I saw a dermatologist yesterday and she classified my acne scars as "minor, box car, and ice pick." I am wondering what the best treatment would be for these types of scarring? I am considering beginning with Microdermabrasion and also Fraxel Laser, but Fraxel may be out of my price range. Any suggestions? I am not looking for a miracle, any improvement is better than none. Thanks!
April 15, 2017
Answer: Treating acne scars Acne scars are usually harder to treat than wrinkles. Ice pick scars, the deep, very narrow scars that look like large pores, are the most difficult. Microdermabrasion helps skin quality, can improve acne, and can help topical medications and cosmeceuticals penetrate the skin, but it is unlikely to help deep acne scars. Even if you treat with Fractionated laser resurfacing like the Fraxel Dual erbium laser, it will take multiple procedures. Those procedures are usually combined with injection of filler agents to either directly treat the scars (not icepick but can help shallower scars) or via stimulating the collagen to improve the skin overall. So you may want to save the money you would have spent on microdermabrasion and wait until you can afford a full series of Fraxel treatments. Alternatively, ask your dermatologist about intermediate procedures like clear & brilliant (like 'baby fraxel') or aggressive microneedling.I hope that helps answer your question. Best wishes.
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April 15, 2017
Answer: Treating acne scars Acne scars are usually harder to treat than wrinkles. Ice pick scars, the deep, very narrow scars that look like large pores, are the most difficult. Microdermabrasion helps skin quality, can improve acne, and can help topical medications and cosmeceuticals penetrate the skin, but it is unlikely to help deep acne scars. Even if you treat with Fractionated laser resurfacing like the Fraxel Dual erbium laser, it will take multiple procedures. Those procedures are usually combined with injection of filler agents to either directly treat the scars (not icepick but can help shallower scars) or via stimulating the collagen to improve the skin overall. So you may want to save the money you would have spent on microdermabrasion and wait until you can afford a full series of Fraxel treatments. Alternatively, ask your dermatologist about intermediate procedures like clear & brilliant (like 'baby fraxel') or aggressive microneedling.I hope that helps answer your question. Best wishes.
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September 30, 2014
Answer: Fraxel For Acne Scars Thank you for your question. At my practice, I have gotten excellent results for scarring with Fraxel. This treatment eliminates irregular skin discoloration, and stimulates new collagen production, tightening the skin without prolonged recovery. After a series of 2 to 4 Fraxel treatments, the cumulative cosmetic improvement is near more aggressive lasers, but unlike more aggressive lasers, redness and swelling eliminated within 2 to 4 days after each treatment. Fraxel is outstanding for fine wrinkles, mild skin laxity, irregular pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, age spots and Rosacea. It can be used safely on the face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.
Helpful
September 30, 2014
Answer: Fraxel For Acne Scars Thank you for your question. At my practice, I have gotten excellent results for scarring with Fraxel. This treatment eliminates irregular skin discoloration, and stimulates new collagen production, tightening the skin without prolonged recovery. After a series of 2 to 4 Fraxel treatments, the cumulative cosmetic improvement is near more aggressive lasers, but unlike more aggressive lasers, redness and swelling eliminated within 2 to 4 days after each treatment. Fraxel is outstanding for fine wrinkles, mild skin laxity, irregular pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, age spots and Rosacea. It can be used safely on the face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.
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