TCA is short for Trichloroacetic acid. TCA is a medium to deep chemical peel that has been used extensively to treat scars, wrinkles and photoaging.

The Cross technique uses high-concentration TCA to denature the proteins at the deeper layers of the skin where scar tissue is found. This process stimulates collagen synthesis, skin thickening and a resultant improvement in your acne scar appearance.

Cross TCA is an effective treatment for atrophic scars such as:

• Ice pick scars
• Boxcar scars
• Rolling scars

• Avoid sun and tanning beds for four weeks prior to treatment.
• Stop using three to seven days before treatment: an exfoliant, retinol (vitamin A cream), hormone cream and hydroquinone.
• Stop taking blood thinners seven days before treatment (consult with your doctor if this is possible).
• If you suffer from an active cold sore, you should not be treated and should wait until the cold sore is completely healed.
• Botox and/or filler treatments may be performed up to two weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid facial treatments two to four weeks before treatment, such as strong chemical peels, micro-needling and CO2 laser
• In case of symptoms such as fever or flu, you will not be treated.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the treatment cannot be performed.

An applicator is used to apply the TCA within the base of the selected scar tissue. The treated area will turn white (frost), which signals that the proteins in the skin are being denatured. You may feel a warm sensation, but the procedure is well tolerated for most individuals. This process is repeated to treat each scar individually.

The frosting (white areas) will remain for up to 12 hours, and the surrounding skin will appear red and swollen for up to 24-48 hours. A scab will develop in a few days, which typically falls off within 3-7 days. It is important not to pick at the scab to allow healing and prevent further scarring.

• For the first 24 hours after treatment, do not do anything to the skin, and do not wash or apply cream unless otherwise advised.
• For the first 48 hours, you should avoid heat sources such as sauna, swimming pool and intense exercise.
• You should not wear makeup for the first 48 hours after treatment. Medical makeup, such as Oxygenetix, may be allowed if necessary.
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase every other day.
• Do not use scrubs and peels for the first two weeks after treatment.
• For the first three to seven days, do not use intensive, exfoliating products with acids in them, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid and do not use retinol and hydroquinone.
• You should not scratch/pull at the scabs and/or peels.
• After treatment, it is important to care for the skin with a restorative cream, such as Alhydran, to promote the healing process and allow the skin to heal more beautifully. Alhydran can be applied two to three times daily and can be purchased at the clinic.
• During the treatment process, it is important to avoid direct sunlight on the skin and tanning beds. It is essential to use daily sun protection with at least SPF50.