Which non invasive procedure would be best for minimizing the appearance of my acne and chickenpox scars? (photos)

Question

Which treatment would you advice on these acne and chickenpox scars I would prefer non invasive

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

At least from what can be seen in the photos, there appear to be boxcar scars. (And chickenpox scars are typically exaggerated boxcar scars). If this is indeed so, then individual subcisions, which I have been performing since 1995, can be used to elevate and smooth them. Once this is achieved, if still necessary, manually performed Dermastamp microneedling  (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) can be used to better blend any residual surface color and textural irregularities with the surrounding normal skin. 
No doubt in your search for best treatments, you will be hawked this or that expensive fraxel lasers or RF device with fancy names. However, you would be wise to exercise a great deal of buyer beware caution, as the hard science to back up the use of these bells and whistles gizmos lags well behind the heavy marketing and social media buzz to promote them.
Hope this helps and best of luck.

Which non invasive procedure would be best for minimizing the appearance of my acne and chickenpox scars? (photos)

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Which non invasive procedure would be best for minimizing the appearance of my acne and chickenpox scars? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Scar Removal

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