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@cyrano de beakiswack
10 days is definitely still early. Also, keep in mind that noticeable improvement follows once the scab falls off, and not before.
To be honest, I don't know how much improvement one can expect with only 50% TCA, but I do understand your caution and wish you the best of luck. I take Vitamin C supplements, as well; stick with them.
On my side, 100% was used throughout my nose (which consisted of a bunch of enlarge pores and a couple of tiny scars) and it's almost like I was given a brand new nose. Feel free to ask Rene of my improvement (my name is Massimo), if you want; she was and probably still is flabbergasted.
Because tomorrow will mark a month, since my second CROSS treatment, here are 2 new pictures (along with the previous ones that I posted in this thread).
As I mentioned previously, due to the fact that I only took a picture of the scarring on the left side of my face, before beginning the CROSS treatment, I will continue posting pictures of just that area. A shame, because my right side and nose have both benefited immensely from the CROSS method, thus far, but at-least I am providing some visual.
Once again, these were taken with my iPhone and aren't the greatest quality, however, I made sure to tilt the phone and work the lighting, to make sure you guys can see the improvement/difference (especially in the center of the cheek). I'll take better ones, before my next CROSS. For the time being, these will have to do.
Approximately 30 Minutes After Second CROSS: 
A Month After Second CROSS
I know it's not easy to see, but if you look closely, you can tell that the scars have contracted and shrunk in both size/diameter and depth, making the skin far more smooth and even. The improvement is much more apparent and significant, to the naked eyed, though.
hey guys,
well two weeks to the day of my CROSS, and I think I might be able to see a bit of filling in around the edges of my scars. Very hard to tell at this point, so I'm gonna give it another week before I report definitively on what's happening. However, the main purpose of my post is a question. I have kept all acne related topicals off the area that was crossed for the last two weeks. Because of that, I'm now starting to break out a little bit in the area of my scars. Normally i apply benzoyl peroxide at night and mandelic acid in the morning and it keeps me reasonably clear. My question is: When can I start back on my regular skincare regimen? I'm worried that the breakout might affect the healing of the skin in the area, but I'm also worried that topicals like BP might also exert negative impact on re collagenisation. Any opinions? SamWitwicky, I'm lookin' at you my friend!
PS those results look pretty darn good dude!
Sam, yours look like they are healing so well! Congrats!
And cyrano, sorry I can't help you. I am not using anything right now for active acne. Plus I am not as knowledgeable as Sam. Haha.
As promised, here are the pictures (crappy quality again):
Left cheek 1 month post-treatment:
[Edited image out]
Right cheek 1 month post-treatment:
[Edited image out]
In my opinion, not much improvement yet. But it's still early. 
By the way does anyone know how to attach pictures the old way (as in before the forums were upgraded)? I can't figure it out. I can see my old attachments in "My Media," but how do I add new ones?
hey guys,well two weeks to the day of my CROSS, and I think I might be able to see a bit of filling in around the edges of my scars. Very hard to tell at this point, so I'm gonna give it another week before I report definitively on what's happening.
Sounds like it has finally superficially begun to do its thing!
I began seeing significant improvement a week before my second CROSS and now a week before my third (between 3 and 4 weeks after treatment).
My question is: When can I start back on my regular skincare regimen? I'm worried that the breakout might affect the healing of the skin in the area, but I'm also worried that topicals like BP might also exert negative impact on re collagenisation. Any opinions? SamWitwicky, I'm lookin' at you my friend!
And you looked at the right person, because I was prescribed some 2.5% BP by Dr. Billick himself, right after my first CROSS treatment, just to make sure I didn't break out, since my skin is super sensitive. That being said, I only began applying it two weeks after CROSS, from time to time, and did my best to avoid my scars, just to be on the safe side.
Given Dr. Billick and Rene's knowledge and my experience thus far, I think it's safe to say that using BP isn't counterproductive.
If you are really worried about it, give Rene a call, and ask her. 
PS those results look pretty darn good dude!
I have to agree.
I'm very impressed, considering it's only my second CROSS and it's only been two months since my first treatment. Not to mention, photos rarely do scarring and their improvements justice. But, you can trust the words of the person who stares at his face every single day. The scars have definitely contracted and shrunk and the skin is looking way smoother and even. The more time passes, the more I have to get closer to the mirror, to the see them.
Still a little red though, however this is something we expected and that we're going to have to get used to with the TCA CROSS method.
Sam, yours look like they are healing so well! Congrats!
Thank you, risarella - the same can be said for yours!
I know it's hard to see significant improvement with the kind of scarring we share, since it's so mild and not very big in diameter and depth, but improvement is there and will continue to come. Especially, with the more treatments you will undergo and the more time collagen has to grow. Let's not forget, that it hasn't gotten worse, and that's always a good thing. You're doing great!
By the way does anyone know how to attach pictures the old way (as in before the forums were upgraded)? I can't figure it out. I can see my old attachments in "My Media," but how do I add new ones?
What do you mean, exactly? Are you having trouble attaching files?
I just hit the "More Reply Options" button, and then use the "Attach Files" option, at the bottom.
My names Trent, I am 30 and live in a small country town in Australia.
I am thinking about getting TCA Cross done...on my nose.... IF i can find a dr to do this procedure.
I have huge pores, dints in my nose and blackheads on the lower half of my nose. Its very embaressing...
MY QUESTIONS.
Would Tca Cross, shrink the pores on my nose?
How much time would I need off work?
If I took a week off, would scabs form etc by then?
Thanks.
Would Tca Cross, shrink the pores on my nose?
As I mentioned a few times in this thread: the improvement on my enlarged pores has been incredible; I'm beginning to not even consider them as enlarged/big, anymore.
That being said, everybody is different.
How much time would I need off work?
I was able to go to work, a couple of hours later.
Scabbing will form and persist within the first week.
If I took a week off, would scabs form etc by then?
Based on my experience, the scabs form within the first week and fall off during the second.
sam how many scars do u have?
3 on my right cheek.
2 below my right eye, next to my nose.
6 on my left cheek.
3 below my left eye, next to my nose.
3 on the right side of my nose.
2 on my left temple.
1 on my jawline (right side).
1 between my right ear and my sideburn.
I have a couple behind my ears, also.
They're all icepicks. I also have one rolling scar, which I was supposed to have taken care, last week.
Okay, it's four weeks to the day since my CROSS procedure, thus I feel I can report definitively on the results. On one deeply scarred pore halfway up my nose that was the most emotionally taxing of all, I estimate 40-50% improvement. It's still there, but it's definitely shallower and smaller, and looks more like a pore and less like a scar. On another scarred pore, further down approaching the tip, well, this is a strange one. Its scab was never really a scab per se, just some flaky skin, however it has continued to flake over repeatedly every time the previous flake falls off (or is removed by me, in some instances.) It's hard to tell what the situation is with this guy, but I'm pretty sure when it's all said and done, things are about the same, maybe slightly better. But again, weird behavior in this area, and I think I might know why. I came upon a medical article discussing the healing process of skin on the nose, and there's a "cutoff point" about 3/4 of the way down the nose where the composition of the skin changes dramatically. I think healing and re collagenisation might be more difficult in this area. Anecdotal evidence certainly suggests that the area around the nose tip is the toughest place to pull of a successful CROSS, so that's something to think about for everyone.
I think I'm going to do this procedure again. once more on the improved pore, and also on two other scarred pores on the side of my nose. If I can receive comparable improvement on them, and more improvement on the already-improved one, then that might be it for me and tca cross. After that, I'm going to look into a "buffing" sort of treatment that can hopefully even out general tone and contour the nose. Maybe TCA peels, maybe Smoothbeam, maybe a non-ablative laser. not sure yet.
So, the crusade against the holes in my nose continues. I'd say I won a little something out of this battle, and I remain optimistic that I can win the war.
Sam can u take a photo of ur nose...I am curious to see it now even tho u havent a b4 pic....cheers.
The next time I'm home and online.
hey Sam, I was wondering if TCA cross is safe to be done on african skin? I have a medium brown complextion and as I can see from your pics u have an olive complextion.
pls let me know, thanks.
Based on my research, TCA CROSS can be used to treat acne scarring on all types of skin.
That being said, it can slightly darken/change the pigment of the treated areas, when one has dark skin (such as black or brown). However, it's said to fade away, with time.
I do have olive skin and have not experienced any darkening of the treated areas and what not. However, I could see why a derm/surgeon wouldn't recommend CROSS for darker skin tones. I highly advise you consult with a dermatologist, before going any further.
On one deeply scarred pore halfway up my nose that was the most emotionally taxing of all, I estimate 40-50% improvement.
After only 4 weeks? ONE treatment, using only 50% TCA? On an area as hard to tread as the nose? Plus, it's a pore?
I'd say [ala Johnny Drama] VIC-TO-RY! Imagine the improvement with 100% TCA, more treatments and time.
Sounds like Rene worked her magic. God, I love that woman!
It's still there, but it's definitely shallower and smaller, and looks more like a pore and less like a scar.
Yup. 
I came upon a medical article discussing the healing process of skin on the nose, and there's a "cutoff point" about 3/4 of the way down the nose where the composition of the skin changes dramatically. I think healing and re collagenisation might be more difficult in this area. Anecdotal evidence certainly suggests that the area around the nose tip is the toughest place to pull of a successful CROSS, so that's something to think about for everyone.
Actually, one of the scars that bothers me the most is located in that exact same area - and is among the ones that have improved the most. Which further proves the point I have been repeating in this thread with regards to having CROSS treatments done: it's all about getting the right derm.
I'd definitely continue with the treatments.
http://www.realself.com/tca-peel/answers
This is a good link for Tca...doctors answer ur questions, check it out.
http://www.realself....ca-peel/answers
This is a good link for Tca...doctors answer ur questions, check it out.
I only saw one question pertaining to the CROSS method; it's mostly for the TCA Peel.
hey guys, heres a link on how effective tca crossing is.
I am excited, the dr who gives me botox has said she can do the tca cross method on my nose for the large pores and dints in my nose.....she said shell get the 100% strength but I am thinking start on the 15% one, any suggestions guys??? I dont wanna make it worse!!!
15% won't change much.
hey sam, i'm a montreal resident and i've been trying to call and set up an appointment with Dr Billick or his assistant or the JGH dermatology clinic.
Congrats on the progress so far, i could really use a consultation with a dermatologist or professional to help discuss some treatment options for my own skin.
I've tried calling the Jewish General Hospital - Dermatology clinic at:
514-340-8272 and at 514-340-8222 ext 8272 and every time i never get a response when i call the dermatology clinic.
Do you have any tips or suggestions on how I can get through so I can set up an appointment in the next couple weeks or months to come?
If you have a suggested phone number or contact info I can try to call that would be appreciated greatly. Also the website for Jewish General hospital says I need a physician to refer me to a dermatologist.
http://www.jgh.ca/en/Dermatology
Let me know how to go about setting up an appointment!! Thanks!!!
hey sam, i'm a montreal resident and i've been trying to call and set up an appointment with Dr Billick or his assistant or the JGH dermatology clinic.
Nice to see another fellow Montrealer, on here.
Congrats on the progress so far
Thank you.
I've tried calling the Jewish General Hospital - Dermatology clinic at:514-340-8272 and at 514-340-8222 ext 8272 and every time i never get a response when i call the dermatology clinic.
Do you have any tips or suggestions on how I can get through so I can set up an appointment in the next couple weeks or months to come?
If you have a suggested phone number or contact info I can try to call that would be appreciated greatly. Also the website for Jewish General hospital says I need a physician to refer me to a dermatologist.
http://www.jgh.ca/en/Dermatology
Let me know how to go about setting up an appointment!! Thanks!!!
Those are the numbers, if you would like to book an appointment. If you have a hard time getting through, the only thing I'd suggest you do, is go there in person, since you live in the city.
As I said earlier in the thread, a referral is not needed in order to have the TCA CROSS treatment done. However, if you'd want a consultation with a doctor, then like anywhere else, you'd need a referral.
Good luck!
Finally had my third TCA CROSS treatment, this past Wednesday.
I told Rene that I really enjoyed the two months in between CROSSes, because I feel my treated areas had more time to heal; my overall skin just felt more stabilized. She agreed that it was better, and since the holidays are right around the corner, we set up my 4th CROSS, in January, which will be in 2 months, also.
As for the CROSS treatment itself, it went just as great as the last two, but not as aggressive as the second one, although Rene was just as thorough as the first time. Perfect. I truly believe that, now that we're at the halfway mark of the suggested 6 treatments from the Korean study, I'll be able to see just how well the scars are improving. I can already state that my nose and many icepicks on my cheeks, that have bothered me to no end, have improved significantly; some of them, have even practically closed up completely.
I told Rene that even though I wanted to get 6 treatments done, before the summer, I'd like to continue getting the CROSS treatments, until I see no more improvement. I'm convinced CROSSes are extremely beneficial for my type of scarring and that I will continue to see improvement, after every one.
So, I'm going to be somewhat of a resident at Dr. Billick's office lol, therefore, always feel free to drop my name (Massimo), while you're lying on Rene's table, getting CROSSed. Her and I have become very close and we're extremely happy to see many of you seeking out her skills.