What would help my acne scars? TCA Cross? This has been shattering to my self-esteem (Photo)

Question

This has been shattering to my self esteem and I’m just wondering realistically how much improvement can I get ? I’m willing to travel but I want to know if there is any risk with cross treatment to make the scars worse or wider ?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

TCA CROSS, which I have personally been using to treat ice pick acne scars and dilated pores for over two decades, was developed in South Korea and found to be safe and effective in all skin types. One can reasonably expect a 60-80% overall improvement in appearance of the scars after usually between two to four treatment sessions performed at a minimum of six week intervals between treatment sessions. Unlike chemical peels, which are performed over the broad surface of the skin, TCA CROSS, by contrast, is applied down the inside of the shafts of each individual ice pick scar, hence its safe use even in skin of color. In this day and age when so many venues and medical spas are hawking the latest, relatively expensive laser device that it has just purchased, it may be hard to find a physician experienced in TCA CROSS, so be sure to do your diligence in trying to locate someone with extensive experience with this treatment. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Elizabeth Damstetter, MD · Answer

Hi and sorry to hear you are feeling self-conscious. Your skin is beautiful!Acne scars are complex and usually multiple modalities are necessary to address different scar types. TCA CROSS is best used for truly ice pick scars and needs to be performed with exquisite care to avoid a widened transformation of the scar.Nonablative laser resurfacing, microneedling, PRP, and small amounts of filler can improve boxcar-type scars in darker skin types. Multiple treatments are the rule, and consistent commitment to the treatment course yields the best outcomes.

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question anonymous 17.  Nature has been kind to give you attractive features which are permanent thankfully, however your acne scars are treatable and do not have to be permanent.  Combined with a good medical grade skin care regimen, I would recommend in this order or combination thereof: sublative radiofrequency, Bellafill, microneedling plus platelet rich plasma (PRP), chemical peel series.

What would help my acne scars? TCA Cross? This has been shattering to my self-esteem (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne Scars

Answer: Acne Scars

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What would help my acne scars? TCA Cross? This has been shattering to my self-esteem (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne Scars

Answer: Acne Scars

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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.