TCA/Phenol

Peel Off The Rough And Get To The Smooth

Chemical peels have been used for years to help create a smoother skin surface and Dr. Rifai uses TCA (trichloraceric acid) and Phenol (carbolic acid) to fresher-looking skin while improving the appearance of wrinkles, abnormal pigmentation or scarring.

In 1993, he spent a one-on-one tutorship with Dr. Z Obagi. The world-renowned skin expert helped give Dr. Rifai a deeper understanding of skin treatments and acid peels that go beyond what many dermatologists and plastic surgeons know.

Ideal candidates for TCA/Phenol peels are patients with lighter-colored skin and eyes, but exceptions can be made. Patients with sun damage to their face generally benefit the most from the procedure.

Procedure Overview: TCA/Phenol

1.    The skin undergoes a deep cleansing.

2.    The acid solution is then applied in a well-studied technique to achieve the proper depth required.

3.    The peeled area is then covered by Vaseline only.

Recovery Time: TCA/Phenol

After the procedure, there will be swelling and discomfort, but the latter dissipates quickly. Expected downtime is 2-10 days and the skin peeling will be complete 2-8 days following the treatment. New, smoother and pink-red skin will appear, but will return to normal in roughly two to six weeks, depending on the depth of the peel.

There is a possibility that your skin color will change, but that all depends on the deepness of the peel needed.

Although the affects of the TCA/Phenol procedure are permanent, you will need to maintain a skincare regiment to maintain your healthy and more youthful look.

Frequently Asked TCA/Phenol Questions