Announcing 3 New GSD Network practices in Folsom, Dermatology Center of Northern Califonia, & Torrance: Shirlene Jay, MD & Amber Kyle, MD

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Acne Scar Treatment

TCA CROSS

TCA CROSS is the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA).  This treatment is particularly effective on Ice Pick Scars. Ice-pick (deep pit) scars are frequently the most severe and present in the majority of acne scar cases.

An added benefit of the CROSS treatment is the short recovery time. TCA CROSS involves a high-strength TCA peel (50-100%) applied to the base of the scar to ablate the epithelial wall and to promote dermal remodeling. The degree of clinical improvement is proportional to the number of sessions.

Specialties

Treatment

TCA CROSS is an outpatient procedure and is safe and efficient. The procedure involves depositing small amounts of TCA at high concentration (70-100%) onto the surface of the atrophic scar. This causes a local inflammatory reaction leading to the formation of new collagen fibers. The aim is to improve the appearance of the scar by increasing collagen reflectance and reducing shadows cast over scar depressions.

Fractional radiofrequency and also the Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars (CROSS) techniques are excellent options for ice pick and deep scarring particularly. They also tend to work well for boxcar and deep rolling scars.

Most patients require 3 to 6 treatments with TCA CROSS for optimum improvement. Treatments may be repeated at 2 to 8 week intervals over 6 months.

Recovery

Frosting of the scar surface will last up to 12 hours and the skin around the treated area maybe red and sore for 24 to 48 hours post treatment. After 2 to 3 days a small scab may develop, which will most likely fall off 3 to 7 days after.

TCA Cross Acne Scar Treatment