
What is TCA cross used for?
TCA CROSS is the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). It is most often used as an outpatient clinic procedure to treat atrophic acne scars. It's inexpensive, safe and efficient, but is not always effective.
What is a TCA cross Peel?
Apr 14, 2022 · TCA-CROSS, a chemical reconstruction of scars, is used to treat ICE-PICK scars which represent about two-thirds of all acne scarring. Researchers sought to determine if adding saline injection and topical timolol would improve the efficacy of …
Is TCA cross right for my skin type?
TCA CROSS is an acronym for the Chemical Reconstruction Of Skin Scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The treatment is a skin peel that is most effective for deep acne scars (‘ice-pick scars’) that do not respond well to fractional laser treatments. Best results are achieved in combination with other acne scar treatments.
What is the recovery time for TCA cross?
Nov 29, 2021 · If above 70%, don't wash for the next 7 days (or until the scabs). Also be sure to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to keep the treated areas moist at all times. After 7 days, apply apple cider vinegar twice a day until the redness fades. Quote. Link to comment.

How long does it take for TCA Cross to heal?
The typical downtime after TCA cross is 3-6 days. Most patients heal very quickly and recovery after TCA cross is not a problem. To cover any redness after the treatment, a special recovery makeup, called Lycogel, can be applied. This product matches all skin types.
Is TCA Cross better than laser?
TCA CROSS is superior to even the most advanced Fractional lasers for the treatment of ice pick and deep scarring, as well as pore size reduction. Treatments are quick, safe with minimal discomfort.
Is TCA Cross painful?
The TCA CROSS procedure is relatively painless. There may be slight discomfort, described as a 'biting' sensation' when the chemical is applied, and this lasts only for a few minutes. During the healing phases, there is no discomfort or pain.Jan 18, 2016
Can TCA Cross make scars worse?
Potent chemicals like TCA can often result in hyperpigmentation or worsening scars.
Does TCA Cross really work?
Conclusion: The CROSS technique with 100% TCA is a safe, efficacious, cost-effective and minimally invasive technique for the management of ice pick acne scars that are otherwise generally difficult to treat. In few patients the improvement may not be sustained, probably due to inadequate or delayed collagenisation.
Are TCA Cross results permanent?
Yes, as the collagen produced from TCA Cross is your own, the results are permanent.
Can ice pick scars be removed?
How much laser surgery does it take to get rid of ice pick scars? Laser surgery can be helpful for ice pick scars. Depending on the size of your scar, you may need more than one treatment. Your healthcare provider may combine laser surgery with other treatments to minimize the appearance of your scar.Jul 11, 2021
Can you do TCA Cross at home?
Answer: No, do not do TCA Cross at home. You likely will cause severe permanent scars.Apr 13, 2017
Does TCA Cross work for ice pick scars?
TCA Cross can also be used to treat deep open pores, prominent pores, and box car scars. Depending on both the skin type, and the type of acne scar, up to 100% TCA is used to treat these deep ice pick scars. The recovery time is generally less than one week from the procedure.
How long does it take for TCA Cross to scab?
The white frost lasts up to 12 hours and is followed by 1-2 days of redness and soreness. After 2-3 days, a small scab develops and should be allowed to fall off by itself after 3-7 days WITHOUT PICKING. Subsequent redness takes up to a few weeks to settle.
How do you cover ice pick scars?
0:031:08How to Cover Acne Scars with a Hollywood Secret - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSkin lastly press the texture pad over the dermaflage to impart the look of real skin. Hold the padMoreSkin lastly press the texture pad over the dermaflage to impart the look of real skin. Hold the pad in place for 30 seconds. Perfect skin instantly dermaflage your best face.
How long does TCA take to peel?
A TCA Peel Treatment: What to Expect Directly after treatment, the patient's skin may look yellow or white. After a couple of hours, the skin changes from this lighter color to red. This lasts 2 to 3 days.
What is TCA in skin care?
TCA is an abbreviation for trichloroacetic acid, which is typically used in low concentration (20–35%) for a chemical peel and improves the appearance of facial scars and skin ageing .
How long does a scab last after a scab?
Frosting of the scar surface will last up to 12 hours. The skin around the treated sites will be red and sore for 24 to 48 hours. After 2 to 3 days a small scab will develop, which falls off after 3 to 7 days. He or she may wash as normal and may apply make-up if desired.
What is TCA cross?
TCA CROSS is the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). It is most often used as an outpatient clinic procedure to treat atrophic acne scars. It's inexpensive, safe and efficient, but is not always effective. Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition and may result in atrophic, ...
What are the different types of acne scars?
What are the 3 main types of acne scars? 1 Atrophic scars: which can be further divided into ice-pick scars (60%, narrow and deep), boxcar scars (25% and wide) and rolling (15% ). Ice pick scars can be some of the most difficult acne scars to treat. 2 Hypertrophic scars 3 Keloidal scars
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
Green will customize the best acne scar treatment for you through a combination of chemical peels, TCA Cross, laser treatments, dermal fillers, and skin care products, to rejuvenate your skin and improve your acne scars.
How many treatments for TCA cross?
TCA Cross can be used on most skin types (TCA Cross is not suitable for skin types 3 or darker), with typically 3 to 5 treatments, spaced 6-8 weeks apart for the best cosmetic results.
Does TCA cross work?
The positive results that you experience from the treatment of acne scars with TCA Cross are permanent. TCA Cross will help remodel and produce new collagen in your atrophic acne scars and will be a step forward in combining other modalities and treatment options to improve the cosmetic appearance of your acne scars.
What is TCA cross?
Green for chemical peels and TCA Cross. “Cross” is an acronym for the chemical reconstruction of skin scars method, using a strong trichloroacetic acid placed directly into atrophic scars. TCA Cross was invented many years ago by a Korean Dermatologist, ...
How long does it take for a TCA cross to heal?
The recovery time is generally less than one week from the procedure.
What is TCA peel?
TCA chemical peels are used to treat discoloration, sun damage, actinic keratoses, hyperpigmentation , brown spots, sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles and acne breakouts. Chemical peels are very effective to treat a variety of skin conditions, and generally require a series of peels to effect the most change.
The best solution for deep, ice-pick scars: TCA Cross
TCA Cross stands for the chemical reconstruction of skin scars using trichloroacetic acid. It is a manual technique that involves the manual application of a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid (70-100%) onto each scar using a sharp-tipped wooden applicator or needle.
The best treatment for acne scars: a combination approach
Yes, TCA Cross is a highly successful treatment for improving deep, ice-pick scars; however, it should NOT be used as a replacement for acne scar laser and other manual techniques.

Before The Procedure
- Please wear sunscreen every day. Darker skin may benefit from using a lightening cream nightly for 2 weeks before the procedure.
The Procedure
- Please come without makeup or sunscreen. Photos will be taken. Your skin is cleansed and protective eye patches are applied. The TCA is applied to each scar and causes some burning. Most people do not need any anesthetic. The treatment will take 15-30 minutes. A white frosting of the skin occurs immediately.
Postoperative Course
- The white frost lasts up to 12 hours and is followed by 1-2 days of redness and soreness. After 2-3 days, a small scab develops and should be allowed to fall off by itself after 3-7 days WITHOUT PICKING. Subsequent redness takes up to a few weeks to settle. Darker skin often develops brown discoloration which may take several weeks to months to resolve and is treated with sun …
Treatment Recommendations
- Treatments are repeated every 4-6 weeks. Usually, 3-6 treatments are needed. While improvement is typically noted with each treatment, patience is encouraged as collagen formation is a gradual process that continues for approximately three months.
Schedule Your TCA Cross Treatment Today
- If you have any questions during the course of your treatment please call us at (818) 505-9300! *Individual results may vary; not a guarantee. Share this