Would a TCA peel help smooth texture from shallower pitted acne scars that are improving from microneedling?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

This is difficult to answer without pictures. Yes, TCA cross can help improve pitted scars, but a combination approach would give the most improvement with lasers, microneedling/prp, TCA cross, punch excision, Cosmelan 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

Yes, depending on the depth of the scars, we can either do focal TCA CROSS treatments or if the depth are shallow box car- v vvv shallow ice pick, then an old fashioned Jessners-TCA at 35% can help. Having said that if you have olive skin, the chances of PIH will be higher, so see someone who work on skin of colour. Pre-prep of your skin maybe needed. Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.