Unsure if this is scarring, discoloration or texture - what can I do to correct it? (photos)

Question

Why does my skin look like this? What can I do? I don't know if it's scarring, discoloration, or just my skin texture I have had 5 microneedling sessions and im doing tca cross.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. It is difficult to determine the exact concern as it would be best to have an in-person consultation. Microneedling and TCA can be great options to treat a variety of concerns. Have you had any results with your microneedling sessions thus far? Scarring, discoloration, and texture can all be treated with microneedling, but sometimes a better alternative would be radiofrequency (RF) microneedling as this is a more aggressive treatment or some type of resurfacing laser. TCA peels can also be very helpful for these concerns. Pigmentation can be treated with topicals, microneedling, resurfacing procedures, IPL, etc. Texture and scarring usually require deeper treatments to help rebuild collagen. I would recommend scheduling an in-person consultation to have your needs evaluated to determine the best treatment for you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Unsure if this is scarring, discoloration or texture - what can I do to correct it? (photos)

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Unsure if this is scarring, discoloration or texture - what can I do to correct it? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Microneedling

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.