How can I help my skin recover after a TCA CROSS tratment?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi,

The key principle in wound healing after skin injury (e.g. after TCA Cross treatment) is to allow the injured skin to heal in a sterile, moisture controlled environment.

The first 7 days after treatment is the most critical period of the wound healing phase.

Practically, this would entail the following key steps:

1. Cleanse the skin gently with a gentle cleanser or normal saline

2. Generous application of prescribed antibiotic ointment (e.g. mupirocin) or an antiseptic (e.g. octenisan gel)

3. Avoid use of any other “usual” topicals (e.g. acne medication, anti-aging creams)

4. Avoid unnecessary touching or picking on the treated skin

5. Avoid using make-up until the treated area has healed completely in about 7-14 days

6. Avoid exposure to harsh environment e.g heat, sun exposure, dusty places

7. Avoid additional aesthetic procedures that may further injure the healing skin during this period

The following steps will also apply to skin wounds caused by any other skin procedures e.g. electrocautery, shave excision, laser skin resurfacing.

Hope this helps!

Similar Questions

What could cause a lack of improvement after TCA CROSS treatment? (photo)

Hi, TCA Cross is a deep chemical peel for acne scars such as deep box-car scars and ice-pick acne scars. Several sessions of TCA Cross might be needed for satisfactory results. How to Get Good Results from TCA Cross for Acne Scars? 1. Optimise your Recovery TCA Cross, like Fractional Resurfacing Lasers (Fractional CO2, Erbium, Pico lasers), improve acne scars by "damaging" your scarred skin in a controlled manner to stimulate healing, thereby improving the appearance of the scars. Your recovery phase is a critical time period. Based on your photos, you are still in the recovery phase.

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Answered By

Human

How long does frosting on scars after TCA CROSS last?

Hi,TCA cross treatment of deeper acne scars entails precise application of high concentration of Trichloro-Acetic acid (TCA) to the base of the scar. Frosting occurs when treated skin turns white due to irreversible damage done to the upper layers of the skin by the acidic solution. This frosting generally lasts 6-12 hours on the average. Following the acute injury by the TCA cross, the skin initiates a healing process and the frosting fades. The frosting is first replaced by redness and swelling and later by scabbing over the following 5-8 days. Hope this helps!

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Answered By

Dr Chin Yee Choong

Aesthetic

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