Facial after TCA Cross?

Question

Hi. I’d like to get a facial, preferably one with dermaplaning, but it doesn’t have to be. Can I do this 2 weeks after a TCA Cross?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! I'm Landry - an aesthetician at Shah Aesthetics, located in both Chicago and Winnetka area. After two weeks, your skin should be close to fully healed (depending on the % used). It is important to understand during this healing phase that your skin may be more reactive/sensitive. Therefore, if your facial consists of dermaplaning, I'd recommend avoiding any additional exfoliation such as a strong enzyme or chemical peel.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

At two weeks after a TCA CROSS treatment, your skin is still in a healing and remodeling phase, so I would be cautious with any facial—especially one that includes dermaplaning.

TCA CROSS works by creating a controlled, deep chemical injury within the scar to stimulate collagen production. Even if the surface looks healed at 1–2 weeks, the new skin is still fragile and more prone to irritation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or even scarring if it is disrupted too early.

A gentle facial (hydrating, no exfoliation, no extractions, no acids) may be reasonable around the 2–3 week mark only if your skin is fully re-epithelialized and not sensitive, but this should be cleared by your treating provider first.

I would avoid dermaplaning at 2 weeks. It is a form of mechanical exfoliation, and performing it too soon can irritate the treated areas and interfere with proper healing. In most cases, I recommend waiting closer to 4–6 weeks before any exfoliating treatments, and sometimes longer depending on your skin response.

For now, focus on gentle skincare, barrier repair, and strict sun protection.

When in doubt, it’s always safest to wait—your final results will be better if healing is not disrupted.

Lisa M. Jukes, MD · Answer

Hi love! 100% you could do same day or in the following 2 weeks. If you have sensitive skin AND going to do a heavy exfoliation, wait the 2 week period. However, if you esthetician or medical provider is going to just "spot treat" with the TCA, you should be in the clear!

Not only will something like a deep pore cleaning facial or diamond glow help clean the skin, but it'll leave a nice canvas for the TCA to attack. I would recommend avoiding any additional scrubs or deep exfoliation treatments if you are planning on treating the whole face with a TCA.  Keep in mind, some purging is normal.

Our favorite combo is a microderm and tretinoin (with spot treat tca) OR tca after a microderm. Again, let your practitioner go over your skin type and if it's something you could handle.

Facial after TCA Cross?

Answers (3)

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