TCA CROSS

Traditionally TCA has been used to treat ice-pick scars, however our group has published new research on using a modified technique called TCA Paint to treat boxcar scars, linear & undifferentiated polymorphic scars. 

This technique is now practiced by dermatologists in Australia & internationally.

Yes, appropriate scar types can be totally erased with TCA. The number of sessions depends

on the depth of the scar & your expectations. 

It’s hard to match your scar pattern for an optimal treatment. Let our experienced nurses help you. They offer a FREE* consultation service & have over 6 years of experience in acne scar revision. 

If you have complex acne scars, book to see one of our dermatologists at Cutis, consultation fees apply. 

*T&C applies. 

No, we use local numbing gel prior to the procedure. At most, pain is a 2/10…& that’s only for 10 seconds. 

Skin heals painlessly over the next few days after the procedure.

Healing is predictable with TCA & goes like this-

• First 30 minutes; white dots
• First 3 days. Open erosions the size of the scar treated
• 3-6 days. Crusts over
• 6+ days, fully healed

Redness & post inflammatory hyperpigmentation takes 2-8 weeks to fully settle.

Sunscreen/makeup can be worn on day 6.

2 to 5+, depending on the following factors-

• Depth of your scars
• Width of your scars
• Your skin type, darker skin types, lower concentration, more treatments
• Combination treatments such as laser can accelerate the results
• The activity of acne, if you have background inflammation, it can double the time needed
• Your skin’s health, namely if you smoke, it may take triple the number of sessions
• Your expectations & goals

• Prices start from $130* per area**. It is super affordable, & in cases of deep ice pick scars THE treatment of choice. *This is performed by our lead nurses at Cutis Dermatology. They have had over 6 years’ experience in this technique. To see if this is the CORRECT treatment for your scars, book a nurse consultation. **Area defined as one cosmetic unit. A cosmetic unit is each cheek, temple, forehead, nose. Discounts apply for multiple cosmetic areas treated.

We combine procedures as indicated; this means we target your scar pattern with-

• Lasers; including CO2, erbium, hybrid, non-ablative, pico & vascular
• RF energy devices including Genius, Infini RF
• Subcision
• Excision

Yes, but laser resurfacing is much more effective. Fine spot lasers can deliver the beam to the side walls of scars, whilst micro needling cannot. 

Lasers provide controlled heating, & thus are much more effective at producing collagen.

Side effects are uncommon, but include-

• Infection- rare
• Hypopigmentation- 1 in 10,000 in our hands
• Scar widening- less than 1%
• Post inflammatory pigment changes lasting greater than 2 months

The biggest concern we have is not with the side effects, it is the activity of your acne. 

Procedures work so much better if there is no background inflammation.

Yes, skin types 1-6, namely fair to dark can be treated with this technique. For darker skin types we-

1. Modify the concentration
2. Commence on bleaching creams
3. Modify the application techniques

For darker skin you will have post inflammatory pigmentation for a period of 2-8 weeks. We will warn you of this prior to any treatments. You do have the option of going for a weaker concentration, but this will triple your treatment sessions.

If you are concerned about PIH, we have pico lasers that can efficiently remove pigment within 2-3 sessions. 

TCA is only indicated for certain scar patterns. Scars that are not amenable to this treatment include –

• Rolling scars
• Large volume atrophic scars
• Hypertrophic scars
• PIE, PIH, hypopigmented scars

We use both, but our group has published our findings on TCA. We find it more effective, with a very low side effect rate. Our concentrations vary from 70 to 100 % TCA.

If you have had phenol in the past (mostly US patients from California), & have had good results, we can use this chemical- it’s not a problem if you think this treatment is better for your skin type.