Improve the Appearance of Acne Scars with TCA Cross in New Jersey
Acne scars can linger long after breakouts have healed, leaving behind textural changes that affect the smoothness of the skin. For patients struggling with ice pick scars, boxcar scars, or other stubborn types of acne scarring, TCA Cross (Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Scars) is a safe, effective treatment option. At Skin & Laser Center of NJ, our skilled providers use this precise technique to stimulate collagen production within scar tissue, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin with minimal downtime.
Acne scars form when breakouts damage the skin and underlying tissue. While mild scars may fade over time, deeper scars often require medical intervention. Common types of acne scars that respond well to TCA Cross include:
Ice pick scars – small, deep pits that resemble puncture marks
Boxcar scars – broad, rectangular depressions with sharp edges
Rolling scars – wave-like indentations caused by tethered tissue beneath the skin
Stubborn scars that do not improve with topical treatments or resurfacing alone
These scars result from disrupted collagen production during the healing process, leaving behind visible indentations. TCA Cross helps reverse this by encouraging the body to remodel and rebuild collagen in the scarred areas.
Patients often seek TCA Cross treatment when they experience:
Persistent ice pick or boxcar scars that do not improve with creams or serums
Uneven skin texture that affects confidence or appearance
Acne scars that become more noticeable in certain lighting
A desire for targeted scar revision without invasive surgery
If acne scars are making you feel self-conscious or impacting your quality of life, TCA Cross may provide the targeted improvement you need.
TCA Cross is a highly specialized procedure performed by our experienced providers. Treatment benefits include:
Precision targeting, as the acid is applied directly into each scar
Collagen stimulation, promoting gradual remodeling and smoother skin
Minimal downtime, with only mild redness or scabbing that resolves quickly
Safe and effective results, when performed by trained professionals
Long-term improvements, with noticeable scar reduction after a series of treatments
Our team develops a personalized treatment plan to address your unique scarring pattern, often combining TCA Cross with other advanced skin rejuvenation methods for optimal outcomes.
Learn More About TCA Cross Acne Scar Treatment
You will be asked to arrive at your TCA Cross acne scar treatment appointment with a face free of makeup, lotions, and other products. At the start of your session, your provider will examine your skin and discuss your medical history, then clean the treatment area and begin applying small quantities of trichloroacetic acid into each scar. You may experience a slight stinging sensation, but most patients find the experience to be quite tolerable. The exact amount of time required for a single TCA Cross acne scar treatment appointment depends on the number of scars being treated, but your session should generally take less than half an hour.
After the trichloroacetic acid has been applied, the skin turns white (a reaction known as frosting) as a result of the denaturation of the skin’s proteins. This typically lasts for about half an hour. After the frosting phase is over, the treated skin will turn red, which may persist for a few weeks. A few days after your TCA Cross acne scar treatment, small scabs will develop. These typically last a few days and will fall off about a week later.
During the healing phase, your skin will likely be sensitive. Your provider will recommend an aftercare routine that includes moisturizing the scabs that result from the treatment. It’s always essential to protect your skin from direct sun exposure, but especially while your skin is vulnerable and healing following TCA Cross acne scar treatment. Avoiding tanning for two weeks prior to your treatment and several months afterward is also recommended.
Most patients require multiple treatments to achieve the best possible results from their TCA Cross acne scar treatment. The average patient requires three to four treatments scheduled six to eight weeks apart. After your TCA cross acne scar treatment, your skin may begin producing new collagen as early as four weeks. This process will continue for months after your treatment.
Any skin rejuvenation treatment that clears oil, dead cells, and more off the face can help to treat breakouts and resulting scars, since the mixture of debris creates conditions where acne-causing bacteria thrive. Chemical peels and dermaplaning can both be helpful, but every patient is different and will require a tailored approach based on the condition of their skin, the severity of their acne, and other factors. Curious about TCA Cross acne scar treatment and other options? Reach out to our team!
Convenient walk in hours available below. No appointment needed! Accepting private insurance and medicare. No medicaid plans.
Learn more about medical treatments at New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ. Call 201-500-7525 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.