TCA Cross for Acne Scars
Targeted chemical reconstruction for deep ice pick and boxcar acne scars
Targeted chemical reconstruction for deep ice pick and boxcar acne scars
TCA Cross (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) is a specialized treatment for deep, pitted acne scars - particularly ice pick and boxcar scars. Unlike traditional chemical peels that treat the entire face, TCA Cross uses high-concentration trichloroacetic acid applied precisely to individual scars.
At MedBeautyLA, we use TCA Cross as a targeted solution for stubborn acne scars that don't respond well to other treatments. The high-concentration acid triggers intense collagen production from the base of the scar, literally "filling in" the depression from the bottom up.
Using a tiny applicator, we apply 70-100% TCA directly into each acne scar. This creates controlled injury that:
TCA Cross is most effective for:
30-45 minutes
4+ treatments
3-7 days
50-80% reduction
Treats individual scars without affecting surrounding skin
50-80% improvement in scar depth
Clinical studies show significant scar improvement
30-45 minutes per session
More affordable than laser treatments
Results are permanent once scars are filled
Assess scars and determine if TCA Cross is appropriate
Precise application of TCA to each individual scar
Scabs form and fall off over 3-7 days
Scars gradually fill in over 4-8 weeks
Experienced professionals, medical-grade treatments. Here is what TCA CROSS treats, what to expect during and after each session, and how it fits into a larger acne scar plan.
The high-concentration TCA CROSS technique is a specialized process designed for the safe and effective treatment of "ice pick" acne scars. Ice pick scars are a type of acne scarring that appears as sharp indentations and are widest at the skin's surface.
The TCA CROSS treatment is only applied to atrophic (indented) acne scars. The treated area, and only the treated area, will peel and regenerate over the next several days. This leads to the reconstruction of skin scars, which is where the name comes from: Chemical Reconstruction Of Skin Scars.
The process itself is extremely tolerable and takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the number of treatment sites. You will experience scabbing and flaking of the treatment sites within several days of the procedure.
For more extensive scarring, TCA CROSS can be paired with other treatments in an extended plan. A sample schedule looks like this:
Your provider will adjust the plan to your scars at your consultation. If you'd rather book a set program, our Acne Scar Bootcamp combines microneedling, ResurFXâ„¢ laser treatments and the SaltFacialâ„¢ with full-size home care, and TCA CROSS can be added alongside it.
At-home skin care is a mandatory part of an extended acne scar plan. Your routine may include an antioxidant serum, SkinBetter AlphaRet® Overnight Cream and Senté® Dermal Repair moisturizer, to support your skin between treatments.
You'll feel a brief stinging or burning sensation when the acid is applied to each scar - it lasts only seconds. Most patients tolerate it well without numbing. The discomfort is very brief and worth it for the dramatic results!
Treated scars will turn white (frost) immediately, then darken over 24 hours. Small scabs form and fall off naturally in 3-7 days. During this time, avoid picking at scabs and keep the area moisturized. Redness fades over 1-2 weeks.
Because several rounds of treatment are necessary in order to obtain results, TCA must be administered at least four times on the same area, with sessions spaced approximately two weeks apart. Deep scars may require more sessions. Each treatment builds on the previous one, gradually filling the scar from the bottom up.
Yes! TCA Cross works beautifully with microneedling, subcision, and laser treatments. We often create combination protocols for comprehensive acne scar improvement, using different treatments for different scar types.
TCA Cross can be used on all skin types, but darker skin tones have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We take extra precautions and may use lower concentrations for darker skin to minimize this risk.
A TCA peel is applied to the entire face and typically contains between 10% and 30% trichloroacetic acid, for overall texture improvement. The TCA CROSS treatment uses a much higher concentration (70-100% TCA) and is only applied to atrophic acne scars, for dramatic depth reduction. They're completely different treatments!
A TCA Cross session for a small area is $625. Larger areas are quoted at your consultation, once your provider has counted the scars to treat.
Book your TCA Cross consultation and discover how this targeted treatment can transform your skin