TCA Cross for Acne Scars
What is TCA Cross?
The TCA CROSS procedure involves the application of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for a targeted chemical reconstruction (CROSS) aimed at diminishing acne scars. It remains as one of the most popular, safe and effective acne scar treatments in Singapore for atrophic pitted ice-pick scars, as the treatment is relatively painless with minimal discomfort and downtime, making it an appealing choice.
With our doctors’ extensive history in acne scar therapy, patient satisfaction of our TCA Cross treatment has been high, particularly amongst those who have been dissatisfied with conventional fractional CO2 laser treatments alone.
We understand the profound effect that acne scars can have on self-esteem and confidence, which is why our TCA Cross treatment goes beyond just superficial solutions.
While acne is typically a temporary concern, the impact of acne scarring can be long-lasting for many individuals.
Addressing Different Forms of Acne Scarring
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scarring, a common complication of acne conditions, often lead to aesthetic imperfections and can significantly impact one’s mental well-being. Despite continuous advancements, finding a universally effective solution for acne scarring remains elusive.
Given the diverse nature and severity of acne scars, individuals commonly experience multiple types of scars simultaneously. TCA Cross treatments, alone or in conjunction with other acne scar treatments other acne scar treatments like Fractional Laser Resurfacing, Subcision, and Chemical Peels, offer tailored solutions to address varying scar types and severities.
TCA Cross is effective in treating various acne scar types, particularly deep, atrophic pitted ice-pick scars. By stimulating collagen synthesis, it effectively raises the depth of these rooted scars, restoring damaged skin and resurfacing them for a smoother, rejuvenated appearance.
Ice-Pick Acne Scar Removal
Ice-pick scars stand out as one of the predominant types of acne scars prevalent in Singapore. Identified by their sunken appearance, these scars delve deep into the skin’s layers, often resembling enlarged pores. Their narrow, penetrating appearance can evoke the imagery of being punctured by an ice pick or a sharp object.
What causes ice-pick acne scars?
Ice-pick scars typically arise when the skin undergoes tissue damage after an inflamed blemish (also known as acne), works its way to the skin’s surface, leading to scarring.
While dermatologic or spa procedures like dermabrasions and laser resurfacing offer broad skin enhancement and smoothing benefits, those treatments alone are often inadequate in addressing the depth of deeply-rooted ice-pick scars. These treatments may provide overall skin improvement, but they may not be sufficient for effectively addressing the depth and severity of deep acne scars.
How does TCA Cross Treat Acne Scars?
Treatment starts at $400
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TCA Cross
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Treatment starts at $400 〰️ TCA Cross 〰️
TCA Cross presents a targeted solution for addressing ‘pitted’ or ‘ice-pick’ acne scars. By precisely applying Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) directly to each scar, our accredited doctors administer these potent acids with precision, leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. This targeted resurfacing response triggers collagen production and enhances dermal volume, ultimately leading to the scar rising up and closing.
Is TCA Cross effective for acne scars?
At Aesthetic Studio Clinic, we have achieved remarkable success in treating facial acne scars, particularly atrophic ice-pick scars, and enlarged or open pores utilising this technique. The number of required applications varies, typically spanning 2 to 6 courses of treatment. Encouragingly, studies indicate that over 90% of acne scar cases treated with TCA Cross demonstrate notable improvement after 3 to 6 sessions.
What to expect from a TCA Cross treatment?
The TCA Cross acne scar approach is characterised by its safety and minimal complications. Transient pigmentation and minor scabbing are normal during the healing process, which generally resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. In contrast to traditional full-face chemical peels or laser resurfacing, the recovery period is typically expedited.
To achieve the best results and minimise risks such as chemical burns, extended healing periods, or pigment irregularities, it’s imperative to entrust your treatment to experienced doctors who perform the procedure under magnification using specialised medical-grade instruments, ensuring precise application and expert care for optimal outcomes.
“Frosting” effect of TCA CROSS Treatment
The skin undergoes a healing process and frosting occurs, whereby treated acne scars become white. This natural reaction is temporary and will subside as TCA CROSS helps to denature the proteins in the deeper layers of the skin where scarring occurs.
How is TCA CROSS performed?
After cleansing and priming the skin, Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) is applied very precisely into each ‘pitted’ acne scar with a special applicator. The TCA CROSS treatment is exclusively administered by our team of licensed aesthetic doctors to ensure that your well-being is safeguarded throughout the treatment process.
Side effects of TCA Cross treatments may include:
White “frosting” on treated acne scars, which disappears in 20 to 30 minutes
Temporary redness that lasts for several hours, and an ointment is applied at regular intervals for the first week to aid in the skin’s healing process
IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME ASSOCIATED WITH TCA CROSS?
Downtime is minimal, and it typically takes 3-6 days for most of our patients to heal
Sun avoidance and use of sun protection are strongly advised, especially during healing periods
Before & After Photos of TCA CROSS
As dictated by Ministry of Health in Singapore, we are not allowed to publish ‘before’ and ‘after’ images of aesthetic treatments. If you are interested in seeing the full before-and-after results please provide us with your name and email below, and we will send the images to your email address.
Frequently Asked Questions about TCA CROSS
Is TCA Cross more effective than lasers for acne scars?
Yes, TCA CROSS is an acne scar treatment with high success rates, and is particularly suited for individuals with deep, atrophic pitted, ice-pick scars. This specialised technique precisely targets acne scarring at its root, addressing the hidden layers beneath the skin’s surface. Laser resurfacing, on the other hand, proves beneficial for milder acne scar cases.
For significant improvements in your skin quality, our aesthetic doctors may recommend a personalised treatment plan that varies from individual to individual, combining TCA CROSS and Laser Resurfacing. By integrating these approaches, we aim to comprehensively treat acne scars and enhance overall skin texture, delivering the optimal outcome you desire.
Who is suitable for TCA Cross treatments?
TCA Cross can be used on all skin types, regardless of whether you are fair-skinned or dark-skinned, oily or dry skin, or younger or older skin types. It can be used on all types of acne scars, and it is particularly useful for treating “ice-pick” or pitted acne scars, which is the most common form of acne scar in Singapore.
Depending on the severity of your acne scar, TCA CROSS can be used effectively as a single method of treatment for mild to moderate acne. But more often, it is used in combination with other treatments such as laser resurfacing, selective scar excision or subcision, in the course of the acne scar treatment to improve overall skin texture for optimal results.
If you are interested in our TCA CROSS Acne Scar treatment, please do not hesitate to schedule a skin consultation here with our aesthetic doctors to find out more.
Do TCA Cross treatments for acne scars hurt?
Patients with acne scar conditions have feedback that the TCA CROSS treatment is relatively painless. There may be slight discomfort, mostly described as a “biting sensation” when the chemical is applied — however this lasts only for a few minutes. During the healing phases, there is no discomfort or pain.
How many treatments are required to see results?
TCA Cross can take one to several treatments depending on the severity of your acne scars. Our TCA CROSS acne scar treatments have consistently delivered an average of 30% improvement in acne scars in each single session. For optimal outcomes, we recommend a course of 2-6 treatments for permanent results on acne scar recovery.
Please note that a 4 to 6-week interval between treatments is required to allow for skin healing, collagen remodelling and rejuvenation.
Studies & Reports about TCA CROSS
The efficacy of TCA CROSS treatments have been proven effective in multiple clinical studies and peer-reviewed journals, establishing its efficacy in treating different types of acne scars:
An Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of CROSS Technique with 100% TCA in the Management of Ice Pick Acne Scars. Deepali Bhardwaj and Niti Khunger. Journal Cutaneous Aesthetic Surgery 2010 May-Aug; 3(2): 93–96.
This Study reported the TCA CROSS technique as 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 this study, using physician’s clinical assessment, photographic evaluation and patient’s feedback, more than 70% improvement was seen in eight out of ten patients evaluated and good results (50 – 70% improvement) were observed in the remaining two patients. No significant side effects were noted.Focal treatment of acne scars with trichloroacetic acid: chemical reconstruction of skin scars method. Lee JB, Chung WG, Kwahck H, Lee KH. Dermatological Surgery. 2002 Nov;28(11):1017-21; discussion 1021.
One of the original research studies on the TCA CROSS technique, this study demonstrated good satisfaction rates in the 65% TCA and 100% TCA treatment groups, with no cases of significant complication. Patient treatment data indicated good clinical response in 82% of the patient group using 65% TCA, and 94% of patients in the group using 100% TCA. All patients in the 100% TCA group who received five or six courses of treatment showed excellent results.