Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 3 min read
After TCA CROSS, each treated scar turns white for a short time, then darkens and forms a small crust over several days. Let the crusts come away on their own, keep the skin clean and moisturised, avoid make-up on the spots for a few days, and protect from sun strictly, because Asian skin can darken after any injury. Pinkness at each point can last weeks.
Illustrative image. Sun protection lowers the risk of darkening after TCA CROSS.
The white frost at each scar fades within hours. Over the next few days, each point darkens and forms a small crust. Cleanse gently, pat dry and apply the moisturiser or ointment you were given. Do not pick or scrub the crusts; picking raises the risk of marks. Make-up can go around the spots but not over them until the crusts have gone.
After the crusts
Once the crusts have come away, the points are often pink for a few weeks. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and shade lower the risk of post-inflammatory darkening, which is more common in medium and darker skin. TCA CROSS is usually repeated over a course, weeks apart, and combined with other methods for other scar types; see TCA CROSS and acne scar treatment.
Questions after treatment come back through WhatsApp at +65 8023 7170 during clinic hours (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 11am to 3pm, Singapore time). Anything that is getting worse rather than better, a blister or open area, or fever needs to be seen the same day, wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually several days to a week. Let them fall away on their own.
Around the spots, yes; over them, wait until the crusts have gone.
Post-inflammatory darkening can occur, especially in darker skin. Strict sun protection reduces the risk.
