How To Improve Pitted Scars?

TCA cross,
is the application of highly concentrated Trichloroacetic Acid with a toothpick on the deep scars present on the skin.

It is a technique that was first studied by Dr. Jung Bock Lee ,in Korea. It was meant for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

In this method, trichloroacetic acid is carefully placed into acne scars with a toothpick. It helps to re-organise the dermal structure and stimulate new collagen production.

It lifts up the indented scars back to the normal skin level.

CROSS stands for " Chemical reconstruction of skin scars " using "Trichloroacetic acid ".
It is used to elevate atrophic or depressed scars.

The TCA is applied to each scar which causes some stinging.
This treatment takes 15-30 minutes.
A white frosting of the skin occurs immediately just after applying.
That white frost lasts up to 12 hours which is followed by 1-2 days of redness and soreness.
After 2-3 days, a small scab develops which should be allowed to fall off by itself after 3-7 days without picking.

Subsequent redness takes up to a few weeks to settle.
The darker skin often develops brown discolouration and takes several weeks or even months to resolve.

It is treated with sun avoidance, sunblock and bleaching cream.
It is usually used together with other scar treatments, including surgery, IPL, lasers and radiofrequency.

Common causes of the atrophic scars are : acne and chickenpox.

Facts Related to TCA Cross:

Deep acne scars, such as scars are very difficult to treat and they do not respond to laser treatments.

Recovery From TCA Cross :

Immediately after the TCA cross, the treated skin turns white.
After some hours, the area becomes much redder than the surrounding skin.
Pin-point areas surrounding the treated area get peeled over the next 3-4 days.
The skin slowly starts returning to its normal color within 8-21 days.
In darker skin patients, pigmentation changes can be more prolonged.
It is essential for all the patients to avoid the sun exposure for at least 2 weeks following a TCA Cross chemical peel.

Recovery also depends on the strength of the TCA Cross.
Because a higher concentration means a longer recovery time.

Multiple sessions are required for the best results,
and they can be spaced at least one month apart.
The final outcome of the procedure can usually be seen after several months because collagen production from the procedure is slow and ongoing.

TCA Cross falls in the category of one of the best treatments for acne scars.
The great thing about it is that, it's concentration camp be varied from 50-100% and this offers a custom treatment based upon scar type and skin type.

One treatment can improve the scar by 30-40%.

There are two types of TCA Cross:

1.30% TCA Cross
2.100% TCA Cross
But 30% TCA Cross is more effective than 100% TCA Cross for acne scars.
Doctors determine the percentage strength of TCA cross for each session, in order to achieve the best results for acne scarring.

Treatment with the TCA cross method is well tolerated .
The recovery through it is quicker than that with the laser treatment.
It can be used on all skin types, including darker skin patients also.
It is quite safe and very effective single modality for the treatment of atrophic acne scars .It also has no significant complications.