Restylane Q&A
62%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
476 Reviews
Restylanebefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Restylane Cost: $625

Learn about Restylane

1,372 people and 503 doctors are talking about Restylane

Get Free Email Updates

Alternative to Restylane for Acne Scarring?

asked 2 years ago by david1980 in Dublin
Latest answer by Nissan Pilest, MD
Question viewed 1,848 times
Tags: face, depressed, peeling, scar, skin

Hi, I've twice had Restylane injections on my left cheek to improve a depressed area possibly caused by fairly mild acne scarring. However, both times I've had significant skin peeling/flaking and acne-like formations for about 3 weeks after the injections. I'm worried that they just made the scarring worse. I'd still like to get an injectible filler, but I don't think Restylane is for me.

Is there any information on how patients react to other fillers if they've had bad reactions to Restylane? Can you recommend an alternative?

7 answers to Alternative to Restylane for Acne Scarring?

+1

The best alternatives would Fraxel laser resurfacing

For acne scarring the better treatment is generally accomplished by Fraxel laser resurfacing either the Restore or CO2 Repair. However fillers also help. You may want to try Radiesse since you have had side effects with Restylane.
Nissan Pilest, MD

Irvine Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Acne scarring treatment options

There are many types of acne scars and the choice of treatment depends on the type of scarring. I would recommend having a dermatologist evaluate your scar, and then choose the most cost effective treatment.
Isabel Zhu, MD, PhD

Boulder Dermatologist
+1

I love the fractionated CO2 laser for acne scars

My first patient using the Pixel Omifit handpiece on my old CO2 laser for her "hill and valley" acne scars looked so much better she decided to go to Weight Watchers to complete her "new self". I find a series of treatments are necessary for the ice pick type of scars. They actually disappear but with several treatments. If needed for "tied down scars," subcision could easily be added to the laser treatment.
Ann Lott, MD

Lincoln Dermatologist
+1

Acne scar surgery and resurfacing is better for acne scarring compared to just fillers

The use acne surgery in combination with CO2 resurfacing provides long lasting and significant improvement. The use of subcision (the breaking of scar adhesions that cause the rolling scarring that is seen with acne scarring) and removal of ice pick scars are sometimes necessary to fix the "pot holes" prior to resurfacing the skin which evens out and smoothes the skin. I hope you find this helpful.
Steven E. Rasmussen, MD

Austin Dermatologist
+1

Acne scar treatment with fillers

You mention you had acne breakouts and peeling from injecting the scars. I question if you didn't have an exacerbation of a cyst like structure underneath the scar. Sometimes, acne cysts scar the skin, but the cyst can have a lining or capsule that remains dormant and the filler might have disrupted it. This can happen with all resurfacing treatments too, but it might be worth a try. Multiple Fraxel restore treatments have helped many patients with acne scarring. Another modality... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist

www.thenyac.com

+1

Acne scar treatment

Depressed acne scarring can be treated with injectable fillers like restylane or juvederm. Artefill is another product that has currently been used with some success in elevating acne scarring. Other options include laser resurfacing to make the scars blend in better with the neighboring tissue. I hope this information helps.
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Acne Treatment

David, You are probably better served with a different modality of treatment. As you know acne scarring presents in a variety of forms. You may benefit from Erbium laser resurfacing which would remove the shoulders making the depressions less obvious (check out doctors who own and know how to use the Sciton Profile or Joule laser). If further care is needed, I would then do Subcision with another filler. That should greatly enhance your appearance. Dr. P. Aldea
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question