Question

What’s the best dermal filler for acne scars?

I've heard about juvaderm and restylane but also long lasters like sculptra. for deep scarring is there one prefered treatment?


Asked by: Lee in Cali

Answers (2)

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1
September 4, 2008

Acne scars - Make it plump and make it last

Edgar Franklin Fincher, MD, PhD
Edgar Franklin Fincher, MD, PhD
Board Certified
Dermatologist

There are so many fillers these days that it is often difficult to know which is best. Acne scars are a specialized treatment area and thus the choice is often times easier.

The two basic requirements should be that the filler plumps the skin well enough to correct the scar and second that it lasts long enough for prolonged correction.

My personal favorite is Radiesse (Calcium hydroxlapetite). This filler plumps, provides immediate correction and last approximately 9-16 months.

Microroplet silicone is another excellent alternative. This is a specialized technique performed by only a limited number of physicians. It is a permanent filler and must be used with carefully.

ONE IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ACNE SCARS... there are many different types of acne scars (ice pick, box car, rolling type scars) and they must be approached using different techniques and combinations of techniques including lasers, acid peels and then fillers as a final therapy.

2
September 3, 2008

Dermal filler options depend on the type of acne scarring

The best dermal filler for acne scars depends on the type of scar and other factors such as depth, etc.

  • Icepick scars do not respond well to fillers and they are best approached with a fractional laser technology such as the Fraxel Re:store or Re:pair.
  • Depressed scars can be treated with hyaluronic acids such as Juvederm or Restylane. Although they are classifed as "temporary" fillers they are very safe and easy to use with a good cosmetic benefit. I use Artesense in some cases where there is a deeper scar and more permanency is desired.
  • Flexible scars respond better to fillers but when combined with subscision the results are better.

In most cases, treatment of more severe acne scars involves a combination approach that involves improvement of the color of the scar (if pigmented or red) as well as the depth of the scar itself and this can mean the use of lasers, fillers, subscision and sometimes even excision of certain scars.

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