Microdermabrasion for Scar Removal?

asked 2 years ago by Indiblue in NY
Latest answer by Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH
Question viewed 1,501 times
Tags: legs

I have had this scar for more than 20 years. I have tried retinol, bleaching creams, and scrubs. My skin texture is very fine and I scar very easily, as a result, my legs are not my best feature. What else can I do? Would microdermabrasion help?

5 answers to Microdermabrasion for Scar Removal?

Microdermabrasion does not help old scars.

Microdermabrasion often gets confused with dermabrasion, a deeper treatment. Dermabrasion should only be performed by experienced dermatologic or plastic surgeons. That said, it is not a good choice to try to improve an old, longstanding scar on the lower leg, since lower legs heal poorly and need more delicate, subtle treatments. Different types of lasers combined with the appropriate creams AND good sun protection (not just your average SPF 30 moisturizer) can be put together to... more

Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon

Improving scars with laser

Improvement of this scar can be done with a combination of chemical peels and laser. Surgical excision is not warranted and topical creams may further help improve the scar.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Mature Scars

Microdermabrasion is not the answer. However you might try Fraxel resurfacing to this scar. Treatment results have been excellent even in older scars.It will take multiple treaments and sun avoidance to this area is a necessity.

Diane C. Madfes, MD
New York Dermatologist

Microdermabrasion does not help scars

Unfortunately, microdermabrasion does not help scarring. It is too light of a treatment, and really only helps the skin feel smoother by removing the top layer of dead skin. Dermabrasion, which goes much deeper, can help scarring. However, I don't believe dermabrasion would help your scar since it is already flat. There aren't many options for improving the scar pictured. This may be the best it ever gets. However, I do believe fractional non-ablative laser (Fraxel) could improve it. ... more

Chad L. Prather, MD
Baton Rouge Dermatologist

Microdermabrasion not good for mature scar removal

Thanks for your photo. No, Microdermabrasion will not help. Your scar is too old and matured to gain any improvement from minor intervention. I recommend a surgical scar revision. Good Luck from MIAMI

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates