Medium peel

The skin consists of two main layers, supported by subcutaneous fatty tissue:

• theepidermis is the outermost part of the skin: it is a non-vascularized tissue, composed of cells called keratinocytes, which develop into dead cells called corneocytes;
• the dermis is the supporting tissue: innervated and vascularized, it plays an essential trophic and nutritive role.

A medium peel aims to destroy the entire epidermal layer, right down to the dermal-epidermal junction.

It therefore acts more deeply than a superficial peel, inducing a dual regenerative phenomenon:

• resurfacing of the epidermis, entirely renewed thanks to the multiplication of epidermal cells in the germinative layer;
• remodeling of the superficial dermis, thanks to the release of growth factors that activate stem cells into young fibroblasts, the dermis' factory cells.

To achieve this medium peel, Dr. Santini may need to select different acidic substances, depending on their nature, concentration and duration of action. She usually favors a slow-penetrating acid, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), concentrated between 10 and 18%. This TCA peel provides effective action, with a wide safety margin for the face.

Dr Christelle Santini offers a medium peel in Paris with the dual aim of beautifying and rejuvenating the skin to make it more beautiful and functional.

A TCA peel allows you to :

• give the face a luminous complexion, by removing brown spots and resurfacing skin texture to eliminate any shadows
• rejuvenate tissues by smoothing fine wrinkles and firming the skin;
• beautify the skin by regulating the lipidic film, unclogging pores, restoring skin pH and removing small acne pimples or blackheads.

An initial consultation with Dr Christelle Santini will enable us to understand your problem, analyze its causes and determine whether a medium peel using TCA could be the right solution.

It's important to understand each patient's expectations, to ensure that the proposed treatment will meet them perfectly.

With your agreement, Dr Santini will take medical photos and draw up an estimate.

She explains the precautions to be taken before any TCA peel, and in particular the need to protect yourself from UV rays for two weeks before and two weeks after: these are average times, which she systematically adapts to your phototype and particularities, in order to offer you a tailor-made peel.

To prepare your skin, Dr Santini prescribes a local preparation to be applied at home daily, 2 to 4 weeks before the medium peel.

The aim is twofold:

• exfoliate corneocytes to smooth skin texture and ensure even penetration of the peeling agent;
• rest melanocytes (pigment cells), to avoid rebound pigmentation such as inflammatory hyper-pigmentation HPI or pigmentation caused by UV rays.

Depending on your objectives, Dr Santini will tell you whether or not you need several TCA peel sessions, and how often.

The medium peel is performed on cleansed, make-up-free skin, usually using a micellar solution. It takes place at the practice of Dr Christelle Santini, rue de la Pompe (75116 Paris).

Dr. Santini determines the chosen concentration of tricholoroacetic acid, and the duration of action. This TCA peel is usually applied in gel form, using a brush or pad.

The gesture is harmonious and homogeneous, but it is possible to target certain areas with a stronger concentration or a longer duration of action.

An emollient cream and, if necessary, an LED phototherapy treatment complete the session, which lasts less than 20 minutes on average.

The distinctive feature of a medium peel is that it causes a slightly more pronounced local reaction than a fruit acid peel.
It's not unusual for the skin to turn a little white during the medium peel (frost effect), then a little red with peeling skin in the days that follow.
This redness can be soothed by a moisturizing cream, combined with good sun protection.
In some cases, the skin becomes slightly pigmented, but this is transitory.
Gradually, the epidermis and dermis regenerate:

• the effect on skin texture and radiance is immediate, with skin that is brighter, softer and more sensual;
• the remodelling effect on the dermis takes around 3 weeks, with rejuvenated, smoother, slightly firmer and plumper skin.

Usually, a single session is sufficient, with the option of renewing every quarter.

• No need to take time off work, as side effects are similar to sunburn.
• Aesthetic effect: brighter, more sensual, smoother skin...
• Functional effect: cleansed skin and improved penetration of cosmetic ingredients.

What to do before the medium peel

• An aesthetic medicine consultation with definition of objectives.
• Quote provided.
• Medical photography.
• Prescription of preparatory treatment, 2 to 4 weeks in advance.

What happens during an average peeling session in Paris?

• Session duration: approx. 20 min.
• Skin cleansing.
• Controlled application of TCA acid between 10 and 18%.
• Rinsing with buffer solution.
• Emollient care.
• If required, complementary LED light therapy session.

What happens after a TCA peel?

• Immediately visible results on the radiance and texture of facial skin.
• Results on wrinkles and dermal remodelling after 3 to 4 weeks.
• No need for vacations, as there are no major side effects.
• Rejuvenating, smoothing and brightening effect.
• Improved skin function and penetration of active ingredients.