Key points
Medium-depth peels in Geneva
Medium-depth peels are increasingly popular aesthetic medical treatments for improving skin quality and density. They address wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars and other imperfections, stimulating cell renewal for smoother, more radiant skin.
Although recovery is needed, results are visible and lasting. Consult an experienced doctor beforehand to ensure the peel suits your skin type and expectations.
What is a TCA peel?
TCA produces a medium-depth peel at effective concentrations.
Trichloroacetic acid penetrates deeply, reaching the mid-dermis.
Several concentrations exist: increasing concentration increases penetration depth.
TCA at 15% produces a superficial peel; Dr Romano prefers fruit-acid peels for this indication.
TCA at 20-25-30% produces a medium-depth peel.
TCA at 40% produces a deep peel, although phenol is preferable for this indication.
How does a
medium-depth peel work?
A chemical agent, often trichloroacetic acid, causes controlled skin shedding. It exfoliates dead surface cells and stimulates collagen and elastin, essential to firmness and elasticity. During treatment, the solution penetrates middle skin layers to remove damaged cells and stimulate renewal. A few days later, the skin starts peeling, revealing a healthier, smoother, more radiant layer.
Indications for medium-depth peels
Medium-depth peels suit patients with several moderately severe skin concerns.
• Wrinkles and moderate fine lines: ideal for softening mild to moderate wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth.
• Pigmented spots: effective for age spots, sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Acne scars: superficial and medium-depth acne scars can be greatly reduced.
• Uneven or dull complexion.
• Improved skin quality, softness and evenness.
• Premature ageing: patients seeking to slow and treat visible ageing, often caused by prolonged sun exposure, can benefit.
• Overall rejuvenation: collagen stimulation makes skin look younger and revitalised.
• Skin laxity.
• A radiance boost.
• Keratoses.
• Actinic keratoses: Dr Romano prefers to leave these precancerous lesions to dermatologist colleagues.
• Enlarged pores.
Contraindication to a
medium-depth peel
Medium-depth peels cannot be performed in certain contraindicated situations:
• Pregnancy.
• A pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator.
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes or severe organ failure, including kidney or heart failure.
• Isotretinoin stopped less than a year ago.
• Current acne treatment.
• Recent aesthetic treatment (surgery, laser, dermabrasion).
• Skin infection or herpes.
• Dark phototypes.
• Contact skin allergies.
Areas treated with a
medium-depth peel
Medium-depth peels can treat several body areas, although the face is most common. Depth varies: superficial-medium, medium and medium-deep. Only superficial-medium peels can be used outside the face.
• Face: wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars and pigmentation.
• Neck: firming and evening neck skin, often affected by ageing.
• Décolletage: pigmentation and fine lines in this frequently sun-exposed area can be corrected with medium-depth peels.
• Hands: rejuvenating skin and treating age spots.
What happens during a
medium-depth peel session
An experienced doctor performs the peel in a medical practice.
A prior consultation assesses individual needs and suitability for skin and aesthetic goals.
Arrive without make-up, contact lenses or facial cream. Men should shave the evening before.
Skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove impurities and residue.
The exfoliating agent, generally TCA, is applied evenly. Temporary mild tingling or burning may occur. Local anaesthesia may be used depending on the selected depth.
Pass numbers and application time depend on skin type and indication.
The peel acts immediately: intense redness and whitening (frosting) appear.
Skin is red and swelling develops at the end.
Dr Romano covers the area with healing cream and provides precise care instructions for healing.
What happens during a medium-depth laser peel session
A medium-depth laser peel follows a similar process to a chemical peel, but laser energy exfoliates superficial and middle skin layers.
Dr Romano prefers laser to chemical peels for several reasons.
• Laser heat tightens skin and considerably improves laxity.
• For equivalent results, laser peels cause fewer complications and milder after-effects than chemical peels.
After thorough cleansing, the laser beam precisely and controllably sweeps the area, adjusting exfoliation depth to individual needs. Removing dead cells and promoting collagen production stimulates regeneration. Less invasive than a traditional chemical peel, it allows faster recovery with visible smoothing, brightening and overall skin quality improvements.
Precautions before a
medium-depth peel
Skin preparation is mandatory: it improves and evens penetration and prevents possible post-peel rebound pigmentation.
Precautions ensure treatment effectiveness and safety.
• Avoid sun: for one month beforehand, avoid prolonged exposure and apply high-protection sunscreen.
• Skin preparation: apply glycolic-acid cream at night for three weeks beforehand and stop all exfoliating products or procedures, including hair removal, scrubs and laser treatments, during these three weeks.
Precautions after a
medium-depth peel
Skin is more sensitive after a medium-depth peel and needs specific care for rapid, optimal healing.
• Take prescribed medicines: Dr Romano prescribes antibiotics, herpes prevention and healing cream for ten days.
• Strict sun protection: avoid sun exposure for one month and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily during this period.
• Hydration: use the recommended healing cream to maintain moisture and support healing.
• Do not touch the skin: do not pick scabs or dead skin, to prevent scars.
• Medical follow-up: follow-up allows discussion with the doctor and adherence to consultation advice.
Results before / after a medium-depth peel
Results start becoming visible about a week later, once peeling ends. Skin looks smoother, brighter and younger. Pigmentation fades, fine lines diminish and skin quality improves. Depending on depth, results may last several years.
Aftercare
Marked redness and swelling last about forty-eight hours. From the third day, skin turns brownish, then peels over about seven days, revealing pink, toned new epidermis. Pinkness may persist for nearly a month.
For a true medium-depth peel, plan around one week of social downtime.
What complications can occur after a medium-depth peel?
Rare but possible complications include:
• Swelling, persistent redness or excessive shedding or exfoliation.
• Bacterial infection (impetigo) or viral infection (herpes outbreak).
• Acne flare requiring specific treatment.
• Hyperpigmentation (darker spots) or depigmentation (white spots).
• Demarcation lines at treated boundaries (hairline, jaw).
How much does a medium-depth peel cost in Geneva?
A medium-depth peel generally costs between 600 CHF and 1200 CHF per session. Price mainly depends on depth, the complexity of the concern (marked pigmentation, scars, laxity, keratosis) and area size.
Unlike superficial peels, it acts deeper, allowing the desired result from the first session. One session usually suffices; selected cases may need additional treatment following assessment.
A full clinical assessment at the initial consultation establishes a tailored protocol and a precise, transparent quotation.
Medium-depth peel reviews
Most patients are satisfied, particularly with improved skin quality and reduced pigmentation. Many value the rejuvenation obtained without invasive techniques.
Recovery may nevertheless be relatively long, up to two weeks, with peeling and sensitivity. Its duration is agreed with the patient according to aesthetic goals, which determine peel depth.
Can olive skin benefit from a medium-depth peel?
Yes, olive skin up to phototype IV can benefit, with caution. Suitable acids and skin preparation are essential to minimise post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.
What is the difference between medium-depth and deep peels?
Medium-depth peels act in the superficial dermis to correct pigmentation, fine lines and minor imperfections. Deep peels penetrate deeper dermal layers, targeting pronounced wrinkles, scars and more severe damage.
Can I apply make-up after a medium-depth peel?
Wait 5 to 7 days for epidermal regeneration and reduced redness before applying make-up, to avoid irritation.
Can medium-depth peels treat areas other than the face?
No, because of the high risk of side effects, particularly scars.
How often can a medium-depth peel be performed?
Every 6 to 12 months, depending on skin needs and medical recommendations. Maintenance sessions can prolong results.
Are medium-depth peels suitable for sensitive skin?
They may suit sensitive skin with a gentle formulation and specific preparation. Prior assessment is essential to avoid excessive reactions and ensure safe treatment.
