1466 replies to this topic

[Eddy]

Butterfly,

Thanks for the kind words. I just got back from a visit with my derm. He is now suggesting either dermabrasion or subcision. I told him that I had the scar excised and he replied that it look to him like the stitch opened up. I have thought the same thing for awhile?!?!?! Anyway he is not convinced that subcision will help in the nose area but said it's worth a try. I talked to him about CROSS TCA and Cooltouch and he said they wouldn't help. Crazy thing is that I wanted to ask about Smootbeam but for some reason I think I said Cooltouch - I don't know why.

To tell you the truth, I'm soo confused about what to do. I went to see another 2 Plastic Surgeons last week and one suggested to re-excise it, the other suggested dermabrasion.

I don't know which approach is best? Is each Dr. simply promoting the techniques they know, or is it that subjective that you can take different approachs towards the same goal?

Right now I'm leaning towards the subcision. I have an oppointment for end of August.

Eddy.

[butterfly200]

Eddy

I know it is really hard to decide who to listen to - right now I am going to different dermatologists and plastic surgeons to get as many opinions as I can get. Some have suggested CO2 laser - others have said this could actually make me look worse!

Since Dr. Bargman is a laser specialist I asked him about smoothbeam and he said he has tried it on a few people with acne scarring and has seen very little improvement so he didn't recommend it. But if you read some of the postings here it seems that it has helped some people quite a bit. Like you, I am pretty confused at this point.

I'd be very careful about letting someone excise the scar, I guess since I had such a terrible outcome doing this and it sounds like you had a bad
result too. There is such a danger of getting even an uglier scar.
I've never tried subcision or needling - this might help. It is certainly worth a try and you don't have to worry about more harm being done.

Dealing with scars is such a tricky, confusing, frustrating and expensive problem!

Good luck - let us know if you find something that helps.

I have to wait awhile to see if the TCA Cross has helped - it is hard to be patient!

[imbue]

I don't know about the otherside it's a toos up so I'd have to look at before pictures.

[stefany]

It is day 8 after my 3rd CROSS treatment, and I notice quite a bit of improvement this time. The esthetician was a bit more aggressive, and I can tell it is paying off. However, my previously scabbed areas are a lot more red, but I am using 4% hydroquinone which will hopefully prevent hyperpigmentation. As of right now, I would estimate a 40-50% improvement on my less shallow scars, and a 35% improvement on my deeper ones. Collagen remodeling is supposed to continue for at least 30 days, so I will have to post again in a few weeks.

I am very interested to see how everyone else is doing with the CROSS.
Please keep posting.

[dilemma]

I haven't had the CROSS treatment myself but I thought I would just write up a short message on what I have learned. I am actually in Korea now visiting my cousins and although I am only staying a couple of weeks, I thought I would do some research on the CROSS here, seeing as it originated from Korea.

I found out that the derm who first came up with this method has several offices in Seoul (he apparently started this method in 1990 and has treated more than 3000 CROSS cases since then). I logged onto his clinic's website and found several "after-treatment-experience-logs" written by people who've had the CROSS treatment done. Quite a few of them had done it 4-5 times and nearly all reported really good results. Some of them sounded deliriously happy. A couple of people reported no results at all after 2 treatments but I would have to say most of the people seemed very happy. One patients wrote that the CROSS method seemed to work faster on scars on the temple area and much slower on the cheeks. In the Q & A section, the doctor recommended CROSS for acne scars as well as scarred pores. He says CROSS works for scarred pores just as well.

I also found a book on acne treatment that the same doctor wrote (yes, I have made this trip my "let's find out all about CROSS treatment" trip...) and in it, there is a before and after picture of a patient who's done 5 CROSS treatments. I must say the after picture was quite impressive. The only bad thing about this doctor/practice seems to be that he is quite expensive but patients seemed happy with the results and after-care. He also sounds like he is super sympathetic.

I know this won't really help you guys hoping to get CROSS done in the States and elsewhere, and believe me, if I could take a year off, I would move in to my cousin's house here, just work on my scars and start an online diary on my improvement =P~ . Especially because it looks like a lot of the derms here specialize in scar treatment. But I just wanted to share what I learnt. Hope this helped.

[stefany]

Just consulted with my esthetician yesterday and I will have my 4th CROSS treatment this Wednesday. I have mild hyperpigmentation, so she increased my 4% hydroquinone to twice per day---at night I mix the hydroquinone with .025% Retin-A. In addition, I am using Biomedic cleansers and Glyderm exfoliants. My skin keeps improving----my rolling scars are at approximately 35-40% improved, and my more shallow scars are at approximately 50% improved.

My next treatment will consist of a 2% bleaching peel with a 45% Lactic Acid peel, dermaplaning, and of course, the TCA spot peel. I am really excited. Will post after my next treatment.

[morris]

Hi Stefany,

I'm getting my first TCA CROSS done next month by Dr.Ridenour(Only on my nose area).
Can I face the public after two days without any makeup(I'm a male, so I don't like to put makeup).
What should I cover it with?
What if I cover it with a Adhesive Bandage for couple of days?
I heard that the redness last upto about four weeks.
Please let me know your suggestions.
Thanks,
Morris.

[stefany]

Morris:

After 2 days, you will have reddish-brown scabs that will be quite apparent. I realize wearing makeup may not be too exciting for you, but it does help conceal the treated areas. I have been using Almay foundation and concealer, however, I will be switching to GloMinerals makeup which Dr. Ridneour's office carries. It is supposed to be much healthier to use after chemical peels.

As far as a bandage, I am not sure what to tell you. I have been told that leaving the treated areas exposed to air, but moisturized is the best way to go. Of course, Dr. Ridenour can explain everything to you in detail. I must have e-mailed him a dozen times before my procedure! He is a great guy and doesn't mind answering all your questions. Feel free to PM me anytime!

[morris]

Hi stefany,

Thanks for all your suggestions and info.
I will talk to the Dr. about make up or any other
meathod to cover my nose.

I hope that I won't get any new acne by putting makeup.

[Maya]

Stefany - I read your updates with continued interest and excitement - I'm so happy for you to be getting these improvements. I really appreciate your informative posts. Thanks

[imbue]

Quote

Hello... I was all set to try this treatment myself... yet when I tried to order the 100% TCA online from that website, Fisher Chemicals... they called me and told me that they cannot sell any chemicals unless 'your company has an established account' with them..... so I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere else to buy the TCA online?
Thanks...

I really hope you don't find this acid and scar your face worse.

[Maya]

Yeah - I attempted the cross method with the glycolic acid and it's scabbed up now - but I am loathed to attempt the TCA myself now because the wierd thing is, I managed to get the glycolic on areas of my skin (such as ALL OVER my nose) without even knowing it. I think putting acid on your face when in a sitting up position also allows for the error that the acid drips down your face - guess it would be easier for someone to apply while you are lying on your back.

I am still going to continue with the glycolic cross method (poor man's cross method he he..) - I feel hopeful about it - ultimately, isn't the objective to get the pits to scab, causing some minor injury so that collagen improves? Then does it matter which acid you use to achieve this?

[jackthebear]

Maya,

That's exactly how I felt. I'm guessing all the acids worked the same by causing irritation and forcing the skin to heal itself, hoping it would heal better. I actually only used 30% glycolic and I eventually found a method that worked, which was to mimic the cross method exactly and using a toothpick. Using a Q-Tip will NOT work because it's just too big and it has too much coming around the sides of the Q-Tip. Also, don't get a whole drop onto a toothpick so that you can put the entire drop into a pit. That was another mistake because then it damages too much of the edges of the scar. Just poke a toothpick into the acid so that you don't see a drop of it or anything, just that the toothpick is covered and glistening, then hold it against the middle of the scar. If the scar is big, then try doing it twice, moving the toothpick the second time to an area that wasn't being touched before. The thing to learn is that you can never be too careful. Don't be lazy trying to do too much at once. You can always repeat it if you get good results, but if you get bad ones, then if you do too much, you're stuck..

[stefany]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have been extremely busy trying to prepare for my wedding. It has been 2 1/2 weeks since my 4th CROSS treatment. I think this treatment is really starting to kick in, because I can see over a 50% improvement, and my scars seem to improve every day. My hyperpigmentation is getting better also, especially after I started using Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. Good stuff, and very reasonable considering everything that is in it! Here are the ingredients:

Polydimethylsilohexane, Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Superoxide Dismutase, Tocotrienol, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Curcumin, Lycopene, Lutein, Oat Beta Glucan, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Glycerin, Lupinus Albus, Retinyl Palmitate, Bearberry Extract, Glycyrrhizin Extract, and Propylparaben.

I think it is only around $17.00 for 1 oz. which lasts a long time.

Maya,

Hope your glycolic treatment helps. Just make sure you neutralize the acid. TCA does not need to be neutralized because it neutralizes itself.
It may take more treatments to get a similar effect, because TCA reaches the dermis. Nonetheless, I hope it shows great improvement!

[morris]

Hi Stephany from Mo,

I had a TCA 100% treatment with Dr.Ridenour and Kristie(assistant) on Friday.
I still have white/red scabs. Did you buy the products they offer(Conditioning Solution,Complex HQ plus and Antibac loation)
Please could you let me know the post treatment care you followed?

For the 1-10 days I'll be doing the following:
Cleanse ( proactive solution Cleanser)
Antibac lotion on TCA spots
Sunsreen

10-14 days:
Cleanse
Aquafor
Sunsreen

After 14 days:
Cleanse
Conditioning Solu.
Complex HQ plus
sunsreen

What do you think about their products(Conditioning Solu & Complex HQplus)? How long does it take to scabs to fall off? I'll be going to work on Tuesday without any makeup? Do you think people will notice?

I would greatly appreciate your advice.
Thanks,
Morris.

[stefany]

MORRIS:
I did purchase products from Dr. Ridenour. My routine after CROSS is:

First 1-6 days:
Morning and Evening
1). Biomedic Purifying Cleanser
2). Bacitracin or Aquaphor Ointment
3). Sunscreen if I am going outside

After scabs fall off (usually 6-7 days for me):
Morning
1). Biomedic Purifying Cleanser
2). Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate (added this on my own)
3). 4% Hydroquinone
4). Biomedic Sunscreen

Evening
1). Biomedic Purifying Cleanser
2). Retin-A mixed with 4% hydroquinone

Week 2 after CROSS:
Morning
1). Biomedic Conditioning Cleanser
2). Glyderm Solution (5% Glycolic Acid Spray)
3). Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate
4). 4% Hydroquinone
5). Biomedic Sunscreen

Evening routine is same as before. Hope this helps. Your scabs will be noticeable on Tuesday. By Thursday, they should start falling off. Do not pick them off whatsoever. My routine has changed somewhat since the beginning, but not much.

What did you think about the procedure?

STEFANY

[Maya]

Quote

Maya,

Using a Q-Tip will NOT work because it's just too big and it has too much coming around the sides of the Q-Tip. Also, don't get a whole drop onto a toothpick so that you can put the entire drop into a pit. That was another mistake because then it damages too much of the edges of the scar. Just poke a toothpick into the acid so that you don't see a drop of it or anything, just that the toothpick is covered and glistening, then hold it against the middle of the scar. If the scar is big, then try doing it twice, moving the toothpick the second time to an area that wasn't being touched before.

Thanks Jack - I will definately take your advice. Luckily enough (it's only day 3 now, most of the scabs have fallen off - must be the use of the ALA/DMAE and Emu oil topical.

[Maya]

Stefany - anyone?... Since I am using glycolic for this.. how often do you think I can do this? Scabs are falling off 3-4 days after. Can I do this more often than once a month?