TCA CROSS is the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). It is used as an outpatient clinic procedure to treat atrophic acne scars. Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition and may result in atrophic, hypertrophic or keloid scars. Acne scars can cause significant psychological distress and social impact.
The TCA CROSS procedure involves depositing small amounts of TCA at high concentration (80–90%) onto the surface of the atrophic scar. This causes a local inflammatory reaction leading to the formation of new collagen fibres. The aim is to improve the appearance of the scar by increasing collagen reflectance and reducing shadows cast over scar depressions. Complete resolution is unlikely to be achieved with this treatment method alone and may be combined with other acne scar treatments.
The decision to perform TCA CROSS depends on:
- The type and severity of acne scarring
- Patient preference and expectations
- Clinician experience and expectations
TCA CROSS is useful in the following types of atrophic scar:
- Boxcar acne scars
- Ice-pick acne scars
How is TCA CROSS performed?
TCA CROSS is technically straightforward to perform and can be undertaken in a matter of minutes, depending on the number of scars to be treated.
- The patient should be in a comfortable semi-recumbent position and remain still during the procedure.
- The skin is cleansed with chlorhexidine/saline soaked gauze.
- A fine blunt end-point instrument (such as a tooth-pick) is dipped into TCA and the excess is removed.
- TCA is focally applied to the base of the atrophic scar.
- The instrument is removed at the start of frosting of the skin surface (usually within 10 seconds).
- The procedure is repeated for appropriate remaining scars.
- The skin is intermittently cleansed using saline/chlorhexidine soaked gauze.
Post-treatment instructions:
- Frosting of the scar surface will last for few hours
- The skin around the treated sites will be red and sore for 24 to 48 hours
- After 2 to 3 days a small scab will develop, which falls off after 3 to 7 days
- He or she may wash as normal, and may apply make-up if desired
- Sunscreen is recommended to reduce the chance of pigmentation
Most patients require 3 to 6 treatments with TCA CROSS for optimial improvement. Treatments may be repeated at 4 week intervals over 6 months.
Complications of TCA CROSS
TCA CROSS is generally well tolerated . Complications are not common but may include:
- Prolonged local irritation and erythema
- Damage to mucosal surfaces, ie lip, nostril, conjunctiva or cornea (eye) leading to painful ulceration and potential scarring, if TCA is inadvertently deposited on these sites
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmention (usually transient) or hypopigmentation (may be permanent)
- Coalescence of adjacent scars to form larger scars
- Sub-optimal response or lack of improvement in scarring
Treatments that can be combined with TCA CROSS for acne scars include:
- Topical retinoids
- Microneedling — Dermapen
- Fractional laser treatment (Fraxel, Fractional Co2 laser)
- Subcision
What is the outcome following TCA CROSS?
TCA CROSS is moderately effective for atrophic acne scars. Patients may expect a moderate improvement in their acne scars over a 6-month period.
Greater levels of patient satisfaction are associated with more severe pre-treatment scarring.