Are TCA peels good for Pigmentation? | Dr Davin Lim

The science of TCA peels for melasma TCA peels are awesome to treat non-melasma pigmentation Treating melasma with high concentrations of TCA often results in hyperpigmentation Lower concentrations of TCA can be marginally effective in some cases of melasma TCA peels work by chemical exfoliation of pigment Low concentrations of TCA take 4 weeks or more to work High concentrations of TCA can give faster results, albeit a long recovery time Picosecond lasers work better than peels, with less risks & no downtime TCA peels were once used to treat melasma pigmentation, however results are slow with multiple treatments required. Cosmelan & Dermamelan peels are better, whilst Picosure lasers provide fast results with no downtime. What are TCA peels? TCA peels are classed as superficial or medium depth peels depending on the concentration of TCA. Superficial peels use concentrations of less than 10-15%, whilst deep peels use conventions upward of 25 to 30% TCA high concentration vs low concentration- what is the difference? Higher concentration TCA peels are used to treat non-melasma pigmentation including sun damage, freckles & age warts. Results are fast with a recovery time of up to two weeks. Low concentration TCA peels are used to treat some cases of resistant melasma. Results are slow, but side effects are less with little to no downtime. In contrast, TCA peels for melasma pigment is a dismal treatment (as compared with new age lasers), with clearance rates of 20 to 60%. Wi