TCA Cross for Acne Scars — Process · How Many Sessions · Which Scars
What is TCA Cross · best for deep ice pick scars · the process · how many sessions · included in Clarity's 5,000 baht/session. Acne scar treatment Ratchathewi, near BTS.
“Narrow deep ice pick scars — no laser reaches them, creams don’t help. What now?”
Ice pick scars are the hardest type — narrow, deep, with tough fibrous tissue. The most effective method is TCA Cross — a technique many have heard of but don’t understand. This article covers everything before you decide.
What is TCA Cross?
TCA Cross = Trichloroacetic Acid CROss Scarring technique. Concentrated TCA (70–100%) is applied only to the base of ice pick scars, which:
- Coagulates the protein at the scar base (“frosting”)
- Breaks down old fibrous tissue
- Triggers new collagen to fill in
- Gradually shallows the scar until it’s nearly invisible
TCA Cross works at the cellular level — TCA reaches the scar base deeper than creams or ordinary lasers.
Read more: Acne scar types and Ice pick scars — TCA + PN.
Which scars TCA Cross suits
✅ Works well
- Ice pick (narrow deep) — the classic case
- Narrow deep box scars
- Scars that were lasered but didn’t shallow
⚠️ Less effective
- Rolling scars (wide shallow) — Subcision + MNRF suits better
- Wide box scars — Fractional CO2 + Subcision
❌ Not suitable
- Very shallow scars (< 0.5 mm) · shallow dark marks (use Pico/Vitamin C) · active inflamed skin
The process (step by step)
- Assessment with magnifier + Trica3D Scan (5–10 min) — identify suitable scars
- Cleanse + numb (15–20 min) — lidocaine cream under film
- Apply TCA (10–20 min) — a fine tip touches the scar base 2–3 sec until “frosting” (white) appears
- Aftercare (7–10 days) — don’t pick the scabs (most important!) · SPF50 daily · aftercare cream · avoid scrubs/strong acids 1–2 weeks · avoid strong sun/heavy exercise 3–5 days
Results timeline
| Period | What you see |
|---|---|
| 1–7 days | Small scabs at applied points · don’t pick |
| 7–14 days | Scabs fall off · pinkish skin beneath |
| 4–6 weeks | New collagen fills in · scar starts shallowing |
| 3–6 months | Clear result · can repeat |
Usually 3–6 sessions, 4–8 weeks apart. Expected total: 60–80% improvement for ice pick.
Before TCA Cross — be clear that 1 session won’t cure it · be patient and continue.
Does TCA Cross hurt?
Before: numb 20 min = well numbed. During: a slight sting, like an insect bite, brief (2–3 sec per point). After: warm 1–2 hours, then no pain. Overall — much less than Subcision or Fractional CO2.
Risks · cautions
PIH (if no sunscreen after) · redness (fades in 2–4 weeks) · hypertrophic scar (if too concentrated, rare with a skilled doctor) · infection (if scabs picked). Don’t do it if: active inflamed acne · isotretinoin within 6 months · pregnant/breastfeeding · keloid history.
At Clarity — included in 5,000 baht/session
TCA Cross is included in the 5,000 baht/session (with Subcision + MNRF + Laser) · no counting points · aftercare cream included · Dr. Big treats personally.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can TCA Cross treat rolling scars? A: Not ideal — rolling scars are too wide for TCA · use Subcision + MNRF.
Q: TCA 70% vs 100% — difference? A: 100% is deeper, faster, but higher dark-mark risk · most use 80–100%.
Q: Do I still need Subcision after TCA Cross? A: In mixed cases — TCA + Subcision + MNRF in the same day.
Q: What’s the typical price? A: Some clinics charge per point (200–500 baht × 20–50 points = 4,000–25,000) · Clarity = one price, 5,000/session, all included.
Q: Where can I consult or do TCA Cross near BTS? A: At Clarity Clinic Ratchathewi, near BTS Ratchathewi (1-min walk), easy to reach from Siam, Phaya Thai, all of Bangkok — Dr. Big assesses and treats in person, free 30-min consult.
Summary
TCA Cross = the most effective method for ice pick scars · a 60–80% improvement in 3–6 sessions · choose a skilled doctor and treat consistently.
Contact:
- LINE: @clarityclinic — send a photo of your acne scars for Dr. Big to review
- Location: Spring Tower, B Floor · Ratchathewi, near BTS (Siam, Phaya Thai, all Bangkok)
- Free 30-minute consult with Dr. Big in person
- Price 5,000 baht/session including all main procedures + aftercare cream · pay per session, no course packages
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