Is TCA CROSS Treatment Right for Me?

Deciding if TCA CROSS treatment is right for your acne scars involves several considerations. TCA CROSS is especially effective for deep, narrow scars such as ice pick and boxcar scars, but it may not be as effective for rolling or tethered scars. 

Ideal candidates are in good health, have stable skin without active acne, and have realistic expectations about the results. Skin type and color are important factors; those with darker skin tones may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and should discuss potential risks with their provider. 

Consulting a qualified dermatologist is essential to assess your specific acne scars, skin type, and medical history to determine if TCA CROSS treatment is suitable for you. This personalized approach ensures you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your skin concerns and acne scarring.

What is the Recovery Time for TCA CROSS?

TCA CROSS treatments have a relatively brief recovery period compared to more invasive acne scar procedures, but the duration can vary based on skin type, treatment extent, and TCA concentration. Typically, 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): Right after TCA CROSS treatment, the treated acne scarring areas may appear red and slightly swollen. Small crusts or scabs can form where the peel was applied.
• Early Healing Phase (Days 4-7): As initial redness begins to subside and the scabs dry out, it is vital to avoid picking and let the scabs fall off on their own to prevent additional scarring. 
• Mid-Recovery Phase (Week 2): Most of the scabs will have fallen off on their own and the new skin underneath may appear pink and tender.
• Continued Healing (Weeks 3-4): Residual pinkness will begin to fade as the new skin continues to heal and gradually blends with the surrounding areas.
• Long-Term Healing (Month 2 onwards): Collagen production and remodeling continues for months after the chemical peel, further smoothing and improving the skin’s texture.

Following all aftercare instructions from your dermatologist is essential during recovery, including avoiding direct sun exposure and using recommended products to aid healing and prevent complications.

How is TCA CROSS Applied?

The TCA CROSS procedure requires precision and care, and thus, must be performed by a licensed dermatologist with experience in chemical peels. Here is a summary of how the treatment is typically applied: 

1. Preparation: Antiseptic is applied to the treatment area to cleanse it of any oils and to reduce the risk of infection. 
2. Application: With a fine-tipped instrument, the dermatologist carefully applies a small amount of high concentration TCA directly into each scar. This minimally invasive technique confines the chemicals to the scarred tissue thus sparing the healthy surrounding skin.
3. Neutralization: Since TCA self-neutralizes, no neutralizing solution is applied and the reaction stops once the desired depth is reached with minimal discomfort.
4. 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.
5. Monitoring: The dermatologist will monitor the reaction and the treatment response, adjusting the application if necessary according to your skin type during subsequent sessions.

What to Expect

When undergoing TCA CROSS treatment, anticipate a brief stinging sensation as trichloroacetic acid is applied to the acne scars. After the treatment, the treated areas will turn red and may experience slight swelling, with small scabs forming on the scars. These scabs will naturally shed within about a week.

As your skin heals in the subsequent weeks, you will notice a gradual enhancement in the appearance of your acne scars, with complete results appearing over several months as collagen remodeling takes place. Your dermatologist will provide aftercare guidelines to support healing and ensure optimal results for your acne scars.

Aftercare Instructions

Proper post-care is essential after undergoing TCA CROSS treatment to ensure the best results for your acne scars and minimize potential side effects. Here are key guidelines to follow:

• Leave Scabs Alone: Allow the scabs that form over the treated acne scars to fall off on their own. This ensures the new skin underneath can heal smoothly.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect treated acne scarring areas from the sun with minimum SPF 50+ sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat or mask, and by seeking shade.
• Use Lightening Creams if Recommended: If you are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or have darker skin types, your dermatologist may prescribe a lightening cream. Apply as directed to help manage and prevent uneven skin tones.
• General Care: During the recovery process, keep the treated acne scarring area clean and moisturized with gentle, non-comedogenic products. Avoid using harsh products that can irritate your face during the recovery process.

By diligently adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively manage the TCA CROSS healing process, enhance the treatment’s results, and safeguard your skin against long-term complications from chemical peels.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

The number of TCA CROSS sessions needed can vary greatly among patients, depending largely on the severity and types of acne scars, such as ice pick and atrophic scars. Most patients will require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, particularly those with more severe scars like deep ice pick scars. Significant improvement is usually not seen after just one session. 

Combining TCA CROSS with other treatments is often recommended to address different types of scars comprehensively. Incorporating techniques like microneedling, laser therapy, and subcision enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment, catering to the varied needs of scarred skin. Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and respond to the treatment. Your specialist will monitor progress and adjust the timeline accordingly.

Combining TCA CROSS with Other Acne Scar Treatments

Combining the TCA CROSS procedure with other dermatological procedures can enhance overall effectiveness and make your acne scar treatment more comprehensive. Below are four treatments that are often combined with TCA CROSS chemical peels to see further improvement:

1. Subcision
2. Fractional Laser Resurfacing
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
4. Microneedling

TCA CROSS plays a key role in treating acne scars, including ice pick, atrophic, and rolling scars. It’s essential to get a clinical assessment from a physician for the best results. Reach out to our acne scar specialist today to learn about one of the most powerful scarring treatments available in Redondo Beach.