The Nova Clinic

Questions & Answers

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• Skin Types
• Nova Manufacturing
• Skin Explained
• Frequently Asked Questions

Which skin type below best describes you:

Type 1: Never tans, always burns (extremely fair skin, blonde hair, blue/green eyes)

Type 2: Occasionally tans, usually burns (fair skin, sandy brown hair, green/brown eyes)

Type 3: Tans on average, some times burns (medium skin, brown hair, brown eyes)

Type 4: Usually tans, rarely burns (olive skin, brown/black hair, dark brown/black eyes)

Type 5: Mostly tans, almost never burns (dark brown skin, black hair, black eyes)

Type 6: Never burns (black hair, skin and eyes)

Note: Skin types 5 & 6 are not suitable candidates for deep chemical peels due to probable pigment irregularities and scaring. We recommend a TCA strength of between 25% and 50%.

Skin types 1-2 use 15% or 25%.
Skin types 3-4 use 50% or 80%.
Skin types 5-6 use 25% or 50%.

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Nova Manufacturing

We manufacture our own TCA and ship world wide. All of our staff have a medical background and know the importance of strict hygiene, cross contamination and chemistry principals. We have a registered laboratory, a manufacturing license and city council permit.

We go the extra mile for our customers with the following:

1) Our bottles are medical poison bottles. This means they are heavy grade, amber glass (not cheap plastic or cosmetic blue glass). On one side there are lines embedded into the glass with the word poison embedded/written into the glass. You know this is a poison you are dealing with. And they are sterilized bottles.

2) Our caps are tamper proof. They have a seal that you break when you open the cap.

3) Our labels are waterproof. They won't wash off, and the writing won't fade away if the labels get wet.

4) Our instruction sheets are also on glossy/water proof paper.

Purification: The TCA crystals we use have been purified to pharmaceutical or medical grade. This means that they have been purified over and over until they are 99% pure. We say our TCA is 100% pure as the crystals cannot be purified any more. However in scientific language you can't purify 100% with absolute microscopic certainly. But in layman's terms our TCA has been purified to the highest standard 100% pure pharmaceutical grade.

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Skin Explained:
The skin Is the largest organ of the human body. It is soft, to allow movement, but still tough enough to resist breaking or tearing. It varies in texture and thickness from one part of the body to the next. For instance, the skin on the lips and eyelids is very thin and delicate, while skin on the soles of the feet is thicker and harder. The skin is a good indicator of general health. If someone is sick, it often shows in their skin.

A range of functions
Skin is one of our most versatile organs. Some of the different functions of skin include: waterproof wrapping for the entire body. The first line of defense against bacteria and other organs. A cooling system via sweat. A sense organ that gives us information about pain, pleasure, temperature and pressure.

The epidermis
The skin you can see is called the epidermis. This protects the more delicate inner layers. The epidermis is made up of several 'sheets' of cells. The bottom sheet is where new epidermal cells are made. As old, dead skin cells are sloughed off the surface, new ones are pushed up to replace them. The epidermis also contains melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.

The dermis
Underneath the epidermis is the dermis. This is made up of elastic fibers (elastin) for suppleness and protein fibers (collagen) for strength. The dermis contains sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, blood vessels and nerves.

Tattoo removal
Unwanted tattoos can cause psychological problems, especially if they are easily visible. In the past, tattoo removal almost always led to unacceptable scarring of the skin. The development of modern lasers means that tattoos can be safely and effectively removed in most cases, but can be very expensive and can leave scar-like tissue/skin. Trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA) are a fantastic, quick, inexpensive way to remove tattoos. They nourish the skin by removing dead layers, and the end tattoo removal result is complete. If several peels are needed to remove certain colours, old or deep tattoos, the skin will not be damaged in the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do you have to leave the TCA on for the full time if it feels too hot (burning sensation)?
A: No you don't. The times 2-5 minutes for the TCA to be left on the skin, in your instructions, is a guide only. If after 1-2 minutes it feels too hot for you then splash cold water on the treated area to take the heat out of the skin. For large areas of stretch marks or tattoo removal you can go under a cool shower.

Q: Do we have to neutralize the treated area to stop the TCA working ?
A: No this is only for lactic or glycolic peels which are fruit acids. TCA (chemical peel) will neutralize itself after 20 minutes. So when it says to wash the TCA off in the instructions, this really means to splash on cold water to take the heat out of the skin. Once the TCA is applied you cant wash it off, and it neutralizes itself. Also when you peel the tiny amount of neutralized TCA used comes off with the peeling skin.

Q: How long does it take to apply the TCA ?
A: It only takes a few minutes to apply the solution with a cotton swab (supplied).

Q: Can I use TCA to remove permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing?
A: Yes but only eyebrows. It may make the eyebrows go fluffy to start and may bleach some of the hairs. You may need to pluck three weeks after application. TCA will not affect the hair growth.

On eyebrows ( it is still a tattoo) you can use 50% for dark/black skin colour, or sensitive skin types, or 80% for all other skin types. You do not ever put TCA near your eyes, you are dealing with an acid. Do not put TCA on your lips it is poison. Also on the lips it will dry out the skin very badly. Also if you get cold scores they will fair dramatically.

Q: Can TCA remove tattoos any where on the body?
A: Yes, but remember tattoos are meant to be permanent. There is no treatment on earth that will remove them with one application. You need several peels at 100% strength, 2 months apart.

Q: Can I use TCA if my skin is black?
A: Yes see skin type information above.

Q: Will my face swell up as a side affect of using the TCA.
A: It is a possible side affect of a deep (80%-100%) peel. The swelling goes down after a day or so, it is just part of the process.

Q: Can TCA remove stretch marks, what strength do I use?
A: Yes they can fade and gradually remove them by peeling. It depends more on the depth rather than colour or age. Use 25% to start with on sensitive areas, 50% strength on other non sensitive areas. You will need several peels 2 months apart.

All skin types, over-all health, colour, life activities etc are different for every person, and all of these factors will affect the results of your peel. TCA peels are not an exact science, some times you need to experiment to find what is best for you. Some clients buy one peel and it works right away and gives them the desired results. Others have to trial a couple of strengths.

Q: Can I put 50% TCA on breasts for stretch marks?
A: Possibly. But I would suggest trying the 25% strength first. Look at your skin type. If you burn easily it would not be a good idea. You don't want to have permanent red marks because you used too high a strength. Always be more cautious on sensitive areas. Also only treat the actual stretch marks,.not the surrounding skin. Buy a 50% strength and dilute to 25% for the 1st peel for sensitive areas, after 6 weeks from application when you see the full result, you can make a decision about the next application strength.

Q: Why do people get red or brown marks sometimes on their skin after a peel, and will they go away?
A: A couple of reasons. There may have been more TCA applied in that area. The TCA may have pooled there if the swab was dripping. The swab should be moistened with TCA and wiped thoroughly over the skin - more/wetter is not better. The TCA could have been applied to a very dry patch of skin. Generally any red or brown mark will go after a month or so. Rarely is there any permanent marks if the directions are followed correctly - another peel 6-8 weeks later will remove them. Emu oil is also good to use on any marks as it is a fast healer.

Q: Is there any way to make it more comfortable for home use?
A: Using a paper fan or paper plate, to cool the treatment while it is applied is very helpful. Or having an electrical fan full on area to be treated. Afterwards rinsing in cold water, also using covered ice cubes or a cold compress on the treated skin helps immensely to stop the heat for deep peel s.. See the answer to question number one.

Q: Is there any thing I should do to prepare for the TCA peel?
A: Each night before you go to bed, starting two weeks before the peel, you should be applying a mild alpha hydroxy acid cream or lotion to the entire face and to any other areas that will be treated. This conditions and smooth's the skin and begins the exfoliation process. It enhances the TCA treatment. This step is optional.

Q: Is there anything I should not do before the peel solution is applied?
One week before the peel you should stop using exfoliating sponges, loafers or buff pads. You should not shave the area to be treated 1 day before the peel. Note: If you chose to ignore this particular advice you will have a very painful application. The pores will be open and the TCA will penetrate too quickly, then the skin will crust and peel too early.

Q: Is there anything I should do directly after the treatment. Are there precautions to take?
A: Yes, you should apply antibacterial cream to the skin. Keeping it clean is also a must. When washing your face be sure to use your fingers to gently wash the area and forgo any wash cloths as they can tear at the skin while peeling. Besides keeping your face clean and using an antibiotic ointment daily, it is a must to also keep it moist. This prevents your skin from drying out, tearing or pulling apart before it is ready to peel in the way it is intended. This will also keep your face from feeling any more uncomfortable than necessary. After your TCA peel healing time has passed and you are once again out in the sunshine, you should always use a sunscreen SPF of 30 or higher to keep your skin in good condition.

Q: Are there any changes in my cosmetic routine that will change forever?
A: Yes, you should always try to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Starting out with new habits will insure your having a more beautiful complexion! Note you will still tan as always weather you wear sun screen or not.

Q: When can I re-apply the TCA peel to deepen my treatment and receive the best results possible?
A: Touch ups may be needed after the initial peel. You may continue to reapply the TCA peel to obtain better and better results, receiving a deeper penetration with extended treatments. BUT wait at least 6-8 weeks before reapplying the TCA solution (after every healing.). You don't see the full result of the peel until 6 weeks after treatment. If you use TCA to remove stretch marks or tattoos, wait 2 months between treatments.

Q: Is there any redness, which will occur with a TCA peel. If so how long does the redness last?
A: Yes, your face will become red/pink after the TCA peel application. The red/pink colour of your skin can last from 7- 11 days. But you can also expect some pinkness to last for a month or two, even after the peel is actually healed. Generally it looks fresh and youthful like a young persons natural hue. But you can cover it with makeup if you feel the need. Note:only some people have redness, others just have a fantastic new, healthy colour straight up. Emu oil is a fast healer and can be used if required after the peeling.

Q: How long will it take to start diminishing my acne scars. How diminished will they look?
A: As soon as the peel has finished healing you will see your acne scars removed or at least diminished greatly, sometimes several treatments are necessary depending on how severe the scars actually are (also applies to removal of tattoos and stretch marks). You may repeat treatments as often as necessary to achieve the results you desire.

Q: How much discomfort is there with a TCA peel?
A: As with all cosmetic treatments comes some discomfort. TCA peels are no different. A mild peel does not give a burning sensation on application. The medium peel may be hot on some people, others it tingles or may feel a little irritating. A deep peel will heat the skin and it will feel like it is burning for a few minutes on application. Fortunately it subsides very quickly and you soon begin to see the desired results. See question one's answer.

Q: What is involved with the recovery time. Do I need to take ten days off of work because I work with the public?
A: Depending on the strength of the TCA peel (eg: 80%) you will need to schedule some down time or healing time. Working in the public eye can cause you to stay away for 3+ days - because your face will be peeling and not look so good, not because you feel unwell. Every cosmetic treatment usually means there is some time to heal, if it were not so you wouldn't expect much from the TCA peel procedure.

Q: What precautions do I need to take?
A: Follow your directions carefully. After peeling (for a few weeks) you need to keep your NEW skin out of the direct sun and that includes tanning beds, always use a sunscreen of at least 30. Wear a hat. Direct sun can cause the skin to darken and you may get new dark spots. With TCA (trichloroacetic) acid peels, scarring and brown discoloration of the skin is unlikely unless the client goes to a tanning salon after having the treatment or lies out in the sun. Use daily sunscreen and continue indefinitely to prevent new photo damage from occurring.

Q: When can I begin wearing makeup again?
A: After application of the TCA while your skin is preparing to peel you can use eye makeup, lipstick and tinted moisturizer. While peeling only apply anti bacterial cream to the peeling areas. After peeling - about the 10-14th - day you can resume wearing your usual makeup.

Q: How long will the redness last. Are there other factors to consider?
A: The redness can subside as early as 1-3 days if you do a mild TCA treatment (e.g.. 25%). If your treatment is a medium to deep peel it may take 5-10 days. Sometimes with deep peels you may/may not have a pink skin tone for some time, which can be covered with makeup. The pink colour will usually fade after a couple of months if you do have it.

Q: Are there any products I should not use when planning a TCA peel?
A: Accutane is a prescription used for acne. It should not be taken for at least six months before and after the peel. There are reports of scarring in people who have taken Accutane after a peel. Also exfoliation products.

Q: Is one treatment enough?
A: Yes one treatment can be enough, but many people do several treatments after they see the results. Added treatments can give you even better results, such as perfecting smaller pores, deeper wrinkle removal, better removal of acne scars, greater collagen renewal producing tighter, plumper facial skin. Better removal (as more than one treatment is needed) of stretch marks and tattoos. You'll enjoy a new and younger skin tone/glow also. The benefits are too numerous to mention.

Q: Can I just put the Peel Solution on just one area like an age/liver spots, or crow's feet, tattoo or stretch marks.
A: Yes you can. Follow the same procedure on your instruction sheet as with a full treatment.

Trichloroacetic acid as an at-home skin peel is for professionally responsible use only; Use at your own risk. Seller not responsible for negative or damaging results obtained by proper or improper use of this product by any person. Buyer of the product indicates that he/she agrees seller is held harmless when payment is made. Our peeling products are formulated to improve appearance and are in no way intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. Keep out of reach of children. Misuse of chemical products can cause injury and burns, so please follow all directions exactly as they are written.

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