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.)
Can TCA Cross be performed on any skin on the face? I have a moderately scarred area on each cheek about 3/4 inch below each eye. I only ask because it seems to be an area that is approaching the thinner skin directly beneath the eye although it is not immediately in that area. I will post pictures to help as soon as I can. Thank you.
sure, you can send photos. i would say you are safe it is just on or even a bit inside of the bony orbital rim.
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
I believe have some ice pick scars and shallow indentions beneath each eye. The scars on my temple are very slight also and more like rolling scars I think. I have done some dermarolling and individual needling of scars with single needles. I was wondering if those past attempts could reduce the effectiveness of your procedures. I hope not. I have stopped doing those treatments. Here are my photos. It was hard for me to take very good photos, but maybe these will give you some impression.
Last edited by betterliving on Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.
to access the photos, it is requesting for login information. you can send that to me as a private message if you like on here. 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
ok, reviewing your PM it looks as if TCA cross should work for you but obviously i really have to see you in person to give you a definitive yes. 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
Thank you for your reply. I will see about making an appointment. Does the TCA cross only affect the near surface layers of the skin? Hopefully these areas would not be further damaged if they are not as thick.
i have very good control even in thinner skin. experience is the key with this procedure. look forward to take care of you. 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
Dr. Lam, I looked through your website but couldn't locate the answers to these questions so I apologize if they are redundant. 1. How many treatments of TCA CROSS does a typical patient go through with you? 3-5 sound about right? 2. How much time between treatments? About a month or two??
those are correct answers. if the areas are really tiny and not deep i suggest 90 day intervals. for bad cases i suggest 1 to 2 months.
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
those are correct answers. if the areas are really tiny and not deep i suggest 90 day intervals. for bad cases i suggest 1 to 2 months.
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
yes, it can. it cannot eliminate all pores but the big ones it should help.
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