Outcome of CROSS technique with 100% trichloroacetic acid in the management of atrophic icepick acne scars

Objective To assess the outcome of CROSS technique with 100% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) on atrophic icepick acne scars. Methods It was a quasi-experimental study held at dermatology department, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore on 20th November 2013 till 19th April 2014. A total number of 60 patients were included in this study. There were 40 female (66.7%) patients and 20 male (33.3%) patients. After informed consent, four sessions of 100% TCA focal application on atrophic icepick acne scars by CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars) technique were done at two weekly intervals and final outcome was assessed at three months after the last session. Results In our study 41.7% patients showed excellent (>70% reduction of acne scars) response, 45% patients showed good (51-70% reduction of acne scars) response, 13.3% patients showed fair (30-50% reduction) response and no patient showed poor (<30% reduction) response. Conclusion Chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) technique with 100% TCA is a safe, minimally invasive and cost-effective technique for the treatment of icepick acne scars .