Determining TCA CROSS Candidacy

When contemplating TCA CROSS treatment for acne scars, several factors should be taken into consideration. TCA CROSS is particularly effective for deep, narrow scars such as ice pick and boxcar scars, although its effectiveness may vary for rolling or tethered scars. 

Ideal candidates are individuals in good health, with stable skin conditions and realistic expectations regarding outcomes. Skin type and color also influence eligibility, with those with darker skin tones potentially facing increased risk of post-peel hyperpigmentation. Consulting a qualified dermatologist is crucial to evaluate your specific acne scars, skin type, and medical history for personalized treatment recommendations.

What Does Recovery from TCA CROSS Look Like?

Compared to more invasive acne scar treatments, the recovery time for TCA CROSS is relatively brief, though it does depend on individual factors such as skin type, treatment area size, and the strength of the TCA solution used. Patients typically undergo a healing process during which their skin rejuvenates over a span of several days to a few weeks. During this recovery phase, it is essential to diligently follow the post-treatment instructions provided 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.

These instructions are designed to optimize healing, prevent complications, and may include measures such as sun protection and specialized skincare products.

How is TCA CROSS Applied?

1. TCA CROSS is a meticulous process that requires precision and care and thus should be performed by a trained dermatologist. Below is a step-by-step overview of how the treatment is usually administered:
   1. Preparation: The skin is cleansed with an antiseptic to remove any oils and reduce the risk of infection. The area is then dried completely to ensure the peels adheres properly.
   2. Application: The dermatologist will apply a small amount of highly concentrated TCA directly into each scar with a fine-tipped instrument. This minimally invasive technique spares the surrounding healthy skin.
   3. Neutralization: The TCA CROSS localized reaction stops itself at the required depth, so no neutralizing solution needs to be applied.
   4. Immediately After: As the acid penetrates the skin’s surface, it may turn the treated acne scars white. This is perfectly normal and the frost typically resolves itself within a few hours.
   5. Monitoring: The dermatologist will monitor your response to treatment, taking into consideration your skin type, and adjusting the application if necessary.

What to Expect

When undergoing TCA CROSS treatment, anticipate a brief stinging sensation as the trichloroacetic acid is applied to your acne scars. Following the treatment, expect redness and potential mild swelling in the treated areas, along with the development of small scabs on the acne scars. These scabs typically fall off naturally within a week.

As your skin continues to heal in the following weeks, you will notice gradual improvements in the appearance of your acne scars. Over the course of several months, your skin will undergo collagen remodeling, leading to full results. Your dermatologist will provide specific aftercare instructions for TCA CROSS treatment to support healing and ensure optimal outcomes for your acne scars, guiding you on how to care for your skin throughout the recovery process.

Aftercare Instructions

Adequate post-procedural care is crucial following TCA CROSS treatment to optimize outcomes for your acne scars and reduce potential adverse effects. Here are essential guidelines to adhere to:

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep the acne scarring areas treated with TCA CROSS away from the sun, since it can cause discoloration.
• Use Lightening Creams if Recommended: If you have a darker complexion or are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, your dermatologist may prescribe a lightening cream. Apply as directed to help manage and prevent uneven skin tones.
• Leave Scabs Alone: Allow the scabs to heal and fall off naturally to avoid risk of infection and more scarring.
• General Care: Avoid using harsh products on your recovering face and stick to gentle, non-comedogenic products to keep the treated acne scarring area clean and moisturized. 

Following these instructions carefully will set you up for success throughout the TCA CROSS healing process and enhance the effectiveness of the chemical peel treatment.

How Many Treatments Will Be Necessary?

The number of treatment sessions required for TCA CROSS can vary significantly among patients, primarily depending on the severity and types of acne scarring, such as ice pick and atrophic scars. Most individuals may undergo multiple TCA CROSS treatments to achieve optimal results, particularly those with deeper ice pick scars.

It is important to understand that substantial improvement is generally not achieved after a single session. Given that many patients present with various types of scars, combining TCA CROSS with other treatments is often advised to comprehensively address acne scar revision.

By integrating methods like microneedling, laser therapy, and subcision, the combined therapy becomes more comprehensive, addressing the diverse needs of scarred skin. Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow adequate healing time and optimize the response of acne scars to treatment. Your specialist in acne scar treatment will monitor your progress closely and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

Combinatorial Therapy with TCA CROSS

Combining TCA CROSS with other dermatological procedures can markedly improve the overall effectiveness of acne scar treatments. Below are four treatments often paired with TCA CROSS chemical peels to achieve enhanced results:

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

TCA CROSS is instrumental in treating diverse acne scars, such as ice pick, atrophic, and rolling scars. However, consulting with a physician is crucial to tailor the treatment approach. Contact our acne scar specialist in La Cañada Flintridge today to discover one of the most powerful treatments available for addressing scars!