Can Botox help with atrophic facial acne scarring?

I have atrophic acne scars on my cheeks, and I'm wondering, is it possible to have Botox injected into the cheeks (into each scar) to temporarily diminish the look of atrophic scarring?

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6 answers to “Can Botox help with atrophic facial...”

A: Intradermal Botox is certainly worth considering for your Scars

Kamran Jafri, MD

Hello Blythe, I have been using Intradermal Botox injections for oily skin, large pores, fine wrinkles, "blotchy" skin and acne sequlae (red / brown spots) and have been seeing very satisfying and pleasing results with my Patients. Based on my experience with Intradermal Botox for these other... more

A: Botox can be useful

David Shafer, MD

Blythe, Whenever you are considering improving the skin, whether for cosmetic reasons or reconstructive (or anywhere in between), it is best to approach the skin from the structural, biochemical and mechanical aspects. This multimodal approach promotes improvement in the skin dermis, health and stress,... more

A: Botox is not my first choice

Robert M. Freund, MD

Botox is great for many things, but for acne scars it is a stretch. Acne scars are never easy to treat. First , the people who get the scarring are genetically prone to scarring. Many people get acne without the scarring sequellae. Our amamentarian with regard to acne scars is; 1- Prevention - this is the... more

A: Botox of no use for dermal atrophy

Mary Lupo, MD

Botox is the best for lines caused by excessive movement of underlying muscles. It can also result in lifting when injected into a muscle that pulls the face downward. It does not, however, have any benefit for the skin depressions caused by the inflammatory damage to the skin from acne. For that, you... more

A: Botox and acne scar treatment

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

There is no physiologic reason for Botox to be effective for directly softening acne scars.  As you probably already know, Botox works by weakening muscles of facial expression.  The reason your forehead became smoother is that there is a muscle in the forehead that was weakened, causing an... more

A: Botox and scarring

Steven Wallach, MD

Botox is not used for atrophic scarring secondary to acne. Botox is best for facial lines of animation commonly treating the upper 1/3 of the face.

Comments

Blythe115
4 posts
20 Nov 2008

Thank you all so much for your very informative and very quick answers =) it is much appreciated! Hi Dr. Jafri, In my original question (which was somehow shortened)I stated that I had Botox to the forehead about 4 years ago and my forehead scars disappeared. Like you, this is how I knew it could help diminish the appearance of scars. Mine were gone! It was wonderful! I was just curious if it was possible to use Botox in the cheek area (without paralyzing my smile) Thank you so much, with your answer..you have given me new hope, as lasers, excision, and fillers did not help much in the past. However, I am willing to try fillers again, along with Botox as you suggested. Now, if I can only find a doctor near the NW suburbs of Chicago who has the same experience as you, who would be willing to use Botox for scars. Would it be possible for you recommend a PS in my area? If not, is there a PS here who would be willing to give this a go? I will be forever grateful! Thank you so much! ~Blythe

Blythe115
4 posts
30 Nov 2008

Once again, I Thank you, Dr. Jafri =) As you can imagine, these scars are very difficult to live with. I realize I will never be scar free, but the prospect of some kind of improvement with Botox, gives me renewed hope. That is, Renewed hope with realistic expectations. I'm willing to try it. After the first of the year I am going to look into the Doctors you so kindly suggested. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the information you have given me. (more so than any live consultation I have experienced)and for your valuable time. I certainly will let you know how it works out for me. Thank you so very much =) Sincerely ~Blythe

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