Is TCA Cross in low percentage effective?

Question

is tca cross in low percentage (10-20%) effective for acne scars? (ice pick, boxcar and rolling). i'm ok with doing more sessions if the results are minimal because of the percentage but the professional i found said she only does it that way. i'm scared i'm just wasting money and time if it's not effective at all. thank you very much.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Traditional TCA CROSS, which I have personally been performing for over twenty-two years is best suited for ice pick scars, dilated pores and the most narrow-based of boxcar scars. It is not intended for ordinary, broader-base boxcar scars, and rolling scars. In fact, it may even widen them. The concentrations of TCA used for CROSS may range from 80% to 100%, the traditional concentration used for many years and the one I personally prefer. Concentrations of 10-20% are used for mild superficial peeling of the skin and not for deep ice pick scars, in which the very high concentrations of the TCA are placed down the shafts of the pick scars and dilated pores and NOT on the surface of the skin. Such low concentrations are unlikely to do much for treating true ice pick scars. You would be wise to make sure that you are consulting a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with expertise in acne scar treatments. Best of luck.

James Shire, MD · Answer

TCA peels will not improve or be of benefit for acne scarring. TCA would be a waste of time and money.
Please consult with an experienced facial plastic surgeon to discuss your treatment options.

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Is TCA Cross in low percentage effective?

Answers (2)

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