Should you only allow a dermatologist to perform TCA cross or is it okay to have it done by a plastic surgeon?

Question

I have been looking to get TCA cross (100%) and a lot of PS reffer you to an aethetician that works on sight. I am not sure about having someone without a medical background doing suck a procedure on my ice pick or box car scars.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Not to take anything away from my plastic surgery colleages, but derm surgeons are the ones with the most training in peels of all types.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The short answer to your question is that the TCA CROSS Technique was, to the best of my knowledge, both developed, perfected, and promulgated by dermatologists and largely published in the dermatologic literature, in fact. I personally have been performing it for about twenty years. But, perhaps far more important than who developed and perfected the technique are the issues of who should currently be performing this procedure and for what indications it is best suited. For one thing, since it involves a very potent acid in extremely high concentrations, it should be performed only by an experienced, board certified aesthetic PHYSICIAN and not an non-medical aesthetician, even if done within the context of a physician's office. Furthermore, it is best reserved for treating ice pick (pit) scars and enlarged pores and not for boxcar scars. Hope this information helps. Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend seeing a board-certified doctor for the application of TCA cross. Keep in mind, a combination approach will give the most improvement to these types of scars. These types of scars need a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, Cosmelan, TCA cross, punch excision and fillers. It will take a series of treatments and may need life-long treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Barry Ginsburg, MD · Answer

100% TCA is a very serious procedure and should only be perfirmed by an experienced physician that would be a dermatologist or plastic surgeon

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

For this strength of TCA, I do recommend either plastics or dermatologist, depending on their level of training. Acne scar revision is a sub specialist field, so see a specialist the specialises in scar revision, rather than a general plastics or dermatologist. You will find resources and help here or on acne.orgAll the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Should you only allow a dermatologist to perform TCA cross or is it okay to have it done by a plastic surgeon?

Answers (5)

Answer: 100% the cross technique

Answer: 100% the cross technique

Answer: Dermatologist of Plastics- depending on training

Answer: Dermatologist of Plastics- depending on training

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Should you only allow a dermatologist to perform TCA cross or is it okay to have it done by a plastic surgeon?

Answers (5)

Answer: 100% the cross technique

Answer: 100% the cross technique

Answer: Dermatologist of Plastics- depending on training

Answer: Dermatologist of Plastics- depending on training

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.