I have these ice pick scars all over my nose. I was told by severe dermatologists there is no current treatment. (Photo)

Question

Does anyone have any experience with this type of scarring that looks like mine? These are very deep and noticeable from far away. I am in my late 20s and would love to get these treated.

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 been 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 laser 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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is no question this can improve with ablative lasers and TCA cross.  I find that fractional nonablative may help but take way more treatments (fraxel, viva, skin finity, icon etc).  Best, Dr. Emer.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

Although not totally effective Microneedling in a series of a few treatments can be as effective as laser with just redness for a few hours. This will create micro channels in the skin which as they close will lift the scars so their they are less noticeable.

Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD · Answer

We are definitely able to treat and improve your acne scars with lasers. In fact, it was two Harvard dermatologists that invented the laser technology that is most commonly used to improve acne scars.

I have these ice pick scars all over my nose. I was told by severe dermatologists there is no current treatment. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne scar treatment options

Answer: Acne scar treatment options

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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I have these ice pick scars all over my nose. I was told by severe dermatologists there is no current treatment. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne scar treatment options

Answer: Acne scar treatment options

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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