WHAT IS TCA CROSS?
TCA CROSS is short for the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This is distinct from a full face peel as it is used only in targeted pores and scars.
The TCA CROSS procedure involves depositing small amounts of TCA at high concentrations (70–100%) onto the surface of the scars. This causes a local inflammatory reaction that leads to the formation of new collagen fibres. Over time, this improves the appearance of scars, making them less deep with reduced shadowing.
TCA CROSS FOR ACNE SCARS
TCA CROSS is useful in the following types of atrophic scar:
- Rolling acne scars
- Ice-pick acne scars
- Boxcar acne scars
“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.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
Your doctor will clean your face, protect your hair, and cover your eyes with ointment, gauze, tape or goggles.
DURING THE PROCEDURE
Your doctor will use a brush, cotton ball, gauze or sponge to apply a chemical solution. The treated skin will begin to whiten. You might feel mild stinging while the chemical solution is on your skin.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
After a chemical peel, your skin may be red, tight, irritated, or swollen. Apply any post-treatment balms as instructed as these are prescribed to aid in the healing process. It is also recommended to use sun protection and to avoid prolonged sun exposure as well as to avoid using any potentially harsh products on the skin for at least a few days.
An Overview of TCA Cross Price (Targeted for Scars / Pores) | |
---|---|
Treatment Duration | 10 Minutes |
Recommended Sessions | 3-6 Sessions |
Recommended Interval | 4-6 weeks |
Recovery Time | 5-7 Days |
TCA Cross Price | From $200 |
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
DOES TCA CROSS ACTUALLY WORK?
When used correctly, TCA CROSS is moderately effective for atrophic acne scars. Patients may expect a 1 to 2-grade improvement in their acne scars over a 6-month period. Greater levels of patient satisfaction are associated with more severe pre-treatment scarring
FAQ
It is recommended to avoid any exfoliation or peels, harsh skincare products such as AHA, BHA, retinoids, whitening creams and vitamin C for the next 3-5 days.
Generally, make-up can be applied following chemical peels. However, subsequent removal should be done gently to prevent further irritation.
It is especially important to ensure that makeup is completely removed and not left on overnight.
Prolonged sun exposure is not recommended as your healing skin is more susceptible to UV damage and may disrupt its recovery.
If sun exposure is inevitable, a good sunscreen should be applied and reapplied every 2-4 hours.
Dry and flaking skin is a common and often expected side effect of chemical peels. This will naturally settle down as the treated skin falls off on its own.
There is no need to further exfoliate or to physically remove any peeling skin. However, a good moisturiser can help to mitigate the appearance of flaky skin until this fully resolves.
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IMAGO AESTHETIC CLINIC SINGAPORE
AMK HUB CLINIC #03-26B
Call: (+65) 6481 1806
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IMAGO AESTHETIC CLINIC SINGAPORE
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Call: (+65) 6334 2293
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