TCA stands for Trichloroacetic Acid — a medium-depth chemical peel that penetrates significantly deeper into the skin than superficial chemical peels. While glycolic acid, salicylic acid or lactic acid peels exfoliate only the outermost skin surface (epidermis), TCA penetrates into the upper and mid-dermis — reaching the layer where collagen is produced, where acne scars form, and where deeper pigmentation accumulates. This deeper penetration is why TCA peels produce results that superficial peels and home skincare products fundamentally cannot replicate. It is the same type of treatment used by dermatologists for over 135 years for acne scar reduction, pigmentation clearance and skin resurfacing — and is one of the most extensively clinically studied chemical peeling agents in dermatology.

Yes — a TCA peel is safe for all Indian skin tones, including Fitzpatrick types III–V, when performed by a certified dermatologist using a precisely calibrated protocol specifically designed for Indian skin. The concern about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — further darkening after the peel — is a legitimate risk if the wrong concentration, too many layers or an inadequate pre-treatment priming protocol is used on darker Indian skin. At Maynee, we address this with a mandatory 2–4 week pre-peel priming regimen (depigmenting agents + retinoids + SPF 50), lower starting TCA concentrations, careful endpoint monitoring and a strict post-peel PIH prevention care protocol as standard. The risk of PIH from a correctly performed clinical TCA peel at Maynee is significantly lower than from an incorrectly performed salon or home treatment at higher, unsupervised concentrations.

For acne scars, most clients require a course of 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. The precise number depends on the type of scars (rolling, boxcar, ice-pick or a combination), their depth and severity, and your individual skin response. For TCA CROSS — the focused technique for ice-pick and narrow boxcar scars — sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart, with 3–6 sessions typically required. Superficial rolling scars generally respond within fewer sessions than deeper ice-pick scars, which require more treatment cycles. Your dermatologist will assess your acne scar grading at consultation, be honest about realistic expectations, and give you a personalised session estimate — not a one-size-fits-all number.

During the TCA peel application, most clients experience a burning or stinging sensation that typically lasts 5–10 minutes, from the moment the acid is applied until the neutralisation step. This sensation is expected and normal — it is the acid working as intended. A cooling fan is used throughout the procedure to manage comfort, which most clients find significantly helpful. The burning subsides quickly once the TCA is neutralised and a soothing barrier cream is applied. Most clients tolerate the procedure well without any anaesthetic or numbing cream. Your dermatologist monitors your skin and comfort throughout, and the procedure is adjusted based on your response. For TCA CROSS, the sensation is brief and localised to each individual scar treated.

TCA peel downtime depends on the concentration used. For the medium-depth TCA protocols used in the majority of our sessions, expect the following: Days 1–2: redness, tightness and mild swelling — the skin feels sunburnt. Days 3–5: the skin darkens, tightens and begins to peel, sometimes in sheets. Days 5–7: active peeling completes, revealing fresh, pinker new skin underneath. Days 7–14: new skin settles, redness fades, results become visible. We recommend clearing at least 7 days with no major social or professional commitments after each session. You should not pick, peel or rub the shedding skin — doing so significantly increases scarring and PIH risk. SPF 50 daily from day 7 onward is absolutely non-negotiable for safe and lasting recovery.

TCA peels can be used cautiously for melasma in Indian skin — but require a significantly more careful approach than for general pigmentation or acne scars. The critical distinction is that melasma is driven by hormonally reactive melanocytes that can flare in response to any controlled skin injury — including a peel. Aggressive single-session or high-concentration TCA peels for melasma frequently cause rebound worsening. At Maynee, for melasma on Indian skin, we use low-concentration TCA in a gentle multi-session protocol combined with a comprehensive pre- and post-peel depigmenting skincare regimen, hormonal trigger management and mandatory daily SPF 50. For some melasma presentations, your dermatologist may recommend starting with other treatments before introducing TCA — the right approach depends on your individual melasma type, depth and hormonal status.

TCA CROSS stands for Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars — a precision focal technique where a dermatologist uses a very fine applicator to deposit a small amount of high-concentration TCA (50–100%) directly into individual depressed acne scar bases only, leaving the surrounding normal skin completely untreated. The localised acid application causes a concentrated inflammatory reaction that stimulates collagen to form specifically inside the scar pit — gradually elevating the depressed floor of the scar to match the surrounding skin level over multiple sessions. TCA CROSS is specifically designed for ice-pick and narrow boxcar acne scars — the most difficult scar types to treat by any modality. A standard TCA peel treats the entire skin surface; TCA CROSS treats individual scars with pinpoint precision. At Maynee, both techniques are used individually or in combination depending on your specific scar profile.

With proper maintenance — primarily daily SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen, a dermatologist-prescribed maintenance skincare routine and ongoing sun avoidance — results from a TCA peel course can last 1–3 years or significantly longer. For acne scar improvement via TCA CROSS, the structural collagen filling of the scar is long-lasting and generally permanent — though new active acne breakouts can create new scars. For pigmentation and melasma, results are sustained by avoiding UV triggers and hormonal factors. Annual or bi-annual maintenance TCA peel sessions are recommended for clients with ongoing UV exposure or recurring pigmentation triggers to maintain and progressively build on the results achieved through the initial course.

TCA peel cost at Maynee in Chennai is discussed at your initial dermatologist consultation, after your skin concern, TCA concentration, session course and any TCA CROSS requirement have been assessed. Pricing depends on the specific TCA protocol used, the area being treated, the number of sessions recommended and whether combination treatments are included in your plan. We do not publish fixed pre-set pricing online because every treatment plan is personalised after a proper skin assessment. Pricing is fully transparent with no hidden charges, and a complete cost breakdown is provided at your consultation with no obligation to proceed. We recommend being cautious of clinics offering fixed, very low per-session pricing for TCA peels — correctly performed TCA peel protocols require dermatologist time, medical-grade materials and a complete pre- and post-peel protocol that cannot be cut-price delivered safely.

We advise avoiding all makeup — foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter and all face makeup products — for a minimum of 7–10 days following each medium-depth TCA peel session, until the skin has completely peeled and the fresh new skin underneath is no longer sensitive, raw or permeable. Applying makeup to actively peeling or healing skin significantly increases irritation risk and PIH risk in Indian skin tones. Regarding work: most clients prefer to take 5–7 days of time off or work from home during the active peeling phase for comfort and to avoid UV exposure. After full healing (approximately day 10–14), you can resume makeup and in-person activities as normal, with mandatory daily SPF 50 application underneath all makeup from this point forward.