Peels:

Effective for various skin concerns: Addresses both superficial and deeper skin issues.
Customizable: Can be tailored to individual needs with different concentrations and techniques.
Stimulates collagen: Promotes skin rejuvenation and improves texture.
Can be combined with lasers: Offers enhanced results when used in conjunction with laser treatments.