Chemical Peels in Berlin, MD

Chemical Peels

At Peninsula Plastic Surgery in Berlin, MD, we offer TCA Chemical Peels to significantly rejuvenate and refresh the skin. A TCA peel (Trichloroacetic Acid) works by gently removing the top layers of damaged skin. Once the peeling process is complete, new, healthier skin replaces the old layers, leaving the face smoother, brighter, and more youthful.

This treatment is considered one of the safest and most effective procedures for skin renewal. While results may vary from patient to patient, many achieve a noticeable improvement in texture, tone, and overall complexion. For some, a series of treatments or a combination of skin rejuvenation procedures may provide the most dramatic outcomes.

Who Can Benefit

A TCA peel may be right for you if you have:

Pigment irregularities across the face
Sun spots or “liver spots”
Fine wrinkles or early signs of aging

Goals of a Chemical Peel

Achieve a more uniform and radiant skin tone
Minimize fine to moderately deep lines and wrinkles
Reduce or eliminate visible sun spots and liver spots
Enhance overall self-confidence and appearance

Peel Options

The ideal chemical peel treatment for each patient is determined during a personalized consultation. As with any medical procedure, risks exist. Minor side effects may occur occasionally, but serious complications are very rare under the care of our experienced surgeons.

PEEL TYPE: TCA 30%

Concerns Treated: Pigment irregularities, sun damage, fine lines, deeper wrinkles
Depth: Superficial reticular dermis
Anesthesia: IV sedation or regional blocks as needed
Peeling Duration: 8–12 days

What to Expect at Your Consultation

During your consultation at Peninsula Plastic Surgery in Berlin, MD, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your skin concerns and goals directly with Dr. Perrotta or Dr. Luppens. After carefully evaluating your skin, your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan and explain what you can expect from a TCA peel. To ensure complete transparency, our aesthetic coordinator will provide a detailed written cost estimate so there are no unexpected fees. At this time, your pre-procedure appointment will also be scheduled.

Pre-Op Visit

The pre-op visit is designed to make sure you are fully prepared for your procedure. During this appointment, a medical assistant will take pre-treatment photographs to track your progress. Your surgeon will then review the procedure in detail, discuss recovery expectations, and explain any potential risks. While all procedures carry some degree of risk, serious complications are rare. A thorough review of your medical history and a final physical exam will also be performed to confirm that you are ready for treatment. At this visit, all informed consent forms will be signed, final payments will be processed, and you will receive a call 24 hours before your procedure with your confirmed arrival instructions.

Preparation

To maximize your results, a pre-treatment skincare program is typically recommended. Patients are advised to use Retin-A for at least three weeks prior to treatment, as it helps thin the outer skin layer and ensures deeper, more even penetration of the peel. Retin-A should be stopped three days before the procedure and restarted three weeks afterward. Hydroquinone is also prescribed to lower the risk of post-peel pigmentation changes, which is especially important for patients with darker skin tones. This should be discontinued one day before treatment and resumed two weeks after. If you have a history of cold sores, your surgeon may prescribe an antiviral medication as a preventative measure. On the day of your peel, you should arrive with a freshly cleansed face, free of creams, lotions, or makeup.

The Procedure

A TCA chemical peel takes approximately 20–30 minutes to complete. Depending on your needs, IV sedation or regional blocks may be administered for comfort. The skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove natural oils and any traces of makeup before the face is divided into aesthetic zones for precision. Your surgeon will then apply one or more passes of the peel solution evenly across the skin. To keep you comfortable throughout the process, cooling techniques such as cold packs and fanning are used as needed.

Post-Op Recovery

Following a chemical peel, the skin will remain pink for several weeks. Makeup may be used to conceal this coloration during the healing process. Hydroquinone can be restarted two weeks after treatment, while Retin-A should be resumed at three weeks unless you have rosacea, in which case a different exfoliant may be recommended. To maintain your results long-term, we strongly encourage patients to follow a personalized, medical-grade skincare regimen recommended by their surgeon. With proper care, most patients enjoy smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin that continues to improve as the healing process unfolds.

FAQ’s

Who is a good candidate?

Individuals with pigmentation concerns, sun spots, liver spots, or fine to moderate wrinkles are excellent candidates for a TCA peel.

When will I see the results?

Visible peeling occurs within 8–12 days as the damaged outer layers shed. Healthier, fresher skin continues to reveal itself over the following weeks.

How long do the results last?

Results can last for years with proper skincare and sun protection. Some patients benefit from maintenance peels or combination treatments for optimal results.

What should I do before and after?

Before the peel, use Retin-A and Hydroquinone for three weeks, stopping just before the procedure. After the peel, avoid sun exposure and follow all aftercare guidelines, including when to restart Retin-A and Hydroquinone.

Is there any downtime or side effects?

Peeling generally lasts 8–12 days. Temporary redness, sensitivity, and pink skin are common but fade as healing progresses.

What can I expect during treatment?

Your surgeon applies the TCA solution in controlled passes. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes, with comfort maintained using cold packs. Follow-up visits and a customized skincare plan will help ensure the best long-term results.

Disclaimer

The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these services. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent illness. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting any therapy. All formulations are prepared with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from FDA-registered pharmacies. Service names are for marketing use only and do not represent actual product names.

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