TCA Cross
An Effective Approach to Acne Scars
TCA Cross is a deep chemical peel treatment that uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to spot treat deep acne scars.
What is TCA Cross?
TCA CROSS
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used as a deep chemical peel. At White Aesthetics, we use it for the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) to improve atrophic acne scars.
TCA CROSS may be combined with other treatments to improve outcomes, including:
Patients with moderate to severe atrophic scars may benefit from this treatment. Of the various types of atrophic acne scars, Ice-pick scars and Boxcar scars see the most improvement from TCA CROSS. It may also improve the appearance of rolling scars.
What is it?
Subcision
Fractional laser
Topical retinoids
Rejuran Healer/Scar
How does it work?
The procedure involves controlled spot application of small amounts of TCA at high concentration (70–100%) onto the surface of the atrophic scar. This causes a local inflammatory reaction which stimulates the formation of new collagen. The aim is to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing scar depth and improving skin texture.
TCA CROSS is moderately effective for atrophic acne scars. Complete resolution is unlikely to be achieved with this treatment method alone, but patients should expect a 1 to 2 grade improvement in their acne scars after adequate treatment.
Most patients are recommended between 3 to 6 treatments for the most optimal outcome. These should be repeated at 2-4 week intervals.
What should you expect?
Treatment duration: 10 mins
Technique:
Precise application of the chemical peel into atrophic scars
Discomfort: Minimal
Post-treatment: Antibiotic cream, minimise sun exposure
Downtime: 7 days
The procedure is straightforward and can be performed within 15 minutes, depending on the number of scars to be treated. There may be some discomfort at the treatment sites but it is generally well tolerated.
Following the procedure, one should expect frosting of the skin (the intended end-point of the procedure, see image below) for up to 12 hours. The skin at and around the treatment areas may be red and sore for up to 24 to 48 hours. After 2 to 3 days, a small scab will develop which will fall off naturally within 3 to 7 days. Patients are advised not to pick at scabs. Sunscreen is recommended for all, especially those who are prone to hyperpigmentation.
What are other alternatives to TCA Cross?
Other options for acne scar management include pico fractional lasers, subcision and skin boosters.
Pico fractional lasers are a type of skin resurfacing treatment that improve scar appearance through the breaking of scar tissue and stimulation of collagen.
Subcision is a procedure where deep bands of scar tissue and cut from beneath, to untether skin as a result of acne scarring. This works best for rolling scars.
To determine the most suitable treatment for you, we invite you to reach out to us for a detailed skin analysis and consultation with our doctor.
