TCA Cross
Do you have a “moon face” or deep craters on your skin from old acne scars? With TCA Cross, you can once again regain smooth, healthy skin!
TCA CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars) is a revolutionary, painless and safe treatment for atrophic pitted ice-pick acne scars using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Acne may sometimes result in atrophic, hypertrophic or keloid scars. This procedure has been particularly successful amongst patients who weren’t able to get satisfactory results from CO2 laser treatments alone.
Call us today at (65) 6532 2400 to book an appointment on any of our cosmetic services and treatments.
Am I suitable?
How many treatments are required?
Depending on the severity of the case, between 2 to 6 treatments may be required, with 4 to 6 week intervals between treatments. This allows skin healing, collagen remodeling and rejuvenation. Patients can expect a 1 to 2 grade improvement in their acne scars over a 6 month period.
Different types of acne scarring
Ice-pick Scar
Boxed Scar
Rolling Scar
Hypertrophic Scar
The icepick scar is the most common type of acne scar. Ice pick scars appear after the formation of an infected cyst, which destroys the skin tissue – leaving behind a long narrow scar. It starts off as a mild form of acne called a comedone, formed when oil from the sebaceous glands mixes with dirt or skin cells in hair follicles, blocking it.
Inflammation of the skin damages the skin tissues, disrupting the structure of collagen. The resultant scar tissue is formed after the skin infllamation, it sinks and forms ‘ice pick’ marks – narrow and deep scars that extend deep into the dermis.
While dermabrasion and laser resurfacing may deliver some improvement and smoothening, it may not be sufficient in improving pitted scars or deeper ice-pick scars.
Call us today at (65) 6532 2400, Whatsapp us at (65) 8318 6332 or email us at thecliffordclinic@gmail.com to book an appointment or enquire on any of our cosmetic services and treatments.
Acne Scarring
Acne scarring is extremely common and can cause significant disfigurement of the skin. In some cases, it may affect the person on a psychological and social level. A combination of treatments are often required to properly treat acne scarring effectively depending on the type or appearance of the scars.
Other treatments that may be suitable may be: Excision, Subcision, Laser Resurfacing, Dermabrasion, Edge Fractional CO2 lasers as well as the Infini Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency treatment in selected cases.
How does it work?
Small amounts of TCA are deposit at high concentration (70-100%) onto the surface of the atrophic scar. It is a precised and focused application of TCA into each scar, avoiding areas of normal skin. This stimulates collagen production, increasing the dermal volume and restructring the dermal elements within the skin causing the scar to rise up and close.
How is TCA CROSS performed?
After the face is cleaned and primed, TCA is applied onto each scar, producing a white ‘frost’ on each scar which disappears in 20 – 30 minutes. Some mild redness is expected and may persist for several hours after the procedure. An ointment is applied at regular internals for the first week to aid in healing. Sun protection is also advised.
How well does it work?
This greatly depends on the number of applications and between 2 to 6 courses of treatment may be required. Studies have shown that good improvement was seen after 3 to 6 courses in more than 90% of cases.
Is it safe?
Yes! The technique is safe with few significant complications. Although we can expect some transient pigmentation and minor scabbing, this is all part of the healing process and fully resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. Healing speed depends on the patient’s age as well, but is the process is generally faster than conventional medium to deep chemical or laser resurfacing.
The Procedure
Why Choose The Clifford Clinic?
Why Choose The Clifford Clinic for TCA CROSS Acne Scar Treatment?
Specialist Expertise in Acne Scarring
Our doctors are highly experienced in treating stubborn ice pick scars using the TCA CROSS technique, ensuring precise application and optimal results with minimal complications.Doctor-Performed, High-Precision Technique
TCA CROSS is always performed by trained aesthetic doctors—not assistants—using high-strength trichloroacetic acid with pinpoint accuracy to safely induce collagen remodelling within deep, narrow scars.Customised Multi-Modality Treatment Plans
We often combine TCA CROSS with other acne scar therapies such as INFINI, subcision, laser resurfacing, or scar fillers—tailoring a comprehensive program based on your scar type and severity.Safe for Asian and Sensitive Skin
With years of experience treating Asian skin, our doctors adjust concentrations and aftercare protocols to minimise risks of hyperpigmentation while delivering significant scar improvement over time.
Doctors with over 10 years of experience
The Doctors at the Clifford clinic has over 10 years of experience in aesthetic surgery procedures. Rest assured that you are in safe hands. We have hundreds of patients just like you who came to us, all leaving satisfied and happy with their results.
Our Certified Medical Doctors
Dr. Gerard Ee
Dr. Gerard Ee is the founder and medical director of The Clifford Clinic. He is fully accredited in cosmetic treatments including fillers, Botox, light therapies, and more. Driven by his passion for sharing his expertise across the medical community, Dr. Ee has accumulated his surgical experiences internationally from working in the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, National University Hospital (NUH), and Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Dr. Chow Yuen Ho
Dr. Chow Yuen Ho is the founder and medical director of The Clifford Clinic. With over 10 years of clinical practice experience, the reputable aesthetic doctor specializes in non-invasive aesthetic and acne treatments. Dr. Chow has accomplished so much in this field. He served as the founding Director of Medical Informatics at SGH and then as the Managing Director of the Asian division of Alert Life Sciences Computing.
Dr. Law Zhi Wei
Dr. Law is a highly experienced medical professional specializing in acne treatments and aesthetic medicine. A graduate from the National University of Singapore and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh), he has comprehensive clinical experience from renowned institutions such as KKH, SGH, and CGH. Passionate about the transformative power of effective acne care, Dr. Law is fully accredited in advanced treatments including lasers, radiofrequency, ultrasound therapies, Botox, and fillers. Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology from Cardiff University, he continuously updates his expertise to provide personalised, effective acne solutions, enhancing patients’ confidence and overall well-being.
One Appointment Away From Beauty
Our acne treatment plan involves not only eliminating your acne problems, but also the scarring that comes with it. We invite you to book a consultation with us to discuss how we can remove your acne problems for good. Just imagine a flawless face with no signs of acne or scarring.
to schedule your consultation today.