Is TCA Chemical peel effective for acne scars?

Will TCA Chemical peel help improve acne scars? If so, for which types (ice pick, rolling, boxcar) is it most effective?

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6 answers to “Is TCA Chemical peel effective for...”

A: TCA can help with acne scars.

Bryan K. Chen, MD

The appearance of rolling, depressed scars can be improved somewhat with full-face TCA peels - moreso with a 20-30% peels than lighter peels.  Ice-pick and box-car type scars can respond to higher concentrations of TCA (80-100%) applied to the base of these individual scars.  Ice-pick scars also... more

A: TCA and acne scars

Stephen Mandy, MD

No, it does not work; peels are of uniform depth so they cannot be "sculpted' as can dermabrasion and lasers.  They also do not go deep enough, unless they are so strong that they risk depigmentation and scarring.

A: TCA better for discolored scars, resurfacing better for indented scars

Mary Lupo, MD

In my opinion, Fraxel restore, Fraxel Repair, Active/Deep FX, and full dermabrasion are the best for most indented scars. TCA peels work less well for altered architecture, but is excellent for shallow scars and discoloration. Ice pick scars respond poorly to all modalities.

A: Chemical peels is not a very effective treatment for significant acne scarring

Scott Trimas, MD

Chemical peels is not a very effective treatment for significant acne scarring. Chemical peels in general are placed on the surface and penetration is similar in all areas of the scar so their major improvement relies upon improving skin texture. With acne scarring whether it is raised or depressed, the goal... more

A: TCA peels for skin scars

Donn Hickman, MD

The answers in this forum give a superb overview of TCA use for facial acne and other scars. Principally for facial scars that cast shadows because of pigment deep in the pits or recesses, TCA can be helpful in reducing that pigmentation. For the most superficial scars, it may soften the shoulders at the edges... more

A: TCA Peel depends on how bad your acne scarring is

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, It really depends upon how bad your acne scarring is. TCA peels are good medium depth peels. For thick scarring or scarring involving lots of pits, I would move toward a CO2 laser if the skin type was fair enough. You might want to see a good plastic surgeon about this possibility.

Comments

ttz
14 posts
22 Jan 2009

Hi Docs, Thanks for the information. First, can you apply 100% TCA cross on rolling scar? If so, how, since there is no scar base unlike ice-pick? Why is it recommended to use a wooden application and not Q-tip? Second, can a TCA peel be performed at the same time as TCA cross? If not, how long do we need to wait before each treatment whether it is peel-cross or cross-cross and peel-peel? Lastly, can you also improve the collagen rebuilding process from the peel/cross by doing subcision or dermarolling on some deeper scars? Are there any contraindications to these procedures when combined together? Many thanks for your advice.

alexa baynton
unregistered guest

22 Jul 2009

Hello. I need to know how effective the TCA Chemical Peel 30% would be for post acne marks and for ance? Please send answers to my email: babii_bloo@live.com Thank you so much. - Alexa -

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