TCA Cross chemical peel - acne scars

A through examination and map of your skin is made by a Specialist prior to any scar revision. Scars sites are assessed, and photographed.  Your Dermatologist will then discuss various options for each type of scarring. Assessment, planning and a comprehensive discussion of procedures is the initial step.

The TCA cross procedure is performed by a Specialist Dermatologist trained in this technique. Using an applicator, TCA is injected into the base of the deep acne scar. The procedure is very well tolerated, with minimal discomfort and takes between 5-15 minutes to perform. We generally recommend 2-3 treatments, spaced 8 weeks apart.

We often combine several types of treatments for acne scarring in the one sitting. Shallow scars and rolling scars are best treated with Fractionated lasers/ Fraxel, deeper scars such as ‘ice-pick’ acne scars are best treated with TCA cross or punch excision.

Recovery from TCA cross is quick, and painless. The treated areas are initially white for several hours, there after turning red for several days. Each treated area (1-2mm) will remain red for 3-4 days, then shed or peel. Full recovery is expected within 5-7 days, however the residual redness may take a week or two to fully recover. Sun protection is essential during this recovery period.

The majority of skin types can be safely treated with TCA cross, however in darker skin types, such as Asian, Middle Eastern or Latino skin the risk of post treatment darkening will increase. This means, treated areas maybe darker than the surrounding skin for weeks to months. The use of sunscreen and a bleaching cream can reduce this incidence. Your Specialist will discuss this with you after examining your skin type.

$350 (Small areas) - $ 750 (multiple large areas)

2-4 treatments are recommended for optimal results.

This procedure is considered Cosmetic and NOT covered under Medicare/ Private Health insurance.

Trusting a physician to revise scars can be daunting form many patients as acne scars can be a complex mixture of scar types.  Laser trained and procedural dermatologist are best equipped with expertise and the latest technology to give optimal results to our patients. At Westside Dermatology, all treatments are performed by our highly qualified Dermatologists, so you can be sure that you are in experienced hands.

Call us directly on 07 3871 3437 to make an appointment, or to discuss issues regarding the referral process.

Enquire about TCA cross chemical peels

moreDr. Davin S. Lim

Dr Davin S. Lim, Consultant Dermatologist

TCA Cross is a simple, effective and safe method that is ideally suited for deep acne scars. Even with the event of complex lasers such as Fraxel and Fractional lasers, TCA still plays an important role for the revision of ‘ice pick scarring.’ Acne patients often have several types of scars including rolling scars, ice-pick scarring, box scars, and bound scars. Optimal treatment involves combing treatments such as Lasers, subscision, TCA chemical peels and punch excision for the best results.