TCA Peel in Lisbon

What is a TCA Peel and How Does It Work?

There are blemishes that sunscreen alone can no longer fix. Acne scars that have left their mark on the skin after years. An uneven skin tone that no over-the-counter cream has been able to even out. For these situations, a TCA peel is often the most effective treatment available in aesthetic medicine.

The TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel is a medium- to deep-depth medical peel performed at the Michelle Bond Clinic in Lisbon by doctors specializing in aesthetic medicine. Unlike superficial peels, TCA penetrates beyond the stratum corneum and acts on the intermediate layers of the skin, promoting more intense cell renewal, stimulating collagen and elastin production, and correcting pigmentation changes that other treatments cannot address.

The result: visibly more even, firmer skin with significantly reduced blemishes and scars—progressively and long-lasting.

Who is a TCA Peel Recommended For?

TCA peels are particularly effective for people with more pronounced skin concerns or those who have not responded sufficiently to superficial peels. The main indications are:

Stubborn dark spots and melasma (face and hands)
Superficial and moderate acne scars
Fine to moderate wrinkles and signs of photoaging
Uneven skin tone and texture due to cumulative sun exposure

Candidates are selected based on a medical evaluation. This treatment is not recommended for skin with active infection, inflammatory rosacea, or recent use of isotretinoin, among other contraindications that are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

See the Before and After

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How a TCA Peel Treatment Works

Evaluation Consultation. The doctor will assess your skin type, phototype, medical history, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a TCA peel is the most appropriate option for you. Depending on the condition of your skin, a preparation regimen using at-home products for 2 to 6 weeks prior to treatment may be recommended; this is essential for maximizing results and minimizing recovery time. Any products containing retinol or vitamin A should be discontinued 2 weeks beforehand.
Treatment. The skin is cleansed and prepared. The doctor applies the TCA solution, which remains on the skin for approximately 5 minutes. Depending on the indication, the peel may be applied in 1 to 3 passes. You may feel a sensation of warmth or tingling during the application; this is completely normal and temporary. At the end, all products are removed, and a moisturizer and SPF 50+ sunscreen are applied. The session lasts 45 to 60 minutes.
Recovery. Immediately after the treatment, some redness is normal; it will subside within 24 hours. Do not get the skin wet for the first 6 hours after the peel. Avoid wearing makeup for the first 24 hours (except for mineral foundation). On days 2 through 5, the skin will peel naturally; do not pick at or remove the peeling skin.
Result. After natural exfoliation, the skin appears smoother, more even, and more radiant. The results continue to improve in the weeks following the treatment as collagen is renewed, with the most visible results appearing between 2 and 4 weeks after the treatment.
Ongoing care. The post-TCA peel home care regimen is just as important as the treatment itself. The doctor provides guidance on choosing maintenance products, intensive moisturizers, daily SPF 50+ sunscreen, and, at a later stage, specific active ingredients to prolong and enhance the results.

TCA Peel Pricing in Lisbon

Aesthetic Medicine Evaluation Consultation: 60€ *

1 TCA Peel Session: 150€

1 TCA Peel Session with Periocular Treatment: 200€

* The cost of the evaluation consultation is deductible from the price of the first treatment.

Alan Souza

30.11.2024

From the moment you walk in, the professionalism and welcoming care are immediately evident. Every interaction, from the entrance to the attention provided during procedures and consultations, reflects a deep commitment to people. The team is not only highly knowledgeable but also consistently kind, approachable, and eager to guide and support. Their dedication to maintaining a balance of expertise and genuine care makes every experience reassuring and positive. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit.

Red Carpet On Queen

15.11.2024

Eu fiz o meu tratamento de lpg com a Renata foi excelente. Recomendo pois eu trabalho com este sistema in Toronto e a Renata é 5 estrelas 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Vou voltar a agendar para a próxima semana Muito obrigado

Lara

11.11.2024

Desde o começo, fui super bem atendida pela equipe, que é muito atenciosa e cuida de cada detalhe para que a gente se sinta confortável e bem acolhida. Fiz o microagulhamento com a profissional Elis, e só tenho elogios! Ela é super competente, explica tudo direitinho e faz o procedimento com muito cuidado. A sessão foi bem mais tranquila do que eu esperava, e o resultado ficou incrível. Recomendo demais a clínica para quem busca um tratamento de qualidade com profissionais que realmente se importam com o bem-estar do cliente!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a TCA peel and a chemical peel?

Chemical peel is a broad term that encompasses superficial to medium-depth peels using different acids (glycolic, salicylic, pyruvic, mandelic, among others), recommended for general skin renewal, mild discoloration, and improving skin tone. The TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel is a medium- to deep-depth peel with a more intense action, recommended for more stubborn dark spots, acne scars, and more pronounced rejuvenation. In some treatment protocols, TCA is combined with superficial peels to enhance the results.

Is a TCA peel painful?

During the procedure, you may feel a sensation of warmth and tingling, which is more intense than with a superficial peel but completely tolerable and temporary. Anesthesia is not required. The intensity varies depending on the concentration used and the number of passes, factors that are tailored to each patient’s individual case.

How long is the recovery?

The peeling phase typically lasts between 3 and 7 days. During this time, the skin peels naturally and visibly. We recommend scheduling the treatment before a long weekend or a period with fewer social engagements. The initial redness subsides within 24 hours; the peeling skin reveals visible results once the process is complete.

Do I need to prepare my skin before treatment?

Yes, in most cases. Depending on the skin type and phototype, the doctor may recommend a 2- to 6-week preparation regimen using specific products, depigmenting agents, retinoids, or other active ingredients to even out the skin before the peel and reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This preparation is especially important for darker skin types.

Is a TCA peel safe for darker skin tones?

With the proper protocol, yes. Darker skin types (IV–VI) are at greater risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if the protocol is not properly calibrated, which is why a prior medical evaluation and skin preparation are essential. At the Michelle Bond Clinic, treatment protocols are always tailored to each individual with this care in mind.

What aftercare is needed following a TCA peel?

For the next 7 days: do not get your skin wet for the first 6 hours; avoid direct sun exposure and use SPF 50+ sunscreen whenever you go outside; avoid hot water, saunas, and steam baths; do not use exfoliants, acids, retinoids, or retinols; do not pick at or remove peeling skin—it will shed naturally. A cold compress can help relieve initial discomfort. The same restrictions on acids and retinoids apply during the 7 days prior to treatment.

Which treatments complement a TCA peel?

Medical microneedling is an excellent complement; it stimulates collagen production and increases the absorption of depigmenting agents during the maintenance phase. The Q-Switch laser (Hollywood Peel) is recommended for very stubborn spots that TCA alone may not completely eliminate. The ideal sequence and combination of treatments are determined during a medical consultation, based on each patient’s goals.

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