What procedure will be successful in removing acne scars? (photos)

Question

I already tried C02 laser, and fraxel (8sesions). I saw barely any improvement. No worth the money and pain. I’m also looking for a specialist in acne scars in Austin tx. Thank you in advance.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Sorry that you had frustrating results with your fraxel treatments. But hardly a surprise. I hav  been cautioning my regular readers for years that the hard science to support the use of these expensive light and energy-based gizmos, like fraxels and RF devices, lags woefully behind the heavy marketing to promote them, as you have unfortunately learned the hard and costly way.  For the treatment of acne scars, look into the following simple, safe for all skin types, relatively inexpensive and effective acne scar treatments:  "Field Subcision" and individual subcisions for elevating and smoothing widespread acne scar related face and temple atrophy and for boxcar and rolling scars, respectively; and TCA CROSS for ice pick scars and dilated pores. As a final "polishing" step, professionally performed manual microneedling may help to better blend in both color and texture the treated areas with the surrounding normal skin. Make sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist, and best of luck.

What procedure will be successful in removing acne scars? (photos)

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What procedure will be successful in removing acne scars? (photos)

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