I'm in my mid-40's - Which laser would be best for my acne scars? (photos)

Question

I am wondering what type of laser would be best for my acne scars? I have tried Laser Genesis several times and didn’t see a ton of difference. I use a prescription retinoid and sunscreen regularly. I’m in my mid-40s. Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

CO2 is the best laser for scars, but Erbium and Halo with Profractional are great alternatives. It may take a series of treatments to see improvements and to maintain. Keep in mind that a tailored combination approach will give you the most improvement with acne scars. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne 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 acne 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 acne scars and indented acne 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 acne 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

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

The most preferred options for diminishing acne scars are Microneedling with PRP or laser resurfacing treatments such as fractional or C02. You will likely need multiple treatments of either option and results may vary. Be sure to seek out an experienced provider. We hope this information is useful and wish you the best of luck with your skin care concerns!

I'm in my mid-40's - Which laser would be best for my acne scars? (photos)

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I'm in my mid-40's - Which laser would be best for my acne scars? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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