TCA Cross in Los Angeles, CA

TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) treatments restore your skin from the inside out, creating smoother texture and a more balanced tone where deep scars once were. By stimulating natural collagen production, your skin becomes firmer, softer, and more refined with every session.

Here’s how our phenol treatments support your healthiest, smoothest skin:

• Noticeably smoother, more even skin texture
• Refined tone and minimized scar depth
• Targeted treatment that protects surrounding healthy skin
• Natural collagen stimulation for long-term scar improvement
• Minimal downtime compared to traditional resurfacing
• Enhanced results and deeper repair with our exclusive phenol CROSS technique

How to Know if TCA CROSS Is Right for You

TCA CROSS is best for those with deep, stubborn acne scars looking to restore a more even complexion. It’s not the right choice for everyone; we’ll assess your skin health, tone, and scar type to determine the best treatment approach for you.

You may be a good candidate for TCA CROSS if:

• You have deep, narrow acne scars (ice pick or boxcar scars)
• Your skin has fully healed from active acne
• You’re in good overall health
• You want noticeable skin improvements with minimal downtime

You should avoid this treatment if:

• You have active acne, open wounds, or skin infections
• You’re currently using strong exfoliating or retinoid products
• You have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
• You’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions that affect healing
• You’re unable to avoid direct sun exposure during recovery

Results to Expect During and After TCA CROSS

During your phenol CROSS session, we treat each scar individually, using a fine-tipped applicator to deliver the chemical solution deep into the skin. You may feel a brief stinging or warming sensation as the acid reacts, but most patients describe it as mild and quick.

After treatment, your skin may look red or frosted where the solution was applied—this is a normal part of the healing process. Over the next few weeks, your skin will shed and renew itself as collagen production increases beneath the surface.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Days 1–3: Redness and mild swelling develop, followed by tiny crusts or scabs.
• Days 4–7: Scabs dry and begin to flake naturally. Avoid picking to protect new skin.
• Week 2: Most scabs fall off and fresh skin starts to appear.
• Weeks 3–4: New skin blends with surrounding areas, and tone evens out.
• Month 2 and beyond: Collagen continues to rebuild, gradually smoothing and lifting scars for ongoing improvements.

What You Can Expect During TCA CROSS in Los Angeles

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.

While both treatments involve the precise application of a chemical agent directly into acne scars, Phenol CROSS penetrates deeper into the scar tissue, leading to stronger collagen remodeling and more effective scar elevation. Additionally, unlike TCA, phenol has natural anesthetic properties, making the procedure less painful despite its increased strength. 

Phenol CROSS is more potent, fewer treatment sessions are typically required to achieve visible improvements compared to TCA CROSS. This enhanced effectiveness is why Scar Healing Institute exclusively performs Phenol CROSS as the superior choice for deep acne scar treatment.

Why Scar Healing Institute Leads in Acne Scar Revision

At the Scar Healing Institute, we don’t just improve the look of your scars; we rebuild the skin beneath them for long-lasting confidence and transformations you can feel.

Precision Treatments Rooted in Science & Results

Led by fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Salar Hazany, our acne scar treatments combine cutting-edge dermatologic science with regenerative techniques to create natural, long-lasting skin improvements.

Customized Solutions for Every Skin Type

We customize your scar healing treatment based on your skin’s unique tone, texture, and healing response, ensuring safe, effective outcomes for all complexions.

Our Exclusive Acne Scar Phase-Out System

Our proprietary Phase-Out System targets acne scars at every layer, rebuilding your skin step by step for complete restoration. From collagen stimulation to resurfacing, we’ve carefully designed each phase to lift, smooth, and refine your complexion for your clearest, healthiest skin.