Does Retin-A really work for acne scars?

Will Retin-A really improve the appearance of acne scars and discoloration?

3 answers to “Does Retin-A really work for acne scars?”

A: Retin A and Acne Scars: Improvement in quality of acne scars with retinoic acid

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Patients requesting improvement of acne scars are typically concerned about several things: Improvement in pigmentation Improved quality of surrounding skin on face Improvement in contour irregularities and ice pick scars on the face Retin A is an active exfoliator that speeds the skin cycle and... more

A: Don't expect much from Retin A except if scars or wrinkles are extremely shallow

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

The effect of Retin A is superficial, and the changes that are seen are primarily epidermal.  Therefore the only scars that can be improved would be those that are extremely shallow.  The depth of your acne scars must first be evaluated once determined the proper treatment depth can be performed... more

A: Consider Intra-Dermal Botox for discoloration from Acne

Kamran Jafri, MD

Retin-A is certainly a proven and beneficial medication for overall skin care, reversing aging / sun damage and improving problematic skin. Depending on the type of scars you have Retin-A is probably not going to be that helpful.  While Retin-A does stimulate healthy cell turnover and collagen formation,... more

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Comments

drbanda
95 posts
21 Nov 2008

Retin-A will help as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Acne scars are quite stubborn. Consider a combination of approaches which may icluding any combination of medical grade skin care products for home use,  Ablative laser resurfacing (both fractional and full) , chemical peels, laser peels, laser genesis and subscision surgery. Ablative laser resurfacing has an associated downtime, is expensive and may not be available to darker skin types. Excellent results for non pitted scars. A series of deep (TCA for example) chemical peels will improve superficial scars. My belief, however, is that laser peels are taking over this role. They are safer and more effective. Laser genesis will benefit not so deep scars. One of two safe laser options in dark skin types not willing to risk the possibility of adverse reaction to ablative laser resurfacing. Non ablative fractional resurfacing is the other. Subscision is a minor surgical technique for lifting pitted scars. Quite impressive. My advice is that you consult a physician or several  in the field for your particular situation.

serena77
1 post
8 Mar 2009

Does Retin-A or TCA peel help tummy tuck scar?

yvonne10
1 post
26 May 2009

hello! i have scars from electrolysis on my eyebrows,(the electrolysis has been 7 week ago) the scars ar not deep, half mm at most! can retin A help? please help I cant look at them anymore! it freaks me out! :(

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