How Does TCA CROSS Work?
TCA CROSS stands for Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars and is a professional, minimally invasive chemical peel designed to treat acne scars, particularly the deep, narrow ice pick scars. The technique involves carefully applying highly concentrated TCA directly into the acne scars, resulting in a localized chemical reaction.
TCA CROSS stimulates collagen production and skin remodeling, effectively treating acne scars by lifting the scarred tissue. By concentrating on the scar tissue, TCA CROSS minimizes risk to the surrounding healthy skin, offering a targeted chemical peel for those seeking notable improvements in their skin’s appearance.
What are the Benefits of TCA CROSS?
TCA CROSS treatments effectively target scars, especially acne types such as ice pick, boxcar, and deep scars, achieving significant improvements in skin texture and appearance. This focused approach minimizes downtime and preserves the integrity of surrounding skin. Here are some key benefits of TCA CROSS for acne scars:
- Improved Texture: Patients typically notice a smoother skin texture and more even skin tone with the TCA CROSS technique.
- Biostimulation: The TCA CROSS technique fills in acne scars from within by stimulating collagen production, an essential process for skin rejuvenation.
- Precise Application: TCA CROSS treatments involve application directly to the target acne scars, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy skin and enhancing the accuracy of the acne scar treatment.
- Minimal Downtime: Compared to more invasive peels for acne scars, TCA CROSS treatment generally requires minimal recovery time, allowing patients to return to normal activities soon after the chemical peel treatment.
- High Efficacy: Many patients see significant improvements in their acne scarring after only a few sessions, making this treatment an efficient option for acne scar treatment.
- 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 advantages establish TCA CROSS treatment as one of the leading options for treating acne scars, particularly due to its ability to reduce their visibility and severity effectively.
Is TCA CROSS a Good Fit?
Determining whether TCA CROSS treatment is suitable for your acne scars involves careful deliberation. TCA CROSS effectively targets deep, narrow scars like ice pick and boxcar scars, though it may be less effective for rolling or tethered scars.
Ideal candidates are those in good health, with stable skin and realistic expectations. Skin type and color are also considerations; individuals with darker skin tones should discuss potential hyperpigmentation risks with their provider.
Consulting with a qualified dermatologist is essential to assess your specific acne scars, skin type, and medical history, ensuring personalized and effective treatment.
Recovering From TCA CROSS
Recovery time following TCA CROSS treatments is generally shorter than that of more aggressive acne scar therapies, but it can vary depending on factors such as skin type, treatment area size, and the concentration of TCA applied. During the recovery period, which typically spans several days to a few weeks, the skin undergoes a process of healing and renewal to address acne scars. It is imperative to adhere closely to the aftercare regimen outlined by your dermatologist:
- 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): During this phase, the initial redness starts to subside, and the scabs will begin to dry out. It is crucial to avoid picking and let the scabs fall off on their own in order to prevent scarring.
- Mid-Recovery Phase (Week 2): By the second week, most of the scabs have usually fallen off naturally. The skin beneath may appear pink and tender as new, healthier skin forms from the peel.
- 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): Collagen production and remodeling continues for months after the chemical peel, further smoothing and improving the skin’s texture.
To ensure quick recovery, follow all the precautions outlined by your dermatologist like avoiding direct sun exposure and following specific skincare protocols aimed at promoting healing and minimizing potential issues.
How is the TCA CROSS Treatment Done?
TCA CROSS is a highly detailed procedure and requires the skill and expertise of a trained dermatologist to ensure both the efficacy and safety of the treatment. Below is a comprehensive overview of the process:
- Preparation: First, the skin is disinfected and cleansed of any oils. Then, it is left to dry completely to allow the peel to adhere properly to the acne scars.
- Application: Highly concentrated TCA is applied little-by-little into each individual scar with a fine-tipped instrument. This method spares the surrounding healthy skin.
- Neutralization: TCA CROSS self-neutralizes, unlike some other chemical peel procedures, so there is no need for neutralizing solution.
- Immediately After: As the acid seeps into the skin, the treated acne scar areas may turn white. This is normal and typically disappears within a few hours.
- 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 Comes Next?
When the trichloroacetic acid chemical is applied to your acne scars, you may feel a slight stinging sensation. After treatment, the treated acne scar areas will likely be red and swollen, with small scabs starting to form. These scabs are the body’s way of healing and generating new skin after the TCA CROSS chemical reconstruction.
As your skin continues to heal over the following weeks, you will slowly see your acne scars start to improve. As months pass, your skin will undergo collagen remodeling and you will witness even further improvement. TCA CROSS aftercare instructions will be provided by your dermatologist. It is important to follow them closely and properly care for your skin during the recovery process.
Aftercare Instructions
Proper post-care is essential after undergoing TCA CROSS treatment to optimize outcomes for your acne scars and minimize potential side effects. Here are key instructions to follow:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: UV exposure can cause skin discoloration. Avoid going outside during peak hours (10am-4pm) or wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Use Lightening Creams if Recommended: If you have a darker skin type or tendency toward post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, your dermatologist may recommend a lightening cream. Apply according to instructions to prevent uneven skin tones.
- Leave Scabs Alone: The scabs that form over treated acne scars are integral to the healing process. Refrain from picking at them, as this can lead to scarring and infection. Allow the scabs to naturally fall off to facilitate smooth healing of the underlying skin.
- General Care: Keep the treated area clean and well-moisturized with gentle, non-irritating products. Avoid harsh skincare products that could potentially aggravate your skin during the recovery period.
By diligently following these instructions, you can effectively manage the TCA CROSS healing process, enhancing treatment outcomes while safeguarding your skin against potential long-term complications associated with chemical peels.
How Many Rounds of TCA CROSS Do I Need?
The number of TCA CROSS treatment sessions needed can differ significantly from patient to patient, largely influenced by the severity and specific types of acne scars, such as ice pick or atrophic scars. Generally, patients require multiple TCA CROSS sessions to achieve the best outcomes, particularly those with deeper scars like ice pick acne scars.
It is crucial to understand that noticeable improvements are rarely observed after just one session. Given that individuals often have a combination of scar types, it’s common to combine TCA CROSS with other treatments to thoroughly address the acne scar revision process.
Incorporating additional treatments like microneedling, laser therapy, and subcision enhances the effectiveness of the therapy, catering to the varied needs of scarred skin. These sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart, allowing sufficient time for skin healing and enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness on acne scars. Your acne scar specialist will evaluate your progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Combining TCA CROSS with Other Acne Scar Treatments
Integrating the TCA CROSS procedure with other dermatological treatments can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness, especially in achieving comprehensive improvement in acne scar treatments. Below are four procedures commonly combined with TCA CROSS chemical peels to further enhance results:
- Subcision
- Fractional Laser Resurfacing
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Microneedling
TCA CROSS plays a crucial role in addressing various types of acne scarring, including ice pick, atrophic, and rolling scars. However, it is essential to undergo a clinical assessment with a physician to determine the most suitable approach. Contact our acne scar specialist to explore one of the foremost acne scar treatments available to patients in Manhattan Beach!
