Dark acne scars on back - should I continue with microneedling or try other options? (photos)

Question

Hello everyone, Since last year in April, after I stopped taking Diane 35 at my gynecologist’s request, my back got filled with acne that later caused dark scars. Since then I tried 1 chemical peeling, 1 time laser which caused other scaring and had a round of intensive microneedling 1 time / week for 6 weeks, which I think it caused more scarring. I don’t know what else to try, I never had acne in my life and I got it at 34. Shall I continue with micro needling or other options?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with acne and scarring on your back. It sounds like you've tried several different treatments without success. It may be helpful to consult with a dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

In terms of treatments for acne and scarring, there are several options that may be worth considering:

Topical treatments: There are several topical treatments available for acne and scarring, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These treatments may be applied directly to the skin and can help to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Oral medications: In some cases, oral medications such as antibiotics or isotretinoin may be recommended to help manage acne and scarring. These medications can be effective, but they do carry some potential side effects, so it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Light therapy: Photodynamic therapy and laser treatments are options for treating acne and scarring. These treatments can be effective, but they may also cause some temporary redness and irritation.
Chemical peels: Chemical peels can help to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of acne and scarring. They may be especially helpful for individuals with darker skin tones who are prone to hyperpigmentation.
It's important to note that every individual's skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the best treatment plan for you. Be sure to work closely with your dermatologist or healthcare provider to develop a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and concerns.

Best of luck !

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.

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Dark acne scars on back - should I continue with microneedling or try other options? (photos)

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Dark acne scars on back - should I continue with microneedling or try other options? (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.