The art of the trichloroacetic acid chemical peel

Despite escalating interest in laser resurfacing techniques, chemical peel procedures remain an integral part of the armamentarium for resurfacing aging, sun-damaged, and diseased skin. Like other chemicals, the advantage of the technique of tricholoracetic (TCA) acid application is that the degree and depth of penetration within the skin can be controlled accurately according to specific requirements. This article reviews the preoperative evaluation of skin and the techniques for preconditioning, intraoperative peel, and postoperative management of TCA-treated skin.