Is dermabrasion an effective treatment for nose scarring? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I was scarred on the nose by a negligent esthetician during a vbeam treatment 5 years ago. I then had 6 gentle fraxel treatments in Portland, which helped. I then sought further improvement with a "world-renowned laser specialist" in CA. I thought I was in safe hands with her. The first two treatments were relatively gentle, but the third CO2 treatment resulted in a change and roughening of texture over the whole tip of the nose. PLEASE NOTE: While there may be some visual similarities, this is not rhinophyma - this is a direct result of overly aggressive treatment, which I witnessed develop in the weeks after the last treatment. Am now wondering whether dermabrasion or other treatments (Accutane, morpheus8, etc) could help smooth the texture a bit, without causing further scarring. Light spot dermabrasion, with test spot, is what I was hoping for, just to bring down the raised areas and soften edges. Would really appreciate help with this, as it has impacted my self-esteem. Based in OR but prepared to travel on the west coast. Thank you.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am so sorry that you have been going through this. My regular followers know well that I have been advising  them for years to exercise a good deal of "buyer beware" caution when considering the use of many of the expensive, so-called "next big thing" light and energy-based devices being hawked out there, since, unfortunately, the hard science to back up the claims for these gizmos lags well behind the heavy marketing hype and social media buzz to hawk them. Sorry.
At least from the photos provided, it would appear, as with so many things, the simplest solutions may in fact be the best approaches. 
TCA CROSS, which I have been using for over a quarter of a century, has a proven track record of safety and efficacy for treating dilated pores and ice pick scars. This alone may improve much of what is seen in the photos. Following this, professionally performed manual dermarolling microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) can be used to achieve a more uniform overall improvement in texture. This, too, is an approach I have personally used with gratifying results for over twenty-five years.  My concern with dermabrasion is that it risks the development of an unnatural, shiny, orange peel-like appearance following treatment. 
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck

Is dermabrasion an effective treatment for nose scarring? (Photos)

Answers (1)

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