TCA CROSS Healing Day by Day

TCA CROSS places a controlled application of [Trichloroacetic Acid](/materials/trichloroacetic-acid/) inside selected atrophic acne-scar depressions. A white frosting appearance can occur immediately, followed by brown or darker crusts. The treated dots may feel tender or tight. The surface response is temporary, while scar remodelling continues beyond the visible crust stage.

Healing varies with treatment depth, skin tone, scar pattern, and individual sensitivity. Early colour changes do not predict the final appearance, so comparison should wait until the area has settled.

Follow the written instructions from the clinician who performed [TCA CROSS](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/tca-cross/). Keep the area clean, use only approved ointment or moisturiser, and leave crusts undisturbed. Avoid picking, exfoliating acids, retinoids, waxing, heat exposure, and swimming until the clinician says the surface is ready. Use broad sun protection and physical shade after the skin closes; darker marks can persist when treated skin is exposed to ultraviolet light.

Contact the treating clinic promptly for pain that is escalating rather than easing, spreading redness, increasing warmth or swelling, pus, fever, an unexpected blistering reaction, or crusts that repeatedly bleed. Seek urgent help for facial swelling affecting breathing or vision. Do not apply a new active product to correct colour or texture without an assessment.

Ask which cleanser and ointment to use, when crusts should naturally release, how long to pause active skincare, when makeup is acceptable, and how sun protection should be adapted to your skin tone. Clarify whether another session is appropriate only after the treated areas have fully settled.