What Is It?
The Accupeel ™ TCA Mask is a cream formulation of trichloroacetic acid, one of the most commonly used facial skin-peeling agents. It uses a base made of natural clays and contains no harmful or toxic chemicals. The liquid form of TCA has been effectively used for many years by dermatologists and plastic surgeons around the world. The cream or mask form provides a simpler and safer way to obtain the results of the liquid TCA but uses a milder concentration, has less discomfort, and provides for faster healing. The Accupeel ™ Mask achieves the same level or depth of peel as the liquid TCA.
Who Will Benefit From The TCA Accupeel ™?
Individuals who desire to have the following skin improvements would benefit from a TCA Accupeel™:
Those who have participated in a previous skin-conditioning program such as glycolic acid or "light" peels would be expected to have optimal results.
What Will The Evaluation Involve?
During your evaluation by one of the physicians at the Facial Surgery Center, a detailed history will be taken, your skin will be examined thoroughly, and your skin care goals will be discussed. After that, you and your physician will talk about your specific treatment plan. When you and your physician determine that an Accupeel™ is the next step for you, a Facial Surgery Center staff member will review your pre-operative and post-operative instructions with you. You will sign a consent for the Accupeel™ procedure that will be done with light intravenous sedation if you desire. This will make you sleepy for the procedure and minimize any stinging or burning you might experience during the Accupeel™. If you have IV sedation, you must not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your peel and you must have an escort to drive you home afterwards. At the time you sign your consent, you may also be given prescriptions for medications to be used prior to and following your Accupeel ™ .These medications will be taken to prevent infection and to manage any discomfort you may have after your peel.
What Will The Treatment Involve?
Your physician will apply your Accupeel™ TCA Mask at an office visit. The face is first cleansed and degreased before the mask is applied. While the mask is on your skin, there is usually a stinging or burning sensation that is relieved by having the light IV sedation or by having electric hand-held fans directed at your face. The mask remains on the face approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Then your physician removes a small area or "window" of the mask to check for a whitening of the skin called "frost". Once your physician determines that the desired amount of frost is present, he will remove the mask with cool water and soft sponges. Most of the time, the mask is on the skin a total of 5 to 8 minutes. Initially, the skin has a white appearance that lasts about an hour. Then the skin turns a pink color that may last for several hours. Finally, a steady darkening of the surface occurs over the next several days. With the Accupeel™, your will see no scabbing. The dark areas begin to peel in 3 to 5 days, and complete peeling usually occurs within 7 days. You must be careful not to pick or pull at the peeling skin because a darkening or reddening of the underlying skin could occur. The skin may look quite red and unsightly the week following the peel, so most patients do not plan social engagements during this time.
What Does The Post-Peel Care Involve?
Accupeel™ is a product of ICN Pharmaceuticals.
What is the best time of year to have a TCA Peel? The optimum time is late fall, winter, and early spring when sun exposure is not as much of a problem. Sun exposure during peel healing time may cause pigmentation or uneven skin tone.
How much "down time" should I plan on? It would be best to schedule your peel when your can have approximately 7-10 days of healing time.
What are some of the side effects of the TCA Mask Peel? For ethnic or very dark skin types, there is a chance of darkening that can last several months. If there is a possibility of this, your physician may do a "patch test" on your facial skin before performing the entire Accupeel™ . Your physician may also prescribe a skin-lightening agent to help avoid pigment changes. Discomfort after the procedure may also be accompanied by redness, swelling, and blistering. There is a rare incidence of scarring, herpes reactivation, infections, and allergic reaction. You can expect your skin to be more sensitive to the sun after your Accupeel™.