“How To Treat Your Pitted Scar with TCA CROSS?” Owning acne-free and glowing skin is everyone’s dream, let alone our beautiful ladies. However, sometimes flawed skin with stubborn pitted acne scars has kept them away from achieving this desire. Therefore, today, in this article, we are going to learn about TCA Cross procedure – a pitted scar treatment that has been widely applied in recent times.
WHAT IS A TCA CROSS?
TCA CROSS is a commonly-known treatment used to get rid of the stubborn pitted acne scars that cause hollow and indented impression in our skin. This is an effective and relatively safe method.
TCA CROSS is the Chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS), using Acid Trichloroacetic (TCA) to improve the atrophic or depressed scars. It is most often used in dermatology as it is inexpensive, safe, and efficient. To be more specific, the TCA CROSS procedure involves a specialized tool depositing a small amount of TCA, depending on skin condition, onto the surface of the depressed scars. This stimulates the formation of new collagen fibers which resultingly lead to skin rejuvenation and filling those pitted scars.
For Asians, their skin tends to be more sensitive to sunshine. That’s why when choosing TCA CROSS, only a low concentration of TCA should be applied to scars to prevent sun exposure that triggers burning as well as melasma.
SUPERIOR BENEFITS OF TCA CROSS FOR PITTED SCAR TREATMENT
TCA CROSS for pitted scar treatment is well-known in cosmetology because of its significant benefits:
- GROSS technique with 100% Acid Trichloroacetic (TCA), is an effective,minimally-invasive method to help reduce and fade those scars that are generally difficult to treat (especially icepick scars), improve the intended impression on the skin surface up to 60-70% compared to the previous condition.
- TCA CROSS has a direct effect on skin cells causing an inflammatory reaction leading to the formation and production of collagen fibers. The aim is to increase the appearance of scars, by that way, reducing atrophic or depressed scars.
- Directly affect the damaged skin to break the scar mechanism, stimulating the skin cells in deeper layers, thus, filling the stubborn pitted scars.
IS TCA CROSS EFFECTIVE FOR DEEP ACNE SCARS?
TCA Cross can be used on most skin types. This technique works well with stably formed scars 1-3mm in size. In case, atrophic scars have not formed stably, or the size is over 3mm, dermatologists do not recommend this procedure.
TCA Cross also works well with ice pick scars, one of the hard-to-treat scars with other normal skin treatment procedures such as laser or collagen restoration. TCA Cross has a deep impact on the roots of ice pick scars with high efficiency, and the scars are healed quickly afterward.
For cases with permanent pitted scars, and long-standing pitted scars, it is necessary to combine with the TCA dot method, treatment measures such as Scar removal, Laser fractional CO2, and Serum GEN 2.0.
The effectiveness of TCA scoring is undeniable. But, for the treatment process to be highly effective, it is necessary to be monitored by specialists in dermatology and cosmetology.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR TCA CROSS?
The cost for TCA Cross will vary, depending on different cosmetic facilities. But, In general, for a pitted scar treatment with TCA CROSS in Ho Chi Minh City, the latest price are ranging from:
- Cosmetic salon: < 3 million VN/ a session
- Cosmetic hospital: around 3 – 8 million VNĐ/ a session
- Dermatology hospital: 4 – 6 million VNĐ/ a session
HOW TCA CROSS IS PERFORMED AT GANGWHOO COSMETIC HOSPITAL
- Step 1: Specialized dermatologist at Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital examine and assess the damaged condition of the patient’s skin, then a suitable treatment procedure, as well as the amount of TCA applied, are prescribed.
- Step 2: The dermatologist will clean the skin area where treatment is conducted, then apply local anesthesia cream 1 hour before applying TCA Cross
- Step 3: Gauze is placed in areas that are not going to be treated. Then, proceed to disinfect the skin areas by using 70-degree alcohol along with sterile saline water.
- Step 4: Use a toothpick or needle to dot TCA into each individual pitted scars
- Step 5: Heal the treated skin areas with cold compresses, or wear a specialized face mask. TCA should combine with other treatments such as Laser Co2 Fractional, scar removal, etc., to bring a better result.
WHICH FACILITY IN HO CHI MINH SHOULD I CHOOSE TO HAVE TCA CROSS?
Gangwhoo Hospital is a prestigious cosmetic hospital facility, leading in the field of skin regeneration and rejuvenation. The hospital has a team of Vietnamese – Korean specialists with professional expertise and many years of experience in the field of cosmetology. Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital has modern facilities and equipment. The price of all skin care services is completely reasonable, making it easy for customers to choose.
The medical team at Gangwhoo always brings satisfaction to customers from even the simplest services. At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, customers are advised step-by-step instructions on skin health and detailed information. Customers are also carefully consulted by a team of doctors to help customers choose the most suitable treatment.
Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital‘s customer service is always available 24/7 to support our valued clients.
DOES TCA CROSS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
When the doctor applies TCA to the pitted scar area, there will be a temporary itching and burning sensation, and this is completely normal. At home, patients need to use medicine as well as follow the skin care instructions prescribed by the dermatologist.
After the treatment, TCA-treated scars start to close and a scab might form and fall off after some days, leaving red marks all over the treated skin. Please note that skin should be avoided from sun exposure to prevent melasma and skin pigmentation.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FROST ON A SCAR WITH TCA CROSS?
Most clients need 3 to 5 TCA sessions for maximum skin improvement. The treatment can be repeated from 2 – 8 weeks. Scars are improved as tissues regenerate, producing new collagen.
SKINCARE ROUTINE AFTER TCA CROSS
1. Follow the skincare instructions of your dermatologist
- Strictly follow skincare routine as dermatologist prescribed.
- No peeling, or picking up the scab to prevent damage to your skin.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30+ SPF for at least 1 month to prevent melasma
- The skin will be darker, we can apply skin bleaching cream.
- Patients can wear make-up a few days after surgery.
- No spa days with a sauna, or sunbathing as well as exfoliator 3 days after TCA Cross
2. Do not use acidic products
- Delay retinoids, tretinoin, or acne-treatment cream: Retin-A, Doxycycline, AHAs,… as after treatment, our skin is extremely sensitive to applying these ingredients.
- Make sure that you are also avoiding direct sun exposure and excessive heat.
- Do not participate in activities that increase body heat and sweat in the first 2-3 days, as sweat can irritate the skin.
3. Follow a good daily diet and resting regimen
- Drink 1,5 – 2 liters of water every day, and have a good and proper diet with fresh vegetables containing vitamin C and fibers,…
- Controlling your emotion, reducing stress as well as avoiding stimulants such as alcohol, cigarettes…
4. Re-examination with dermatologists
- Come to see dermatologists for scheduled re-examination so that the dermatologists can check and monitor the skin condition and promptly handle it in case there are inflammatory problems or any arising problems.
- Please contact your dermatologists if there are any unexpected signs on your skin.
- Do not use any medicine without the dermatologist’s permission. Treatment with TCA may take several months, so patients need to be patient to get the best results.
5. Maintain a healthy daily routine
- Get the recommended 8 hours of sleep to keep your body and skin healthy
- Remove your makeup properly to get rid of dirt and face oils, thus, preventing acne.
- Choose a mask that suits your skin condition
- Apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin
- Avoid touching your face with your hands because hands have a lot of bacteria
- Keep daily items clean such as towels, blankets, pillows, and clothes.
- Use genuine cosmetics that are suitable for your skin.
Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital’s contact information
- Address: 576 – 578 Cong Hoa Street, Ward 13, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Email: info@gangwhoo.com
- ☎Whatsapp: +84 938 788 236
- Website: gangwhoohospital.vn
- Fanpage: facebook.com/GangwhooHospital