TCA cross for acne scarring

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

TCA cross stands for trichloroacetic acid chemical reconstruction of skin scars. It was a technique that was first studied in Korea by Dr. Jung Bock Lee for the treatment of atrophic (indented) acne scarring.
The method involves applying high concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) into acne scars with a wooden applicator (a toothpick!). The acid induces new collagen and elastin production to help lift up the indentations in the skin.
A total of 64 patients were studied , 32 of which were treated with 65% TCA, and 32 were treated with 100% TCA. There were no complications in the 64 people studied, and a noticeable improvement was seen with all the treatments.There was no associated downtime with the treatments found in this study.

We are now offering this treatment at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute for those who have indented acne scars or ‘ice pick’ scarring.