What should you know about TCA CROSS acid?

Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, is a chemical that coagulates proteins in skin and creates a controlled wound. In TCA CROSS, the clinician uses a fine applicator to place the acid in an individual scar rather than treating all surrounding skin. Healing can encourage new collagen and soften the appearance of some narrow depressed scars over time.

The acid is not a household exfoliant. Concentration, contact time, placement, and the number of scar points must be judged in person. Unwanted spread can injure healthy skin and increase the chance of prolonged redness or colour change.

Share your skin-care routine and medical history, including retinoids, active acne, dermatitis, infections, cold sores, pigment changes, and any tendency to form raised scars. Attend with clean skin if the clinic requests it, and do not apply a self-selected acid beforehand.

Afterward, follow the exact wound-care plan. Keep the points dry or covered as directed, leave crusts alone, avoid swimming and intense heat while they are open, and protect healing skin from sunlight. Restart active products only with clinical approval.

Arrange prompt assessment for spreading redness, worsening pain, pus, fever, extensive blistering, or skin that remains open longer than expected. Report severe colour change or a firm raised scar. Get urgent help if swelling affects vision, the eye, or breathing.

Ask why TCA CROSS fits your scar pattern, how the acid will be controlled, which medicines or products need pausing, and what normal healing should look like day by day.