Yes. When performed by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Thompson, the Smart TCA Peel is considered very safe. This peel is designed for controlled, predictable depth of exfoliation, meaning it renews the skin while minimizing risk. Dr. Thompson carefully evaluates your skin type and medical history to ensure it’s the right treatment for you.

Most patients experience about 3–5 days of visible peeling and redness, which is a normal part of the skin renewal process. You can expect your skin to feel tight and be possibly red for the first day, followed by drying on the 2-3 day and peeling starting on day 3-4. By the end of the week, fresh, smoother skin is revealed.

You’ll notice an improvement in skin brightness and texture within one week, with full results continuing to develop over the next 2-4 weeks as new, healthy skin cells surface. The best results are seen after 3 peels timed a month apart.

The Smart TCA Peel is a superficial peel that penetrates to the deeper layers of the epidermis and superficial dermis. It penetrates deeper than lighter glycolic or salicylic acid peels, giving more dramatic results for fine lines, age spots, and uneven tone. It is more effective for stubborn pigmentation and texture issues, but also has slightly more downtime than other superficial peels.

Yes, many patients combine the Smart TCA Peel with other procedures for even greater results. Dr. Thompson often recommends a customized plan that may include age spot removal, microneedling, laser treatments, or medical-grade skincare to maximize skin renewal and anti-aging benefits. Timing is important, so she will guide you on when it’s safe to layer treatments.