Combining Fillers with Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

Would temporary fillers combined with laser treatment best for acne scars? I have rolling and possibly ice pick scarring. I've heard subcision combined with laser treatment is an excellent way to treat scars because it allows room for the scar to "correct" itself while collagen is rebuilding, and the skin is healing. Would Restylane or Juvederm injected after a Fraxel:Restore treatment work the same; give the skin room to repair itself correctly and level with the rest of the skin? Or would it just reabsorb over a few months and be pointless? Thanks!

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by lolou in NC

Doctor Answers (4)
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Fraxel re:pair and Fillers for Rolling Acne Scars

Hi Lolou, Having Fraxel re:pair and then following with Restylane or Juvederm for the rolling acne scars is an excellent way to maximize the treatment of the scars for all of the reasons that you cited in your question. Just make sure to have the injections after the re:pair not before. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Best treatment for acne scars

Hi Lolou. The"best" treatment for your acne scars might no exist. Rather there may be several great options, which each one offering pros and cons. The program you mentioned with subcision and laser treatments combined is an excellent option. In the same way, subcision combined with Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane injections allows for collagen development after the fibrous scars pulling downward on the surface of the skin have been release with subcision. The dermal filler... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Fractional CO2 might make more sense

While I am a fan of Fraxel Restore for acne scars, it will take at least 5 to make a real impact. You might want to explore the option of Fractional CO2 (Active/Deep FX, Fraxel Repair, Ellipse Juvia and others). These usually give more 'bang for the buck" if you can take the downtime. Fillers do last longer in acne scars than in wrinkles, but I like them as the final finishing touch after you get the most from a more durable result from ablative laser or dermabrasion....

Try Fraxel first

I would recommend going through the Fraxel treatments and then adding filler after all the new collagen is produced. That could be more than six months after the last treatment. Of course, if you want a quicker fix your doctor can inject the filler in between the Fraxel treatments. The fillers do resolve in six to 12 months usually and you may have long term improvement with Fraxel alone.