Why don't these scars go away? Are they going to be like this forever? (Photo)

Question

I have had several microneedling with prp; and several resurfacing (erbium). Moreover, i had subsicion on some of them. These are old acne scars.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it is difficult to discern the scars in question in the one distant photo provided. A closer, HD photo would be very helpful, as well as a bit more information on the background of these scars, such as their cause and their duration.. I can make some general comments about scar treatments, however. For one thing, I have been cautioning my regular followers for years now that they should exercise a very healthy dose of "buyer beware" when it comes to considering the relatively expensive, "here-today-gone-tomorrow" bells and whistles treatments, such as fraxel lasers and PRP, since these treatments are far more backed by social media buzz and marketing hype than any hard science. So, I am not surprised by your report of their lack of efficacy. I have also alerted my readers that professionally performed, manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) is best reserved for residual, superficial, surface color and textural irregularities, rather than as a primary treatment for scars. So, once again, no surprise that this didn't work, either. If your scars are elevated, then they need to be shrunk with the use of intralesional anti-inflammatory agents. Once done, then manual microneedling can help to better blend the treated area with the surrounding normal skin. If any portion of the scars is sunken, then subcision, properly performed by an expert, can help to elevate and smooth the scar. Typically several treatment sessions are needed to accomplish this.  If you had only one or two sessions, or if it was not properly performed, this may explain the lack of reported success with this simple, but very effective modality, which I have personally been regularly using for improving all kinds of indented scars since 1995. To avoid wasting more time and money, you would be wise to make sure that you are consulting with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar specialist. Hope this helps, best of luck, and Happy New Year.

Why don't these scars go away? Are they going to be like this forever? (Photo)

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Why don't these scars go away? Are they going to be like this forever? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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