Home » Skin Blog » Medical Cosmetic Treatment » Trichloroacetic Acid Therapy: A New Option for Treating Depressed Acne Scars

When facing skin issues, especially the depressed acne scars left by breakouts, many people seek effective solutions. Today, we want to share with you a highly regarded therapy—Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), a chemical that has surprisingly shown promising results in improving depressed scars.

TCA, or Trichloroacetic Acid, is a widely used chemical in dermatological treatments, available in different concentrations tailored to various needs. Doctors often utilize this therapy to combat acne scars and improve skin smoothness, particularly for ice pick, boxcar, and atrophic acne scars. Today, we will delve into the effects and applications of TCA CROSS and TCA Peel.

TCA CROSS specifically targets depressed acne scars. The treatment works by precisely applying TCA to the depressed areas of acne scars, promoting collagen production in the surrounding tissues. This process not only dissolves the skin’s stratum corneum but also stimulates the regeneration of collagen, gradually softening previously deep scars. For instance, when treating ice pick acne scars, the acidic components of TCA can deeply penetrate the dermis, encouraging the skin’s self-repair mechanisms.

For boxcar and atrophic acne scars, the use of TCA CROSS is equally effective. For larger depressed areas, doctors can apply TCA to specific regions to stimulate collagen growth, filling in the small depressions. However, treating depressed acne scars is an ongoing task, as achieving completely smooth results can be challenging. Some patients may notice a significant difference between the newly formed collagen in the center and the surrounding skin, indicating that additional treatments, such as lasers, may sometimes be necessary for better recovery outcomes.

Regarding potential side effects, if many acne scars are connected, there may be entanglement post-treatment, resulting in wider acne scars. This often surprises first-time patients, but those with more severe acne scars typically experience noticeable improvements. Furthermore, since collagen production relies on inflammatory responses, patients may experience brief redness or swelling post-treatment, usually taking six to twelve months to see the final results.

Another aspect to be cautious about is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly for individuals of East Asian descent, who are at a relatively higher risk. If proper care is not taken, pigmentation issues may persist for an extended period. Therefore, doctors often recommend using whitening products to counteract this issue.

When discussing TCA Peel, this is a skin resurfacing therapy using varying concentrations of TCA to remove aged keratin, addressing issues like photo-aging and enlarged pores. Higher concentrations of TCA can promote the regeneration of epidermal cells, creating a smoother skin texture. However, it is crucial to remember that such therapies must be performed by professionals. Attempting to manage this at home poses significant risks, possibly leading to irreparable damage, so it is vital to seek medical assistance.

The efficacy of trichloroacetic acid is notable in treating depressed acne scars and in anti-aging treatments. However, each patient’s situation is unique, so it is advisable to develop a personalized skincare plan under the guidance of a qualified physician. For those pursuing perfect skin, consider this effective therapy—it could bring you closer to your ideal skin condition!