Hydrafacial vs microdermabrasion vs IPL, which procedure would be best for acne scarring on cheeks?

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 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 lasers 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

Microneedling is a great way to reduce the appearance of pore size over time. With acne scarring, it is important to note that once scar tissue has formed, it will always be there in some capacity. The best we can hope for is to reduce the appearance of the scar tissue. The most effective way to reduce visibility and breakdown of the scar is with controlled injury to the skin such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, and physician-grade peels. Each option depends on candidacy as well as budget and downtime allowance. IPL is usually used to reduce discoloration such as dark pigment and redness in the skin. If you have discoloration from acne scarring, topical skin treatments may also be beneficial.

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a
qualified healthcare provider.

Where the HydraFacial, microderm, or IPL may be good for your pores, you won't see much positive change for your acne scars. I would suggest something that we've found to be highly successful in our practice, called the Infini RF by Lutronic. This is a versatile device that can be used in several different areas to promote collagen growth and help tighten skin. Although, it's most commonly used on the face for acne scars. It combines a series of microneedles that penetrate different layers of your skin and deliver short bursts of radiofrequency to stimulate the collagen growth, and after 2-4 treatments acne scars improve dramatically. Best of luck!

Depending on your skin type ( how much pigment your skin had ) IPL / Photofacial could be an option for you . Most IPL devices safely treat skin types 1-4 , if you are a darker skin type 4-6 , IPL may not be a good choice for you .If you have hyperpigmentation from acne scarring on your cheeks a medical grade lightening cream , an prescription hydroquinone, or even MicroNeedling w/ a lightening serum are all options for Indian skin . Microdermabrasion & HydraFacial are both good however long term will not lighten the scarring like a more aggressive treatment plan & topicals .I hope that helps

Hello, IPL is best on light skin types and doesn't really help scarring.  It's better for treating hyperpigmentation.  Hydrafacial is a great facial treatment to achieve glowing skin but won't help with scarring.  I would recommend microneedling (we use vivace which is microneedling with radio frequency) or the picoway resolve laser which is safe for all skin tones.  Good luck!

None of the treatments you mentioned (HydraFacial, microdermabrasion, or IPL) will address your acne scarring or do much to address pore size. Given your skin type, you may want to look at options such as RF Microneedling or laser treatments with the PicoSure with the Focus Optic. Both of these treatments are safe for Indian or Asian skin types. At our practice, we have actually been combining treatment with the Vivace device, which is an RF Microneedling device, and the PicoSure with the Focus Optic. Our provider first administers a couple passes with the PicoSure and then follows with the Vivace immediately after. We have been seeing excellent results for acne scarring and pore reduction in skin types such as yours. 

Thank you for your question. As far as which of the three treatments would be best for treating acne scars, the answer is that none of them will. HydraFacial and microdermabrasion can be used on most skin types and tones to refresh and rejuvenate your skin, so you will most likely see positive results from both of those treatments. However, IPL is not recommended for darker skin types like yours, because it is designed to target pigment in your skin, and can cause darkening and discoloration. As far as treating your acne scars, you have a couple of options. Any treatment that boosts collagen production (like microneedling) can lessen the appearance of acne scars. For deeper scars, you may want to try filler injections. My best advice would be to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. They can examine you and offer options for addressing your concerns with treatments that will provide you with the best possible results. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your question.
Microdermabrasions, IPL's and Hydrafacials are all excellent treatments to maintain and improve the pores, it will not do much for your acne scars. The acne scars require more aggressive treatments, such as Infiniti RF, Microneedling + PRP and/or chemical peels. A series of treatments will be needed to see the best results.
Hope this helps!

Acne scars are treated differently depending on their appearance and structure. Sometimes there is no actual scar at all, but just a dark spot from inflammation. These spots usually improve on their own if you protect them and keep them out of the sun. In the meantime, to control the inflammation and acne breakouts, topical retin-a cream with intermittent salicylic acid peels can dramatically improve your skin tone and frequency of breakouts. Once the acne is controlled and you continue to do have remaining scars due to permanent dermal injury from acne, a variety of treatments can be performed to remodel the scar from energy-based lasers and radiofrequency devices to mechanical disruption of the scar with microneedling. Deep wide scars can be released and filled in with subcision and a filler such as Bellafill which is specifically designed for divets and depressions left by acne. The very thin or deep ice-pick scars are best treated by excising them completely.  I especially like a combination of a chemical peel for the hyperpigmentation and acne control, microneedling with PRP for texture and collagen building, and PIXEL fractionated laser or RF to resurface and build even more collagen.  I would use the subcision with Bellafill for the individual deeper scars. Not everyone is a candidate for all the treatment options however as certain skin types can get worse from certain treatments. For the best treatment options, it is important to visit an expert for an in-person examination. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Dear CA,Acne scarring is thickened miscolored skin. Surface treatments like Hydrafacial MD are great for Rejuvenation, but they will not penetrate through thick acne scarring.Microneedling with prp is a option to penetrate through the scarring, and allow healthy skin to grow through it.Best. Dr Brecht Seattle, Wa