Welcome to Skin Insights by YSBB.
Acne is a common skin condition, but in severe cases, it can leave behind deep, lasting scars. CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) is a focused and effective treatment designed to improve these acne scars, especially the deep, narrow ones that are often difficult to treat.
At YSBB Skin Clinic in Seoul, we use CROSS as one of our preferred procedures for scar revision. In this article, we’ll walk you through how CROSS works, its clinical benefits, and what to expect from the treatment.
What Is the CROSS Technique?
CROSS stands for Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars, a method that has brought remarkable progress in acne scar treatment over the past few decades. This procedure uses high-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA) applied precisely into each acne scar to trigger localized wound healing and collagen regeneration.
Though once considered aggressive, it has proven to be safe and highly effective when performed by a trained professional.
Why Choose CROSS? Key Benefits
- Especially effective for deep, narrow (icepick or boxcar-type) scars
- Targets only the scar tissue — leaving surrounding skin unharmed
- Minimal downtime compared to ablative lasers
- Quick procedure, easy to fit into busy schedules
- Can be combined with other treatments for enhanced results
How CROSS Treatment Is Performed
Step-by-step:
- Skin is thoroughly cleansed
- A fine applicator (such as a toothpick or micro needle) is used to place high-concentration TCA into each scar
- The acid causes a controlled wound reaction, promoting regeneration of new tissue
- The surrounding skin is not affected, ensuring faster healing and precision
Is CROSS Safe?
Yes — when done by an experienced dermatologist. Since TCA is applied only to scars, the risk of side effects is minimal. Temporary redness, swelling, or crusting may occur, but usually resolve within 1–2 weeks.
As always, proper patient evaluation and post-treatment care are essential to ensure safety and satisfaction.
How Effective Is CROSS?
CROSS is especially useful for:
- Deep, narrow acne scars (icepick scars)
- Stubborn scars that have not responded well to other treatments
With repeated sessions, the skin slowly fills in from the inside as new collagen forms. Visible improvement is usually seen over a few weeks to months.
Precautions & Aftercare
- Temporary redness, swelling, and scabbing are common and part of healing
- Use sunscreen daily to prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Avoid harsh skincare and sun exposure during the healing phase
- Always follow your dermatologist’s instructions closely
What’s Next for CROSS Treatment?
CROSS technology continues to evolve. Improved application tools and combination therapy with other treatments (like microneedling or RF) are expanding its potential and safety profile.
At YSBB, we often combine CROSS with other scar therapies depending on scar type and skin condition — allowing a more personalized and effective outcome.
Final Thoughts
CROSS is one of the most promising treatments for deep acne scars — especially for patients who have tried multiple options without success. It’s safe, affordable, and shows impressive results when performed by an experienced dermatologist.
If you are considering acne scar treatment, speak to our experts at YSBB Skin Clinic. We’ll evaluate your skin type and scar severity and recommend the most effective path forward.
YSBB Skin Clinic, Seoul, Korea