ReviewThe Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology2026
The Use of Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars (CROSS) Method With Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) for Atrophic Scars: A Comprehensive Review on Application Techniques, Adjunct Therapies, and Complications.
Review in The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundAtrophic scars have a significant psychosocial and functional impact on quality of life. Chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) has emerged as an effective procedure for targeted treatment of atrophic scars, yet application methods and efficacy vary across scar types and patient populations.
objectiveTo evaluate the methodology, indications, efficacy, and safety profile of the TCA CROSS technique in atrophic scarring and to compare TCA CROSS outcomes to other therapeutic modalities and assesses its adjunctive use.
methodsA PubMed literature search was performed for clinical studies evaluating TCA application in scar management; inclusion criteria focused on studies using the CROSS technique published after 2002. Two reviewers independently screened 133 results: 34 publications (20 clinical trials, 4 comparative/cohort studies, 4 case series, 2 case reports, and 4 expert opinions) met eligibility criteria.
resultsIn total, 937 patients (predominantly female, aged 4-65 years, Fitzpatrick skin types I-V) were included. TCA CROSS was primarily used for ice pick and boxcar acne scars, but it was also used for varicella and leishmaniasis scars. Application techniques varied, with fine-gauge needles and paintbrushes enabling more precise delivery. Multiple sessions yielded greater improvement, and higher TCA concentrations increased the risk of complications. Patient satisfaction was generally high, with improvement rates of 50% to 80%. The most common adverse events were transient postinflammatory pigmentary changes.
conclusionTCA CROSS is a safe, effective option for treating atrophic scars. Methodical application and multimodality approaches optimize patient outcomes; further research should address technique standardization and efficacy across diverse skin types.
Indexed as
Identifiers
42482854PMC13387661What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.