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!