Laser Resurfacing or Dermabrasion for Uneven Skin, Premature Fine Lines and Acne Scarring?

asked 1 year ago by tk13 in PA
Latest answer by Channing R. Barnett, MD
Question viewed 657 times
Tags: age 25-34, acne scars, comparison, fine lines, uneven

I am 25 years old and have been in search of a treatment for uneven skin, premature fine lines, and some acne scarring. I still have some mild comedonal acne that has persisted since adolescence, but am pretty depressed with how my face now looks. I am 2 years post accutane and i think my skin is pretty sensitive. I really want to fix this as it is very depressing but am unsure of what the best route to go actually is. I figure dermabrasion or laser resurfacing are best, but am pretty scared

6 answers to Laser Resurfacing or Dermabrasion for Uneven Skin, Premature Fine Lines and Acne Scarring?

Treatments for Acne Scarring, Fine Lines and Uneven Skin

As mentioned by another physician, this is a very difficult question to answer without doing a physical exam. We have many different treatment modalities for acne scarring, fine lines, uneven skin, some of which work well individually or in combination with others. However, the choice really depends on a patient's areas of concern, their skin type, their willingness and/or ability to have downtime, their healing, and their affordability. In our office we have different... more

Channing R. Barnett, MD
New York Dermatologist

Dermabrasion or laser for acne scarring

Unfortunatelt this is a very difficult question to answer without an exam. However, a few generalizations can be made. 1.) Deep ice pick scars likely will require removal with small grafts from behind the ear for maximial improvement followed by some resurfacing (dermabrasion vs. laser). 2.) Lasers are very good to soften margins on discoid acne scars (think of moon craters). 3.) Atrophic acne scars often will need lifting with some filler. Fat can... more

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD
Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon

Skin resurfacing for acne scarring

I have seen some very impressive improvements in the skin of my patients after treating them with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. However, it is important to try and stabilize your acne before being treated. In some of my young adult patients with acne scarring, you can see mild flare-ups afterwards, but these often respond to antibiotics and skin care. If you feel that your skin is sensitive, then I feel that the fractional CO2 laser is much less stressful on your skin than dermabrasion... more

Gregory J. Vipond, MD
Pasadena Facial Plastic Surgeon

Acne scarring and persistent comedonal acne despite Accutane

I would not suggest you undergo any resurfacing treatment, whether dermabrasion or laser resurfacing with Fraxel, if you have whiteheads or blackheads currently. The healing process can create a flare of acne that is caused by a disruption of the preexisting blackheads or whiteheads. You should see a dermatologist to determine if you need a stronger strength of the vitamin A medication, and then you would have to wait a year afterwards before having the resurfacing (the standard of... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Fractional laser resurfacing is generally safer than dermabrasion for creating facial rejuvenation

Fractional laser resurfacing is generally safer than dermabrasion for creating facial rejuvenation. Healing is faster and controlled depth makes performing the procedure more accurate.

Edward Lack, MD
Chicago Dermatologist

Laser Resurfacing or Dermabrasion for Uneven Skin, Acne Scarring in 25yo Post Accutane

I highly recommend that you consult with a practitioner that is well experienced with both modalities you are considering. It will be important to perform a health and skin assessment and discuss the risks and benefits of both procedure as well as review anticipated outcomes. It may be necessary, given your mention that your skin is "sensitive", to treat a small area to see how your skin reacts.

Anifat Balogun, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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