Can Chemical Peel Get Rid of Acne and Deep Craters?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Chemical peels are a great treatment to do for acne and acne scarring. A consultation would better determine what treatment is best for your skin. We may even want to look at the smoothbeam laser which is amazing when it comes to treating active acne and acne scarring.

I recommend a combination of several microneedling treatments with chemical peels. You will need 3-4 treatments to treat the deepest scars. The VI Peel is safe for most skin types and is very effective for treating acne scars. The microneedling treatment will help build up collagen to smooth the scars and also helps with cell turnover. Before doing a treatment see a Dermatologist to treat your acne. 

Chemical peels erase fine lines and give the skin a smoother appearance. Although a chemical peel could improve the appearance of acne and acne scars, I would suggest Fraxel as a more beneficial treatment. This treatment eliminates irregular skin discoloration, and stimulates new collagen production, tightening the skin without prolonged recovery. Fraxel is outstanding for fine wrinkles, mild skin laxity, irregular pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, age spots and Rosacea. It can be used safely on the face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.

Peels can be an important part in both acne control and treatment of acne scars; however, it is often best to combine them with other treatments.

Chemical peeling can improve acne (which also prevents acne scarring) if done correctly with the right type of peels for a given skin type.  Typically it takes a series of peels (one every few weeks for 4 to 6 treatments) to improve acne and discoloration from acne.  Improving acne scarring such as craters is difficult with chemical peeling and typically requires other procedures such as filler, electrosurgery (electrodessication) or punch excision.  The link below takes you to a photo gallery of before and after photos of acne scars treated with filler and electrosurgery. 

Chemical peels are useful for helping people with acne scarring. If done in a series (about one a week for a period of 5 weeks) they can produce significant results. However, if the acne is not treated properly and comes back then the scarring will continue to happen. Generally, it is recommended to continue doing series of chemical peels to keep the acne/and scarring from coming back. Once done with a series it would be best to continue getting chemical peels 1-2 times every month or as needed to keep a a consistent result.

 

Also you can follow a strict regime to keep the acne under control. You can use at home Glycolic peels and Retinols to help with ance. These treatments can cause sensitivity so it can be a process.

There are also many other options for acne scarring such as CO2 Laser and Fat graphing.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Thank You!