Is Blue Light Therapy Better Than Chemical Peel for Acne Scar? (photo)

Question

Mixed male with brown skin. I have two acne blemishes. I have done two glycolic peels at 70% at 4.5 minutes. I wont go any longer than that. Im wondering if it would be more effective should do blue light therapy in conjunction with the peels. My derm has also suggested applying hydroquinone at home in between peels, but I am not comfortable with hydroquinone.. should i add blue light therapy, or stick with the peels?

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

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Your dermatologist is giving you good advice.  Blue light will not help your scars.  Avoid sun exposure and consider light glycolic acid peels and hydroquinone or Retin A for fading.

Jay Zimmerman, MD · Answer

I do not recommend blue light therapy for acne scars.  I don't think it does anything.  The standard therapy for your skin type is a series of light glycolic peels and home hydroquinone topical therapy.  It takes time, but you should see improvement over a 6 month period.

Is Blue Light Therapy Better Than Chemical Peel for Acne Scar? (photo)

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Is Blue Light Therapy Better Than Chemical Peel for Acne Scar? (photo)

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