How Does TCA CROSS Work?
TCA CROSS, or Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars, is a professional and minimally invasive chemical peel created specifically to address acne scars, especially the deep, narrow type known as ice pick scars. This method involves the precise application of highly concentrated TCA directly onto the acne scars, inducing a localized chemical reaction.
By promoting collagen production and skin remodeling, TCA CROSS effectively elevates the scarred areas. Since it targets only the acne scar tissue, this treatment minimizes the risk to the surrounding healthy skin, making it an ideal chemical peel for those seeking substantial enhancements in their look with minimal downtime.
What are the Benefits of TCA CROSS?
TCA CROSS is very successful in treating various kinds of acne scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, and deep scars. This precise approach provides significant enhancements in skin texture and appearance with minimal downtime and without affecting the surrounding skin. Here are some key benefits of TCA CROSS for acne scars:
- Precise Application: Since TCA CROSS is carefully applied to only the acne scarred areas, this minimizes the damage to the surrounding skin, allowing for extreme precision.
- Biostimulation: TCA CROSS fills in acne scars from within by stimulating collagen production, an essential protein for your skin, and skin rejuvenation.
- Minimal Downtime: TCA CROSS requires much less time to recover than other chemical peels, making it a more convenient option for many patients and their schedules.
- Improved Texture: Patients typically notice a smoother skin texture and more even skin tone with the TCA CROSS technique.
- High Efficacy: TCA CROSS often yields significant results after only a couple of sessions, making this treatment a much quicker route than other options.
- Cost-Effective: The treatment is often more affordable than other methods of acne scar treatment, such as laser treatments, especially when considering the efficacy in targeting deeper scars.
- Long-Lasting Results: Once the desired outcome is achieved, the improvements are generally long-lasting with proper skin care and protection, unlike some other methods of acne scar treatment.
These benefits make TCA CROSS treatment one of the best peels designed for acne scar treatment, especially by reducing visibility and severity.
Is TCA CROSS Treatment Right for Me?
Several factors are involvecd in determining whether TCA CROSS treatment is the best procedure for your acne scars. TCA CROSS is particularly effective for deep and narrow scars, like ice pick scars or boxcar scars, and may not be as effective for rolling or tethered scars.
Ideal candidates are in good health, have stable skin without active acne, and possess realistic expectations about the results. Skin types and color also play a role; individuals with darker skin tones may be more prone to post-peel hyperpigmentation and should discuss potential risks with their provider.
It is essential to consult with a qualified dermatologist who can assess your specific acne scars, skin types, and medical history to determine if TCA CROSS treatment is suitable for you. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your skin concerns and acne scarring.
What is the Recovery Time for TCA CROSS?
The recovery time for TCA CROSS treatments is relatively short compared to other invasive procedures for acne scars. However, it can vary depending on skin type, treatment extent, and TCA concentration used. Generally, patients can expect their skin to heal and rejuvenate the acne scars over several days to a few weeks. Here is what you can typically expect during the recovery timeline:
- Immediate Post-Treatment (Days 1-3): Immediately after treatment, the treated acne scar areas will likely appear red and may feel a bit swollen. Small crusts or scabs can form where the peel was applied.
- Early Healing Phase (Days 4-7): The scabs will begin to dry out and the initial redness will start to subside. Do not pick the scabs, but rather let them fall off on their own in order to prevent infection and more scarring.
- Mid-Recovery Phase (Week 2): By the second week, most of the scabs have usually fallen off naturally. As healthier skin forms from the peel, the skin beneath may appear pink and tender.
- Continued Healing (Weeks 3-4): The new skin continues to heal and gradually blends with the surrounding areas. Any residual pinkness will begin to fade during this time.
- Long-Term Healing (Month 2 onwards): For months after the chemical peel, collagen production and skin remodeling continue, further smoothing and improving the skin’s texture.
It is crucial to adhere closely to all aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist, including avoiding direct sun exposure and using recommended products to support healing and prevent complications.
How is TCA CROSS Applied?
- A trained dermatologist will apply the TCA CROSS chemical peel with precision and care. Here is a step-by-step overview of how the treatment is typically applied:
- Preparation: The skin is cleansed to remove any oils, and an antiseptic is applied to reduce the risk of infection. The area is then dried completely to ensure the peels adheres properly.
- Application: The dermatologist carefully applies a small amount of high concentration TCA directly into each scar with a fine-tipped instrument. This technique confines the peel to the scarred tissue thus sparing the healthy surrounding skin.
- Neutralization: No neutralizing solution is needed since TCA self-neutralizes, stopping the reaction once the desired depth is reached with minimal discomfort.
- Immediately After: The treated skin may frost or turn white, which indicates that the acid has penetrated the skin’s surface. This frost typically subsides within a few hours.
- Monitoring: The dermatologist will adjust the application as necessary according to your skin type after monitoring the reaction and treatment response.
What to Expect
During TCA CROSS treatment, you might feel a brief stinging sensation as trichloroacetic acid is applied to your acne scars. Post-treatment, the targeted areas will be red and may swell slightly, with small scabs forming on the treated scars. These scabs will naturally fall off within about a week.
As your skin continues to heal in the following weeks, you’ll gradually see an improvement in your acne scars, with full results developing over several months due to collagen remodeling. Your dermatologist will provide aftercare instructions to assist in healing and ensure the best outcomes for your acne scars.
Aftercare Instructions
To achieve the best results for your acne scarring after TCA CROSS, closely follow post-treatment recovery instructions. Here are some key guidelines:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Shield treated acne scarring areas with minimum SPF 50+ sunscreen and protective clothing such as a broad-brimmed hat or mask.
- Use Lightening Creams if Recommended: If you have a darker skin tone or have a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you may be prescribed lightening cream. Apply as directed to help manage and prevent uneven skin tones.
- Leave Scabs Alone: Do not pick at the scabs that form over the treated acne scars. They are part of the natural healing process and picking at them can lead to additional scarring and infection.
- General Care: Avoid harsh products that may irritate your skin and keep the treated acne scarring areas clean and moisturized. Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic products during the recovery process.
Adhering to appropriate post-care is vital after TCA CROSS treatment to ensure optimal results for your acne scars and minimize possible side effects. Here are important guidelines to follow:
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
Depending on the severity and types of acne scars being treated, whether that be ice pick acne scars or rolling acne scars, the number of required TCA CROSS treatments can vary. Typically, multiple TCA CROSS sessions are needed to achieve desired results, especially in patients who have more pronounced, deeper scars.
Significant improvement is often not seen after only one session. Since most patients have multiple types of scars, pairing the TCA CROSS chemical peel with other treatments is often recommended to comprehensively address each and every scar during the revision process.
Combining therapies such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, and subcision with TCA CROSS can increase the efficacy of the treatment and allows for customization for the unique needs of your scarred skin. Sessions can be spaced multiple weeks apart to allow the skin enough time to heal and to let your acne scars respond to the treatment. Your acne scar specialist will assess progress and adjust the timeline as needed.
Combining TCA CROSS with Other Acne Scar Treatments
A comprehensive acne scar treatment often involves combining the TCA CROSS procedure with other dermatological treatments to enhance overall effectiveness. Here are four treatments that are commonly combined with TCA CROSS chemical peels to see further improvement:
- Subcision
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Microneedling
TCA CROSS is vital for treating various types of acne scars, such as ice pick, atrophic, and rolling scars. A physician’s clinical assessment is important for the best outcomes. Contact our acne scar specialist today to find out more about one of the most effective scarring treatments available in Rancho Palos Verdes.
