Best TCA CROSS Provider | Scar Healing Institute

TCA CROSS Agoura Hills

TCA CROSS Agoura Hills

Looking for the best TCA CROSS provider in Agoura Hills? Discover how TCA CROSS can effectively treat your scars. Contact us today for expert scar treatment.

How Does TCA CROSS Work?

TCA CROSS, which stands for Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars, is a minimally invasive, professional chemical peel specialized for treating acne scars, especially deep, narrow ice pick scars. The TCA CROSS technique involves the precise application of highly concentrated TCA directly into the acne scars, initiating a localized chemical reaction.

By stimulating collagen production and skin remodeling, TCA CROSS elevates the scarred area, greatly improving the appearance of the acne scars. Additionally, since TCA CROSS is only applied to the acne scar tissue with incredible accuracy, it spares the surrounding healthy skin. This targeted chemical peel treatment is an excellent option for patients seeking marked changes in their acne scarring.

What are the Benefits of TCA CROSS?

For treating scars, especially acne scar types like ice pick, boxcar, and deep, TCA CROSS is highly effective. With its targeted approach, TCA CROSS achieves major improvement without the extensive downtime or negative side effects from many other acne scarring treatments. Some key benefits of TCA CROSS for acne scars are listed below:

  • Precise Application: TCA CROSS treatments are only applied to the target acne scars, thus minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy skin and increasing accuracy.
  • Improved Texture: With the TCA CROSS technique, patients usually notice smoother and more even skin texture.
  • Biostimulation: The TCA CROSS technique fills in acne scars from within by stimulating collagen production, an essential process for skin rejuvenation.
  • Minimal Downtime: Compared to more invasive acne scar peels, TCA CROSS requires much less downtime, allowing patients to return to daily life 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 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?

Evaluating whether TCA CROSS treatment is the right choice for your acne scars involves several important factors. TCA CROSS is particularly effective for deep, narrow scars like ice pick and boxcar scars but may be less effective for rolling or tethered scars. 

Ideal candidates are healthy, have stable skin without active acne, and possess realistic expectations about the results. Skin type and color also play a role; individuals with darker skin tones may be at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and should discuss potential risks with their provider. 

It is crucial to consult a qualified dermatologist who can evaluate your specific acne scars, skin type, and medical history to determine if TCA CROSS is suitable for you. This tailored 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?

Compared to other invasive acne scar procedures, the recovery time for TCA CROSS treatments is relatively short, though it varies with skin type, treatment extent, and TCA concentration. Generally, patients can anticipate a recovery period of several days to a few weeks, during which the skin heals and rejuvenates the acne scars. Here is what you can typically expect during the recovery timeline:

  • Immediate Post-Treatment (Days 1-3): Treated acne scar areas will likely appear red and feel slightly swollen. Small crusts or scabs can form where the peel was applied.
  • Early Healing Phase (Days 4-7): Initial redness will subside and the scabs will begin to dry out. Avoid picking and let the scabs fall off naturally to prevent infection or more scarring.
  • Mid-Recovery Phase (Week 2): Most of the scabs will 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.

It is important to follow all aftercare instructions from your dermatologist during recovery, including avoiding direct sun exposure and using recommended products to support healing and avoid complications.

How is TCA CROSS Applied?

The TCA CROSS procedure must be done by a trained dermatologist since it requires extreme precision and care. Below is a step-by-step overview of how the treatment is typically applied:

  1. Preparation: First, the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic to remove any oils and reduce infection risk. The area is then dried completely to ensure the peels adheres properly.
  2. Application: The dermatologist carefully applies a small amount of highly concentrated TCA directly into each individual scar, sparing the healthy surrounding skin.
  3. Neutralization: TCA self-neutralizes, unlike some other chemical peels, so there is no need to apply a neutralizing solution. Once the desired depth is reached, the reaction stops.
  4. Immediately After: The treated skin may frost or turn white, indicating that the acid has penetrated the skin’s surface. This frost typically subsides within a few hours.
  5. Monitoring: The dermatologist will monitor your skin’s reaction to the treatment, making adjustments if needed according to your skin type during subsequent sessions.

What to Expect

Expect a brief stinging sensation during the TCA CROSS treatment as trichloroacetic acid is applied to your acne scars. Following the procedure, the treated areas will appear red and may swell slightly, with small scabs forming on the scars. These scabs will naturally fall off within about a week.

Over the next few weeks, your skin will heal and you will see a gradual improvement in your acne scars, with full results emerging over several months due to collagen remodeling. Your dermatologist will give you aftercare instructions to promote healing and achieve the best results for your acne scars.

Aftercare Instructions

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

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ and consider wearing a hat and mask or seeking shade when outdoors to further shield your skin. This will help prevent acne scarring areas from being hyperpigmented.
  • Use Lightening Creams if Recommended: Prescribed lightening cream may help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if you are prone to it, or if you have a darker skin tone. Follow application instructions to help manage uneven skin tones.
  • Leave Scabs Alone: Picking at the scabs that form over the treated areas can lead to scarring and infection. Allow the scabs to fall off naturally to ensure the new skin underneath can heal properly.
  • General Care: Keep the treated acne scarring area clean and moisturized. Avoid using harsh products that can irritate your face. Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic products during the recovery process.

Following these instructions carefully will protect your skin from long-term complications and enhance the TCA CROSS chemical peel healing process.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

The number of TCA CROSS treatments needed varies widely among patients, mainly based on the severity and types of acne scars being treated, such as ice pick and atrophic scars. Multiple treatments are often necessary to achieve the best results, especially for those with more pronounced scars like deep ice pick scars. It is important to note that significant improvement is generally not seen after just one session. 

Combining TCA CROSS with other treatments is recommended to effectively address various types of scars. Integrating methods like microneedling, laser therapy, and subcision makes the treatment more comprehensive, catering to different scar types. Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart to allow adequate healing and response time. Your specialist will evaluate progress and adjust the treatment schedule as needed.

Combining TCA CROSS with Other Acne Scar Treatments

Enhancing the TCA CROSS procedure with additional dermatological treatments can improve its overall effectiveness, particularly for thorough acne scar treatment. Frequently combined treatments include:

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

TCA CROSS is crucial for treating acne scars, whether they are ice pick, atrophic, or rolling scars. It is important to seek a physician’s clinical assessment to determine the best approach. Contact our acne scar specialist today to discover more about one of the top scarring treatments available to patients in Agoura Hills.

 

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