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d westsidedermatology
wwestsidedermatology
specialist skin care and skin cancer centre

specialist skin care and skin cancer centre

TCA CROSS CHEMICAL PEELS FOR ACNE SCARS

Acne scar specialists at the Brisbane Specialist Acne Clinic perform a technique of
chemical peels to treat deep acne scars. Deep ice pick scars respond poorly to Fraxel/
Lasers however they can be addressed with TCA peels or surgical techniques.

Facts on TCA cross chemical peels and acne scars

Deep acne scars can be very difficult to treat and do
not respond to laser treatments
TCA Cross method does not treat the full face, rather
the acne scars themselves are treated
In specialist hands, results are excellent. Patients will
require two to three treatments for best outcomes
Treatment with the TCA cross method is virtually
painless and recovery is quicker than with laser
treatment.

How does the TCA cross chemical peel work for acne
scars?
TCA applied at a very high concentration stimulates
collagen formation from the base of a deep ice pick scar.
This collagen formation is gradual, and over 2-3 treatments,
scars fill up from the depths of the pick scar.

How is TCA cross performed?

Scars are mapped and photographed before any treatment.
This provides a record for both patients and the treating
Dermatologist. Under sterile conditions in a procedural
room, the treating Specialist uses an applicator to instill
a tiny amount of TCA into the base of the scar. Each scar
is treated individually. On average it take between 10-20
minutes to perform a session of TCA cross. The procedure
itself is very well tolerated, with little discomfort.

How long will I take to recover from TCA cross chemical

peels?
Immediately following TCA cross, the treated skin turns
white. Over a few hours, the area becomes much redder
than the surrounding skin. Pin point areas surrounding
the treated area may peel over the next 3 - 4 days. The
skin slowly returns to its normal colour over 8 - 21 days. In
darker skin patients, pigmentation changes maybe more
prolonged. It is essential that sun exposure is avoided for at
least 2 weeks following a TCA chemical peel.

How many treatments will I need?

As with many other acne scar treatments, multiple sessions
are advised for the best results. As a guide we encourage
patients to complete 2-3 sessions, over a period of 3-6
months. Very deep scars can be treated with surgical
techniques during the time of TCA Cross, whilst laser can
also be conducted during the procedure. Individualized
treatments will give the best results.

How much will my acne scars improve with TCA cross?

As a guide we should aim for at least 50 - 70% improvement
of deep ice pick scars after a series of 2 - 3 TCA cross
chemical peels. Scar specialists do not recommend Fraxel/
Fractional laser for deep ice pick scars, as TCA peels or
punch surgical excision outperforms lasers in this setting.
Ice pick scars- ideally
treated with TCA cross
and punch surgical
techniques

185 Moggill Road, Taringa 4068

Can lasers be combined with TCA cross?

Yes. Specialists often combine a number of techniques to
give the best possible results to patients. We can combine

www.westderm.com.au

(07) 3871 3437

(07) 3871 1570

wd

d westsidedermatology
wwestsidedermatology
specialist skin care and skin cancer centre

specialist skin care and skin cancer centre

TCA CROSS CHEMICAL PEELS FOR ACNE SCARS contd

subscision, punch excision, punch elevation, laser and TCA

cross in the one session. Remember, most patients will
have a number of different types of scars, and therefore a
combination of treatments will be needed.

Is TCA cross chemical peel safe in dark skin types?

TCA cross can be used to treat acne scars in all skin types.
Darker skin patients may develop slight darkening of the
treated skin (1 - 2mm areas), but this fades over a period
of weeks. Occasionally post treatment darkening may last
a few months. The use of sunscreen after this procedure is
very important.

What is the cost for TCA cross procedure for acne scars?

Ice pick, box car, and linear scars prior to treatment

The cost of this procedure will vary depending on the

complexity of scars and the areas treated.
As a guide

$350 for small areas,

$890 for larger areas.

2-4 treatments are needed for best results.

Medicare rebate does NOT apply to this procedure

Why choose a Specialist for TCA cross treatments for

acne scars?
Trusting a physician who is an expert in acne scar revision
can be daunting for many patients. Remember, there are
many types of acne scars, in different skin types. Cosmetic
and laser dermatologists are equipped with training,
expertise and the latest technology to deliver the best
results to their patients.

Deep ice pick scars respond poorly to Fraxel/ Fractional lasers. TCA cross is
the treatment of choice for deep scars like this.

185 Moggill Road, Taringa 4068

After 2 sessions of punch excision, TCA cross, subscision treatments

SPECIALIST INSIGHTS ON
TCA CROSS CHEMICAL PEELS FOR ACNE SCARING
TCA cross is my favored method
of treating deep ice pick scars.
I often combine a few methods
including punch excision and
punch grafting with TCA cross in
this situation. Fraxel and other
Fractional lasers have minimal
impact on deep ice picks. I
always reinforce to patients that
multiple techniques are needed
Dr Davin S. Lim
for the best results. Very rarely
Consultant
do patients present with only
Dermatologist
one type of acne scar- a multiple
Westside Dermatology
treatment approach works best!
Group

www.westderm.com.au

(07) 3871 3437

(07) 3871 1570