TCA and Obagi Blue Peels

What is TCA Peel?

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) can be used to correct deeper skin blemishes and scars since it can penetrate to lower layers of the skin. A TCA peel can significantly improve the appearance and health of the skin by effectively removing the layers of aged and damaged skin from the face or other parts of the body. After these dead skin cells are shed, the skin rejuvenates itself by replacing healthier new cells. This process promotes skin resurfacing and generates tighter, fresh, and youthful skin. Our Dermatologist, Dr. Parvin Shafa is an expert who has been treating Chemical Peels for decades in Irvine, Orange County. She offers either her own custom peels, TCA Peel, Obagi blue peels, or any alternative chemical peel to achieve your esthetic goal and desire and to give her patients the best results. Call us a free consultation on chemical peels.

What is the Obagi Blue Peel?

The Obagi Blue Peel is an in-office procedure designed to use TCA mixed with a special blue base; the blue color of Blue Peel allows us to monitor the appropriate depth of TCA penetration and ensure a uniform application of the acids to the skin.

What is unique about the Blue Peel?

Unlike alpha Beta -hydroxy peels or other superficial procedures, the Blue Peel allows your doctor to control the depth of the peel and the number of coats applied to tailor the process to your skin’s specific needs. Plus, the Obagi Blue Peel can be performed on the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs.

How will my skin look after recovery?

When your skin has completely finished peeling, you will immediately notice the dramatic results of your newly improved complexion. Your skin’s appearance will continue to improve for the next 4 to 6 weeks and become firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier, and more youthful.

What does the procedure consist of?

The Blue Peel or TCA Peel is a quick and highly tolerable procedure and in most cases, does not require sedation.

Application of the TCA or Blue Peel takes about 20 minutes, depending on the number of coats that Dr. Shafa determined is necessary to achieve your goals. You will experience a mild burning sensation that lasts two to three minutes. We use a handheld fan or our Zimmer cooler to minimize this sensation for those sensitive to discomfort. If a blue peel is used, a bluish tint will remain on your skin immediately after the procedure; it will wash off in 12-24 hours. In contrast, TCA is colorless. Dr. Shafa explains the process to you in greater detail prior to the procedure.

How long is the recovery?

After the procedure, you will experience light swelling, and your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days. This peeling will continue over the next several days and should be healed within an average of 7 – 10 days.

If you are having a lighter, exfoliative Blue Peel or a more superficial TCA peel, healing is completed in 3 – 6 days.

In general, you can have a regular lifestyle. We advise you to plan the procedure ahead since the peeling phase might hinder social encounters. You also must strictly protect your skin from sun exposure by staying indoors or using sunblock with extra protection for the first week of treatment.

Can I apply makeup after a TCA or Blue Peel?

To best aid in the recovery process, makeup should only be applied after the skin is completely healed.

Can the TCA or Blue Peel be combined with other procedures?

Since TCA or Blue Peel is a medium depth peel with deeper penetration of acid and deeper correction of the skin, Dr. Shafa prefers not to combine such a peel with other procedures. We like to give at least a few weeks for recovery and rejuvenation of the skin before considering any other skin correcting procedures. Cosmetic Injection or skin surgeries can be performed one to two weeks after the peel.

Dr. Shafa will tell you how many peels are necessary to give you the desired result. In most cases, one to three Blue Peels can achieve dramatic improvements in many skin problems. The peels can be performed in 6 to 8-week intervals until your desired goals are reached.

How can I maintain the benefits of the TCA or Blue Peel?

Keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and youthful is an ongoing process. We offer a customized prescription-strength system that is designed to promote long-term skin health and work safely and effectively. Ask Questions about our topical skin rejuvenated maintenance products.

What do I do to get started?

Take the opportunity to discuss the different types of chemical peel options with Dr. Shafa. Explore the risk and benefit of alternative procedures to achieve your desired aesthetic goals. Dr. Shafa will help you determine whether the TCA or Blue Peel is right for you and give you all the information you need to get started on the road to smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin.

Call us to schedule your free consultation for a chemical peel at (949)551-1113.*

Other Treatments

Chemical Peel Overview | Our Secret Peel | Cosmelan Peel | Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid Peels