Ice-pick scars and TCA CROSS

TCA CROSS is a spot treatment rather than a peel spread across the whole face. A clinician applies [Trichloroacetic Acid](/materials/trichloroacetic-acid/) into the narrow scar opening, aiming to affect the scar walls while limiting contact with nearby skin. A treated spot may frost, crust, or darken temporarily as it heals. The method is designed for selected ice-pick scars; broad rolling scars, raised scars, active acne, or easily irritated skin may need a different plan.

Use the prescribed cleanser and ointment, leave crusts alone, and protect healing skin from sunlight. Do not apply acid products, scrubs, or picking tools to the treated spots unless your clinician approves them. Review active acne and any tendency toward dark marks before treatment. The complete procedure details are described under [TCA CROSS](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/tca-cross/), but suitability depends on scar depth, skin behaviour, and the clinician’s examination.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or darkening is increasing, or if healing seems stalled. Fever, spreading redness, pus, facial swelling, eye symptoms, or a chemical exposure outside the intended scar needs prompt assessment. Do not repeat the application yourself: concentration, placement, and protection of surrounding skin matter.

Ask whether your scars are suitable, how surrounding skin will be protected, how healing will be managed, when makeup and active skincare can resume, and what alternatives exist.