Best chemical peel and percentage and the number of sessions for my pitted shallow acne scars. (photo)

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best,
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

  I agree with some of the other doctors who replied.  Your pitted scars are not "shallow."  You can do light or superficial procedures but the degree of improvement that you will see is limited.  Whether or not you choose a chemical peel or a laser procedure is not as important as the depth that your doctor will achieve with either modality.  The most important thing is choosing a doctor near you who will work with you to achieve the results that you are seeking.

I would suggest the consultation of a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience using peels and lasers.  You have pitted scars that require either fractional laser, TCA CROSS treatment, and/or fillers.  Typically superficial peels like glycolic or low strength TCA will not help these pitted scars and will worsen them.  You need a formal consultation.  Best, Dr. Emer.