TCA CROSS

It is commonly used for ice pick and box-car scars and sometimes to treat dilated pores.

It is generally performed at 4-6 weekly intervals and on average 4-6 treatments are required.

It depends on how many scars are being treated so you will need a consultation to determine this. It doesn’t take a long time but sometimes this treatment is combined with others for acne scarring.

Sun cream is highly recommended both before and after the treatment to avoid increased pigmentation. If you have a darker skin type, you may (in addition to suncream) be asked to use depigmenting agents in the weeks leading up to the treatments and in between treatments, to reduce the chance of this complication.

Your clinician will clean the skin and then apply the acid using a fine pointed implement such as a toothpick, blunt wooden stick or needle. The end point is when the scar turns white (frosting). You will feel a slight pressure or a tingling or burning sensation, but it is not particularly painful. NO dressings are applied, and we may simply put an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment.

The skin around the treated sites will be red and sore for up to 48 hours.

Yes, but as mentioned above, darker skin types may need some pre-treatment.

Complications are unusual but may include: Prolonged irritation and redness. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (usually transient) and more rarely hypopigmentation (which unfortunately may be permanent). Damage to adjacent skin or mucosal surfaces (for this reason it is important to keep the eyes closed during the procedure. Inadequate response. Scars can paradoxically widen and become bigger. Infection is always possible once the skin barrier is breached.