TCA CROSS

TCA CROSS stands for Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scarring. It is used to improve the appearance of poral like scars and acne scars that are either ice pick, punch out or box like.

What does TCA do?

The TCA concentration used can vary from 80-100% and multiple treatment sessions are necessary for optimal results.  In darker skin types, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is common, but this will resolve after some time.

The treated scars may look slightly worse when the scabs fall off and this may sometimes be the case at the beginning. One treatment generally improves the scar by 20-40%. But we are unlikely to achieve complete scar removal with this treatment method alone.

Frequently Asked Questions about TCA Cross

How is a typical treatment like?

TCA CROSS is well tolerated and is generally done without any anesthesia. A test treatment is advisable before we embark on full face treatment.

After applying the TCA, the skin turns frosty white just in the small treated area. 2-4 days later, tiny scabs would form over the treated area and the time frame varies from person to person. After about 5-7 days, the scabs will fall off.

There will be redness, which will last a few weeks. Some small scars or dilated pores can be completely gone after a single CROSS. The multiple tiny scars will be gradually filling in over the ensuing weeks.

TCA CROSS treatment is often repeated at 30-60 days apart and 5 sessions or more are recommended.

    What can I expect?

    The treated scars may look slightly worse when the scabs fall off and this may sometimes be the case at the beginning. One treatment generally improves the scar by 20-40%. But we are unlikely to achieve complete scar removal with this treatment method alone.

      Risk of TCA CROSS

      Generally, TCA CROSS is a safe procedure; however, minor issues and complications as follow can sometimes occur:

      • Prolonged local irritation and redness
      • Infection – Small risk of wound infection which can be minimized with the use of antibiotic ointment.
      • Abnormal healing of the wound – Rarely, in some pre-disposed people, healing of the wound may be abnormal
      • Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (usually transient) or hypopigmentation (may be permanent)
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          Dr. Wong Soon Tee

          Consultant Dermatologist
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          Dr. Wong Soon Tee

          Consultant Dermatologist

          Care and Professionalism Refined by
          Over 30 Years of Dermatology Experience

          • MBBS, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
          • MRCP. Member of Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom
          • FAMS, Fellow of Academy of Medicine, Singapore
          • Adjunct Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore
          • Visiting Consultant, University Dermatology Division, National University Hospital
          • Visiting Consultant, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre, National University Hospital

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