Thermage Q&A
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Does Thermage Improve Acne Scarring?

asked 5 years ago by shmina007 in 20602
Latest answer by Jordana Gilman, MD
Question viewed 3,604 times
Tags: acne scars, candidate

I was wondering if anyone had tried thermage for acne scarring? My doc said it was an option for me and all the reviews I've read are for wrinkles or aging skin. If anyone has done this or another treatment for scarring I'd love to hear about the results. Thanks!

3 answers to Does Thermage Improve Acne Scarring?

+1

Acne scarring best treated with Fraxel or with fillers

Thermage gives overall tightening of the skin. The problem in acne scarring is not loose skin, but a depression in the skin. Fraxel is the name of one type of fractionated resurfacing laser, which is the best treatment for acne scars because it triggers the skin's healing mechanisms and can resurface the skin and smooth the scar. Non-ablative fractionated resurfacing can do this without any downtime, but you will need several treatments (exactly how many will depend on what your scars... more
Jordana Gilman, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Thermage is not the best for acne scarring, but Fraxel

Thermage uses radiofrequency to generate heat. This causes tightening of the collagen fibers of the skin but also stimulates generation of new collagen fibers. The result is skin tightening. Acne scars are permanent 'divots' in the skin. I have had my best results using a Fraxel laser. This is a laser that is considered fractional therapy. It has replaced the carbon dioxide laser allowing patients to carry on with their personal and professional lives 24-36 hours after treatment. I have... more
Randall Latorre, MD

Tampa Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Thermage not effective for acne scars

Acne scars are a result of permanent tissue damage and the only way to lessen their obviousness is to level the surrounding skin and/or "pump up" the scar floor from beneath. A fractional laser has minimal downtime and right now, is the treatment of choice for acne scars. On the other hand, if you have isolated scarring, temporary fillers could be a solution -- possibly combined with subcision, but the fillers do break down over time so you would need repeat treatments. The more... more
Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologist

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