Cosmetic Surgery Forum - Ask Dr. Lam your questions

TCA Cross for scarring on southeast asian skin?

This section of the forum is dedicated to discussions on managing, treating, and correcting acne scarring. (Of note, Dr. Lam is focused principally on acne scarring rather than on managing the ongoing condition of acne, which a dermatologist would be better equipped to address.)
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TCA Cross for scarring on southeast asian skin?

Postby Rilian » Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:16 pm

I know you've used the TCA cross method on east asian, caucasian, and latino patients. Is it also possible to use the method to treat depressed scars on southeast asian skin? Or is the risk of pigmentation problems too great?
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Re: TCA Cross for scarring on southeast asian skin?

Postby dr. lam » Thu Apr 30, 2009 6:16 am

as stated, i have not had a problem in asian skin so long as we are not talking about darker filipino skin, for example. also, CROSS is only intended for very tiny less than 1 mm punctate holes. anything larger, and you can have problems.
best,
sml
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
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Re: TCA Cross for scarring on southeast asian skin?

Postby Rilian » Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:39 am

Thank you for such a quick reply! I am Cambodian/Thai/Chinese. My skin color is definitely darker than most East Asians and I am often mistaken for Filipino. Based on your answer, I assume I'm not really a candidate for TCA cross. That's unfortunate, but thanks again for your answer.
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Re: TCA Cross for scarring on southeast asian skin?

Postby dr. lam » Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:08 pm

there is a risk and probably not the best option. sorry.
best,
sml
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
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Re: TCA Cross for scarring on southeast asian skin?

Postby callmeoctavia » Sat May 30, 2009 11:41 am

When you say TCA CROSS can cause problems on scars bigger than 1mm, could you elaborate?

Thanks!
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Re: TCA Cross for scarring on southeast asian skin?

Postby dr. lam » Sat May 30, 2009 3:19 pm

yes, i would be happy to. if the scar is relatively wide, there is a risk that the hole can deepen given the strength of the acid. i typically do very small holes with CROSS. if i do slightly wider ones, i am very cautious with the duration of application. i heard from one of my patients that people were trying to do CROSS at home. all i can say is that the risk of permanent damage is extreme. i had a lady that had it done by a nurse and she lost half of her nose. i am not joking. please be careful out there. i am answering these questions to help individuals determine their candidacy not to offer an instruction manual. just want to be clear about that.
best wishes,
sml
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
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