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And Sam, what an inspiration u are. Even though u don't think your before & after pics are clear...i can see the improvement is remarkable.
An inspiration? Wow, thank you so much! That, truly, tugged at my heartstrings. 
And u have great lips also!
Ah, shucks. 
This one has only one post on this forum, and it's saying nice things about me; I'm flattered.
Thank you, Shoni. You're very sweet.
Im from Toronto CAN also. for you fellow crossers can you plz give me a honest opinion if cross would work on my scars? thanx
Hi fellow Canadian!
That's exactly the kind and amount of scarring, I had/have. You're, in my opinion, the perfect candidate for the CROSS method, and it will benefit you, tremedously. I'd recommend you look into it with a profesional.
As for me, I had my 4th CROSS almost two weeks ago; I made sure to wait for the summer to be over and for my tan to fade away. Sorry that I haven't been on here in forever, but I did not forget about you guys. I promised myself I'd drop back in whenever I had some updates.
The scars that were CROSSED the first 3 times, continued to improve/shrink significantly. To the point where, when I went for my 4th one, Pauline (Rene's replacement) said that they were too small to CROSS at this point and did not want to risk making them larger. She added that the 4th would be my last (on those scars), but that she will continue CROSSING the few larger ones that remain. We agreed that we should let time continue to work on the ones that have become too small to CROSS, since their diameter is the size of a freaking pin. 
Having the CROSS technique corectly done + time and patience = incredible results.
hi sorry to revive this thead, but i'm in montreal and Sam I'm wondering where did you get ur subcision done? i would like to go to the same place as u
The notification I received from you commenting on my Profile, is what reminded me to comeback and post my last comment/update this thread.
Hi Sam, thanks for coming back! I am glad that you've got incredible results!
I appreciate that, Timjames.
However, since I am from Toronto, I'd like to know how I can make a consultation with Dr Pillack/Pauline?
Dr. Billick.
514-340-8222 ext. 8272.
FYI: You may have a hard time getting through, but keep trying.
Also, is Pauline as good as Rene? Thanks!
A little too early to tell, considering I've only been treated by her once, and it was a little less than two weeks ago; I can say, that she was just as nice, far more bubbly and has 30 years experience in her field. But, so far, the scars she CROSSED look fantastic.
Also, she was cool enough to Yag laser a red mark on my jawline, for free, when I told her that I wasn't fond of laser treatments. I agreed to give it a try when she took the time to explain the Yag laser to me, how it was built for the kind of mark I had and how she wouldn't even charge me for it.
But, ultimately, only time will tell.
The notification I received from you commenting on my Profile, is what reminded me to comeback and post my last comment/update this thread.
http://www.yellowpag...on/2188462.html
Thanks so much!!! I will be sure to check him out. BTW why did you chose him? I'm having a hard time finding out whether MDs here even do subcision or not.... and whether I should go with a dermatologic surgeon or a plastic surgeon..
Hey Sam, I'm happy to hear that you're having great results! I'm just jumping in to say that I have gone to see Pauline and had a round of TCA Cross with her. Too soon to comment on the results, but just wanted to say that if anyone is having a hard time getting in touch with her, you can try e-mailing. For me, it was insane how busy the phones were ALL THE TIME. I tried calling for over a week without getting through, it was very discouraging! I only got through when I found how to contact them via e-mail. Pauline responded by calling me. You can e-mail her here, http://www.findpriva...580-17-0-0.html
Thanks so much!!! I will be sure to check him out.
You're very welcome.
BTW why did you chose him? I'm having a hard time finding out whether MDs here even do subcision or not.... and whether I should go with a dermatologic surgeon or a plastic surgeon..
I had went to him, in my early teens, to have a couple of beauty marks removed -- and we developped a close friendship, ever since. I'd drop in every now and again, for things like strong chemical peels, mole removals, antibiotics for acne control, etc. I've known/been going to him, for 15 years, pretty much. Great man if you're looking to have anything involving surgery done (like subcisions). To this day, I still thank him for the great job he did on my rolling scar.
And that's why I chose him. Feel free to drop my name (Massimo) if you do decide to go for a consultation.
Hey Sam, I'm happy to hear that you're having great results!
Thanks a lot! I really appreciate you saying that.
I'm just jumping in to say that I have gone to see Pauline and had a round of TCA Cross with her. Too soon to comment on the results, but just wanted to say that if anyone is having a hard time getting in touch with her, you can try e-mailing. For me, it was insane how busy the phones were ALL THE TIME. I tried calling for over a week without getting through, it was very discouraging! I only got through when I found how to contact them via e-mail. Pauline responded by calling me. You can e-mail her here, http://www.findpriva...580-17-0-0.html
Awesome! Thanks for sharing that! I'm sure many people on here will find it usefull.
I had Rene's email, but it became pretty useless to post, after she moved to New York.
I do have Rene's (now it belongs to Pauline) direct office number, at the Jewish General Hospital, but remember Rene telling me that it was only for people who were already patients.
And I'm super glad to see a fellow patient of Pauline's! I wish you nothing but great results, as well, and plenty of patience. If you have any questions, remember that I'm just a thread-comment away.
Thanks for mentioning the direct line, Sam. I have Pauline's card and I wasn't sure if it was okay to share the direct number it or not, thanks for confirming. Don't worry everyone, once you "get in" once, it's VERY easy to get in touch and book an appointment. I have even got an appointment on short notice too. I just wanted to mention this in case anyone was turned off thinking that it was always a pain in the butt to get through. Good luck everyone!
I also wanted to mention, that Pauline even called me a few days after both Cross treatments to check how things were healing and if I had any questions. The first time I had a few done (no charge) by Dr. Billick during my consultation, so I didn't really count that, not so anyone thinks that I'm contradicting my previous post. I was VERY surprised that she called. I haven't experienced too many people taking the time to care like that and I find she also has a way of making you feel comfortable. I have had quite a few experiences with people that just made me feel even more like crap or nervous. I think I can speak for many people when I say going to derms and such is quite nerve-wrecking because it puts such focus on a condition that causes us such anxiety to begin with. Some are just too clinical and seem to forget there is a person there behind the acne and scars, and they can say things that hurt and make us feel even worse (without meaning to). At least, that was my experience.I wish that I had of known that the Jewish did these kinds of procedures before I did the PDT somewhere else. I am a very nervous person by nature (not of the procedures themselves, but from being scrutinized under the lights and stuff), so I don't know if she normally checks in on everyone or if she thought that I needed some extra "comfort" or something. But, either way, I think that says a lot about the kind of person that she is.
Anyway, sorry for being long-winded and deviating from the subject a bit.
Thanks for mentioning the direct line, Sam.
I also wanted to mention, that Pauline even called me a few days after both Cross treatments to check how things were healing and if I had any questions.
And I thank you for mentioning this, because I had forgot to do so, in my update.
I don't know how it even slipped my mind (guess I had to many good things to say about her lol), because I recall being completely blown away by hearing a voicemal from her, checking up on me. I called her back and the first thing I did, was thank her so much for taking the time to do that, since it meant more than she would ever know. I mean, as much as I love Rene, even SHE didn't do that -- and Rene is awesome. That says a lot about Pauline.
As I was telling cyrano, on a previous page in this thread: The bedside manner of those who work at this clinic out of the Jewish General Hospital, is stellar. And you just can't put a price on that.
Hey listen man. I have my own car I will drive to mtl if I have to to achive improvement. Right now I'm planning to do a session of airgent in the toronto area. I just don't get how acid can filll in the wholes dude. Plz fill me in and msg me with details if I plan to take a trip to montreal thanx fellow canadian
Hey listen man. I have my own car I will drive to mtl if I have to to achive improvement. Right now I'm planning to do a session of airgent in the toronto area. I just don't get how acid can filll in the wholes dude. Plz fill me in and msg me with details if I plan to take a trip to montreal thanx fellow canadian
The TCA CROSS method uses 100% trichloroacetic acid to "hurt" the skin at the bottom of your icepick/pitted scar, stimulating dermal thickening and collagen production, causing the "holes" to shrink/contract.
Hey listen man. I have my own car I will drive to mtl if I have to to achive improvement. Right now I'm planning to do a session of airgent in the toronto area. I just don't get how acid can filll in the wholes dude. Plz fill me in and msg me with details if I plan to take a trip to montreal thanx fellow canadian
The TCA CROSS method uses 100% trichloroacetic acid to "hurt" the skin at the bottom of your icepick/pitted scar, stimulating dermal thickening and collagen production, causing the "holes" to shrink/contract.
if any of you ever need another acne scarred friend in montreal, feel free to msg me.. 🙂
i am going to go for a consultation with the doctor Sam recommended, dr denis bisson.
the only qualm i have is that he's only a general practitioner MD, he is not a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist as he has never done any of those residencies... although i'll go and i'll let you know what happens
other plastic surgeons on my list to check out are:
1. dr chen lee (plastic surgeon)
2. dr steven Bernstein (cosmetic dermatologist)
3. dr mannish khanna (cosmetic dermatologist)
im thinking of the following systematic approach: i want to get the scars removed first (subcision/excision/punch graft/etc.), and then TCA cross, and then fillers, and finally laser or dermabrasion
i am going to go for a consultation with the doctor Sam recommended, dr denis bisson.
the only qualm i have is that he's only a general practitioner MD, he is not a plastic surgeon
Dr. Denis Bisson is a Plastic Surgeon and has the documentation to prove it.
A General Practitioner, is a totally different thing.
i am going to go for a consultation with the doctor Sam recommended, dr denis bisson.
the only qualm i have is that he's only a general practitioner MD, he is not a plastic surgeon
Dr. Denis Bisson is a Plastic Surgeon and has the documentation to prove it.
A General Practitioner, is a totally different thing.
are you sure? i just translated "omnipraticien" from french... if you go on his website and wait for the page to load, ( http://www.drbisson.com/index_2.html ), click on "les cliniques", and then "Dr. Denis Bisson MD", it says "Dr. Denis Bisson, MD est un omnipraticien" and then it goes on to list some societies which he is part of... but that doesn't really prove he did a residency in plastic surgery or dermatology..
well if he really is a plastic surgeon and has the documentation to prove it, then all the better
im only concerned because all MDs have carte blanche to specialize in any field because it's not against the law to inject cosmetic botox even if you're a pediatrician
are you sure? i just translated "omnipraticien" from french... if you go on his website and wait for the page to load, ( http://www.drbisson.com/index_2.html ), click on "les cliniques", and then "Dr. Denis Bisson MD", it says "Dr. Denis Bisson, MD est un omnipraticien" and then it goes on to list some societies which he is part of... but that doesn't really prove he did a residency in plastic surgery or dermatology..
well if he really is a plastic surgeon and has the documentation to prove it, then all the better
im only concerned because all MDs have carte blanche to specialize in any field because it's not against the law to inject cosmetic botox even if you're a pediatrician
Basically, if I had a cold, I'd go to an "omipraticien".
If I needed someone to fix a rolling acne scar, I'd go to Dr. Bisson.
Hi Sam,
I'm from Montreal, too!
Thank you for being so helpful! after reading your post I'm really interested in trying TCA CROSS and am planning on calling tomorrow morning, thanks for all the information, I really appreciate it!
Always nice to see a fellow Montrealer on here (there seems to be a few). 🙂 I'm the one who thanks you for taking the time for saying that.
It's great that more people are finding a place to have the CROSS treatment done, in Montreal; to think I was searching for one, for so long.
I wish you lots of success and patience. If you have any questions, or just need to vent, feel free to come through this thread, any time.
Hi there. I've been researching this TCA Cross method for a few weeks now. I couldn't figure out how to take a proper picture lol but I took some. I don't know why they are reddish, its not like that in person (or maybe I'm in denial 
).
You guys think TCA Cross will help me? Just trying to get an idea before I go see a professional and get their verdict.
Hi there. I've been researching this TCA Cross method for a few weeks now. I couldn't figure out how to take a proper picture lol but I took some. I don't know why they are reddish, its not like that in person (or maybe I'm in denial
).
You guys think TCA Cross will help me? Just trying to get an idea before I go see a professional and get their verdict.
Mild icepick/pitted scarring -- ideal scarring for the TCA CROSS method.
Having said that, I see one or two boxcar scars, but the photos aren't clear enough for me to comment on their depth; a professional would be better suited to advise you on those.
Alrighty, thank you. 
Maybe there is hope yet . I know the pics aren't very good, I'll try to take a couple better ones tonight.
I'm in the GTA btw. I've found a few numbers for Bargman but can't actually get a hold of him. :/
Other than him, Barankin has a high rating on rateMD and on another site he comments on TCA Cross positively. He doesn't have TCA Cross mentioned on his website from what I can find but he is mentioned on the Toronto Acne Center site along with TCA Cross. http://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/40773/Dr-Benjamin-Barankin-Toronto-ON.html http://www.torontoacnecentre.com/acne_treatment_toronto
Baywood Clinic mentions TCA Cross on their site. http://www.baywoodclinic.com/Acne_Scars.html
These are the places I have found. I thought I should post them so that other people looking will have a lead. If you know any other people in the GTA, please post it here for other people.
Baywood Clinic mentions TCA Cross on their site. http://www.baywoodcl...Acne_Scars.htmlThese are the places I have found. I thought I should post them so that other people looking will have a lead. If you know any other people in the GTA, please post it here for other people.
Don't even waste your time with the Baywood Clinic; Dr. Bargman used to work out of there and was the only one performing the CROSS technique. When he left, they didn't even bother to update their website, informing visitors that they no longer perform the CROSS technique there.
However, if/since you want to track Bargman down, they're the ones to call.
Sam,
I'm glad to hear you've had such success with TCA. But, at the same time, I'm sure you've read some of the TCA horror stories on here as well. It's such a very powerful acid, and so the procedure seems to need to be so delicate, especially on small areas like pores.
I've spoken with this Dr. Lam about the procedure, and he says he NEVER does pores, just because he's enlarged them more times than not.
And so I'm curious about this Rene's procedure. Granted, I realize you aren't doing it yourself and probably can't see what she's actually doing to your skin as she's doing it, as much detail as you can give of her technique would be much appreciated.
Does she whittle the toothpick down super narrow? Does she dunk or soak the tip in the TCA, then blot away the excess from beneath the tip of the toothpick? Spread apart the surrounding skin?
Particular toothpick technique? Like Does it feel like she's pushing it deep and hard into pore? Whittling the toothpick can make it very sharp, so can break the skin (and also not hold as much TCA.)
Is the frosting you see on the pores totally on the inside only? Or...did was it sometimes visible on the skin surrounding the pore?
Lotta questions, I know. Just exciting this procedure has been successful for you, and want to try to iron out the techniques that make a successful session successful. : )
Thanks!
Here's a pic of where I'm coming from. You can see the pore which has been badly enlarged by a TCA attempt.
Baywood Clinic mentions TCA Cross on their site. http://www.baywoodcl...Acne_Scars.htmlThese are the places I have found. I thought I should post them so that other people looking will have a lead. If you know any other people in the GTA, please post it here for other people.
Don't even waste your time with the Baywood Clinic; Dr. Bargman used to work out of there and was the only one performing the CROSS technique. When he left, they didn't even bother to update their website, informing visitors that they no longer perform the CROSS technique there.
However, if/since you want to track Bargman down, they're the ones to call.
I don't have any need to actually track down Bargman since there is still Barankin... hopefully...
And I phoned Baywood earlier today and it when I asked about TCA it sounded just as shady as the website looks. The lady said they do it but I should come in and talk to the doctor. I just asked to see some before and after pics before making the trip. I don't think thats too much to ask.
I'm phoning Barankin tomorrow and hopefully that goes... I want to say better but after phoning Baywood even them picking up the phone would be better
I took a couple more pictures. I hope that these don't change your opinion that TCA could help me but please be honest, I can take it . These pics are a little better so you can see "the situation" more clearly.
Thanks again
