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TCA Chemical Peels

in San Jose & Palo Alto, CA

Reveal Healthier Skin

Chemical peels have a long history. There is even evidence of Egyptions using lactic acid from sour milk as a form of facial rejuvenation. Today however modern skin science a has produced a formula called the TCA Peel to provide safe and highly beneficial and highly beneficial results. Learn more about how the team at Illuminate Med Spa are using TCA Peels in San Jose & Palo Alto to help their patients feel more excited about their appearance.

What is TCA?

TCA stands for Trichloroacetic Acid. It is the gold standard in chemical peels and is effective in treating all skin types and most skin tones. At Illuminate, we are one of the few San Jose & Palo Alto medical spas to use TCA chemical peels to safely treat patients.

Palo Alto & San Jose TCA Chemical Peels model with blonde hair

How Do TCA Peels Work?

The TCA solution works by intentionally but safely injuring the outer layer of your skin. The resulting healing process regenerates new and and youthful-looking tissue. As the dead skin peels off naturally over the course of 3-7 days, the new skin revealed is smooth and glowing.

What Skin Issues Can Tca Peels Treat? What Are The Benefits?

TCA is especially versatile and customizable. At Illuminate Med Spa in San Jose & Palo Alto TCA peels are used to treat:

  • Acne or other types of or other types of scarringring
  • Sun damage, including sun spots
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Skin roughness and texture
  • Clogged pores
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Melasma

Are There Different Kinds And Strengths Of TCA Peels?

Palo Alto & San Jose TCA peels can be performed at a variety of strengths. The greater the concentration, the deeper the solution is absorbed by your skin. While lower percentage TCA peels exfoliate only the top layer of your skin, higher concentrations can advance into increasingly deeper layers. Your provider will determine what concentration is right for you, depending on your skin type, skin tone, skin concerns, and treatment goals.

Are You A Candidate for a TCA Peel?

Although appropriate conentrations vary, all skin types can be treated by TCA. This will be determined by the Illuminate team after a full skin analysis. You may be disqualified if you expect to have more sun exposure (e.g., a tropical vacation) during the month before or after your scheduled peel. Those with weaker skin may need to pre-treat with products designed to strengthen the skin before chemical peeling. Upon consultation for TCA chemical peels Palo Alto or San Jose skin experts at Illuminate will make recommendations as to your individual course.

Why Illuminate?

TCA peel treatment should only be administered by a trained, skilled, and highly experienced medical provider. Illuminate’s team begins with a thorough skin consultation and a determination on what peel strength is best for you. We’re always happy to answer any questions and want to make sure your results are aligned to your goals.

San Jose & Palo Alto TCA Chemical Peels model with brown hair

How To Prepare For Your TCA Peel

Upon consultation, we may recommend you alter your skincare regimen prior to your peel in order to experience the best results. You should discontinue retinoid medications, chemical exfoliants, and hydroquinone as they can cause the the TCA to penetrate too deeply into your skin. Also avoid facial scrubs and hair removal products for the week prior to treatment. Let us know if your are prone to frequent cold sores, as we can as we can prescribe an antiviral to prevent anyny post-procedure flare-ups.

Palo Alto & San Jose TCA Chemical Peels model with white top

Your TCA Chemical Peel Procedure

Your personalized TCA peel solution is applied to your clean face in layers. You will first feel a warm, tingly sensation. By the second or third layer, this sensation should subside. Once your peel is complete, you will take home the post-care kit with instructions to soothe the skin and further activate the peeling process after the treatment. The appointment for treatment takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Recovery and Healing

You should expect some post-procedure redness and the solution may make your skin appear bronzishish in the initial four hours post-treatment. In general, healing time depends on the depth and extent of your TCA peel. Your skin will peel between 3 and 10 days. Stay out of the sun, and refrain from picking. The post-care kit and regimen should be used for 7 to 10 days after to complete the peeling process. Your regular skincare routine can be resumed once your skin has fully healed. You should not exercise for the first three to four days following treatment and avoid hot showers, steam, or sweating while the skin continues to peel. Make sure you keep all follow-up appointments with your provider and let us know if you have any questions about your progress.

Results

Once your peel is complete and your skin has healed, your skin will appear brighter, firmer, tighter, and more even in texture. Fine lines and shallow scars will be less visible. A series of three peels may be recommended, spaced out by one month. Results are noticed soon after the 7-to-10-day healing process.

Schedule a Consultation at Illuminate Plastic Surgery and Med Spa.

Illuminate Med Spa provides exceptional results and a deep commitment to our patient satisfaction. Schedule your consultation for a TCA Peel today. We serve patients in San Jose, Palo Alto, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

TCA Chemical PeelsFrequently Asked Questions

To minimize any risk of side effects its important that you follow the instructions given to you by the Illuminate team and reach out to us should you have questions.

One peel cancandramatically improve the vitalityvitality of your skin. A series of three peels is commonly recommended totarget issues. A series of three peels is commonly recommended totarget issues such as scarring, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage.

TCA peels should only be performed by a professional medical provider. Although at-home kits vary in strength, they can sometimes cause more damage than than good. Kits vary in strength, they can sometimes cause more damage than than good.

Because this is a cosmetic procedure, your insurance will not pay for it.

The cost of your TCA peel will depend on the extent and depth of your treatment... In general, TCA treatmentss cost between $400 and $750 per peel.

Trust is our Best Feature

Illuminate Plastic Surgery Testimonials

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“Dr. Boudreault is an exceptional physician. He is thorough, has extremely high integrity and always goes the extra mile to make every interaction with his patients the very best. Highly recommended.”

“Dr. Boudreault, and his staff were amazing. The consultation put me at ease right away. I love the outcome of my procedure. I got exactly the look I was going for, and receive compliments all the time. I would not hesitate to use Illuminate Plastic Surgery again!”

“Breast implants have always been something I have contemplated with. Dr. Boudreault was the very first consultant I had and I knew immediately Illuminate would be my pick. Now a year later, I am beyond pleased with my results and am so happy I finally made the decision to go through with the surgery. There is no other plastic surgeon I would go to in the Bay Area.”

“Dr. Leader is amazing. She's honest, transparent, and caring. I had a procedure done by her and I am very happy with the entire process and the results.”

“I highly recommend Dr. Leader. My results are amazing. She answered all my questions and her bedside manner was gentle and caring.”

“I had an amazing JOINT case where Dr Leader worked on my eyes and Dr B on my body. Excellent results on both ends and saved down time”

“I have gone to see Dr. Berkowitz and different members of his team for minor procedures several times now - they're all great, honest, and careful! Highly recommended!!”

“Had a triple deviated nose. Excellent results, Easy Recovery. Great staff. Was nervous about the procedure however dr Berkowitz and staff could not have been more accommodating. Would highly recommend !!”

“Dr. Berkowitz is a talented plastic surgeon and a gentleman. His care is exceptional, his office staff is very accommodating and caring. I would recommend Dr. Berkowitz to anyone in need of plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure.”

“"Dr. Kumar did an amazing job with my mommy makeover! From the very first consultation, he took the time to explain everything and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. He stayed in touch throughout my recovery and always made me feel cared for and supported. His work is truly incredible—I never imagined I could look and feel this good again! Choosing Dr. Kumar was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would trust him over and over again!"”

“He is an amazing doctor and can not say enough good things about him. It is very apparent that he cares for his patients. He takes his time answering all questions and concerns and his follow up care is beyond 5 stars!!! Highly recommend!”

“I am incredibly happy with the results of my mommy make over. Dr. Kumar made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I was particularly impressed with how he listened to my concerns and explained everything clearly. Dr.Kumar was confident about what he could do, and he delivered. He is a talented and skilled surgeon. I highly recommend Dr.Kumar if you are looking for a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lipo 360.”

At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.

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