Question
Acne scar removal - can someone help me find an approach that works?
I am still trying to figure out what is the right laser and/or treatments for me. I have had acne for 2 decades and now want to get rid of the deep scars and wrinkles.
I started about 4 months ago with 2 salicylic acid peel, spaced two weeks apart, then a vitalized peel followed by a photodynmaic treatment. To me, my skin got worse, there are now lines and scars where there weren't any before, my pores are huge now and my forhead is creased and looks like brittle parchment paper.
I am so freaked out I consulted with more skin specialists. One recommended taking a break and then doing Active FX. After all the horror stories on here, and my own experiences, I am hesitant. So I saw a specialist who invented the coolaser and he wants to do 2 cool lasers and then fillers and Botox at the same time. It's called the mini facelift. To me, that seems a shocker.
Then, another recommended the Obagi NUDerm, Fraxel every month and Sculptra every six weeks. After much thinking, I decided to embark on the Obagi Nu-Derm and am now flaking and red, swollen - look like a shedding, boiling lobster. I have a party next weekend, so they advised me to stop three days before and the skin should be back to normal. But what do I do next?
Active FX, Fraxel, Coolaser, or could the Obagi Blue Peel be an alternative, after I prep the skin more with the Obagi Nu-Derm. Or could I do a laser? Is my skin too taxed for a laser now? When could I do a laser? I am shifting to babying my skin tonite. I am so mad that I started this - I totally ruined the summer ahead of me - and I live in sunny CA - but I feel I have to do damage control now. And - I am running low on money.
Would a Blue Peel and some Botox do the trick? I am just horrified and scared of the laser recovery. Any thoughts? Thanks so much for listening!
Asked by: Amy
Answers (3)
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1
August 10, 2008
Physician, not Treatment
There are a number of treatments that could potentially help you. The options can be head-spinning.
The starting point is to find a physician that you are comfortable with. Once you are comfortable with the practitioner, then the treatment regime becomes simpler.
Topical Treatments would be superficial, and Injections may be helpful but temporary.
Again, start with your gut feeling of the physician and the treatments will be easier.
2
August 10, 2008
Hi Amy,
I've heard similar stories many times by patients that have had the same experience.
Needless to say, it leaves one quite discouraged and skeptical. I believe that
a healthy dose of skepticism is always good, but don't let that keep you from
pursuing better options...when you are ready. I agree with Dr. Rivkin and Dr. Klein's feedback as a good starting point. Yes, technology keeps improving, but sometimes new isn't always better. Especially if it comes with a higher price tag for treatments. I would encourage you to continue your research by having several consultations, have a list of questions, ask to see before/after photos of actual patients. Anyone that gives expectations that sound just too good to be true...well then - keep searching for a practitioner.
As you look into resurfacing options, I would only suggest that you stay clear of ineffective and costly microdermabrasion treatments, chemical peels, expensive topical products, and such. Taking a resting period is never a bad idea even if not necessary. Almost always, the body has an amazing way of healing itself and responding to a short rest/break. You will know when it is time to start looking into other options.
L.. Haney, RN
3
April 3, 2008
Acne Scars and Active FX Laser Surgery
You ask a very important question and acne scars are a common problem and can be difficult to treat, particularly based upon the degree of scarring.
If you have tried various peels and dermabrasion has not helped, Active FX and Deep FX are the latest in laser surgical technology. While there are many lasers out there that do close to nothing, this technology really works and, compared to the old CO2 lasers, there is very little down time (about 3-5 days total).
The procedure is rather expensive, but you can generally obtain good results with one treatment as compared to several; again this is dependent upon the degree of acne scars.
It should not matter that you have already done the other treatments; the only reason to put it off for a little while is the cost and the fact that emotionally you may need a break.
I have been particularly impressed with the Active FX laser and I was a bit of a skeptic going into it. I use this in my practice and patients seem to really like it.
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9/8/08
DONT DO IT!!!!!!!! iVE HAD A BLUE PEEL AND IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. IVE HAD ACNE FOR AMOST 20 YEARS. IVE TRIED EVERYTHING. Ive tried chemical peels, blue-peels, thermage,etc...etc...The latest mistake I made was by having a full-faced Dermabrasion. I look and feel 50times worse than before. Im an African American woman and Im still desperate to heal my acne scarring, but now Ive gotta fix the mess left behind from the Dermabrasion. My next move is going to be Laser Treatments. Wish me luck.
9/9/08
I understand your confusion, while getting different opinions is the safest way to go. I personally wouldn’t do any type of peels or skin scrapping. I don’t do needles either, that option is not permanent. Here at Tat2begone we use the Medlite laser, because the action of the laser is non-ablative (does not remove any skin) there are many benefits over other traditional methods. The laser treatment is quick and offers no downtime. Don’t forget to do your research on what treatment option to make next. I hope that you will find one that helps.
11/2/08
For the african american with the scar problems: thank u for tellin me what not to do because im black to and i dont want the 2 cm scar on my face to get worst... i know its small but i get really mad everytime i look in the mirror, although i think its going to heal back because its only been 2 weeks and its fading... because im not full black, my skin doesnt form keloids as easy, or maybe because im young XP