Acne scars

Steven Wallach, MD answers: What is the best way to remove acne scars on my face? Fraxel, Chemical Peels, or something else?

What is the best way to remove acne scars on my face? Fraxel, Chemical Peels, or something else?


Steven Wallach, MD
10 months ago

Nothing is perfect for acne scars. Remember acne scars are the result of skin scarring as well subcutaneous fat atrophy. So, it is a multi-modality treatment process. Some lasers can be used on the skin to perform surface changes. Some can treat the deep collagen to lay down new collagen. But, sometimes small fat grafts or facial filles can lift the depressed scar as well. Some doctors will even cut out the old scar all together to bring skin and soft tissue fromt he sides together to remove the depression.

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A: More than one option

Jordana S. Gilman, MD
10 months ago

The best way to treat acne scars really depends on the type of scars you have.

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion may help with lighter scars and with discolored scars.  You would need a series of these treatments, probably 4-6 spaced every 2-4 weeks. 

For deeper scars you may need stronger, deeper chemical peels or laser resurfacing.  You need a treatment that is going to reach to the depth of skin where the problem is.  Fraxel is the brand name for a type of laser treatment that treates microscopic colums of skin at a time, leaving untreated areas between each zone and allowing for a faster recovery time.  This is called fractional resurfacing and there are several brands of lasers that do this.  Fraxel is one brand and there are 2 types of Fraxel: one is gentler but requires more treatments, and the other is a little more aggressive but requires fewer treatments to get results.

With any treatment, you should be sure to practice good skin care and avoid sun exposure.  And if you are still having acne trouble, be sure to start treatment so that you can minimize the development of new scars.

 

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