TCA Cross Acne Scar Treatment
Pop culture in 2026 is all about celebrating the Y2K (millennial) generation. Milestone events like Disney’s Hannah Montana’s 20th Anniversary Special and MTV’s The Reunion: Laguna Beach have millennials reminiscing about their adolescent days and reliving some of their favorite memories.
What is one memory many millennials would rather forget? Acne. While pop culture invites audiences to relive the highlights of youth, acne scars can bring back a very different kind of nostalgia, one that most people didn’t ask for.
Introducing TCA CROSS
MidAmerica Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa located in Glen Carbon, IL now offers TCA CROSS, a targeted treatment that uses a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid that is applied directly into deep acne scars to stimulate collagen production and encourage the skin to rebuild from within. Over time, this helps lift and smooth the appearance of ice pick scars, improving overall skin texture with minimal impact on the surrounding skin.
What is TCA?
TCA CROSS stands for Trichloroacetic Acid for Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars. It is a targeted treatment specifically designed for deep, narrow, ‘ice-pick’ scars that are hard to treat with lasers or microneedling alone.
How does TCA CROSS work?
A TCA CROSS procedure involves depositing small, highly concentrated amounts of TCA onto the affected scar area using a micro applicator to fill the scar. TCA then creates a tiny, controlled “injury” within the scar. This triggers the body’s natural healing response. As skin heals, it produces new collagen, which helps lift the scar from the inside out.
What scars can TCA treat?
Patients with the following acne scars are ideal candidates for TCA CROSS:
- Ice-pick scars
- Narrow Boxcar scars
In most cases, TCA CROSS can be performed on all Fitzpatrick scale skin types. A comprehensive consultation will allow your scar specialist to dictate treatment to identify scar type and choose appropriate acne scar treatment. Additional acne scar treatments include:
- Subcision
- Microneedling
- Radiofrequency microneedling
- Laser resurfacing
- Dermal filler
TCA Recovery and Results
TCA CROSS patients can expect small scabbing on the treated area that may last up to 10 days. Mild pink undertones in the treated areas may last 3-4 months.
The number of TCA CROSS treatments varies by individual skin type and desired outcome. Anywhere from 3-8 treatments may be recommended depending on the number of scars and severity of scars. Treatment strategy will be discussed during treatment consultation.
