TCA CROSS paint technique

The word paint describes controlled placement, not a cosmetic layer. After cleansing, the clinician selects individual depressed scars and uses a small applicator to deliver acid to the scar opening. The amount, contact time and location need professional control because nearby healthy skin can also be irritated.

The treated points may briefly whiten, then become red, tender, swollen or crusted. The crust is part of the surface healing response and should not be peeled away. TCA CROSS is intended for selected scar depressions; it may be unsuitable for active infection, irritated skin, some raised scars or scars whose structure requires another treatment.

Tell the clinician about sensitive skin, previous pigment changes, cold sores, keloids, recent tanning, acne medicines and every product used on the area. Follow any instruction to pause irritating skincare before the appointment.

Afterward, touch the area only with clean hands and use the cleanser or healing product advised by the clinic. Avoid picking, scrubbing, waxing, pore strips, swimming and strong heat until you are told the surface is ready. Shade the face and use recommended sun protection once appropriate. Do not repeat the paint application at home or use household acid products.

Ask the clinic to assess increasing pain, warmth, redness, swelling, pus, foul smell, fever, blistering or delayed closure. Seek urgent help if facial swelling affects breathing or vision. Contact the clinic about persistent darkening, lightening or a raised change so it can be distinguished from normal healing.

Ask how the applicator will avoid nearby skin, which scars are being selected, how long to pause active products, when crusts should be expected to shed, and what plan is available if texture or colour remains uneven.