Derma Roll, Laser therapy, or just topicals? (Photo)

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. Managing scars, particularly on the face, can be challenging, and it's understandable that you'd want to explore all options to minimize their appearance. Let's break down the considerations for each treatment option you mentioned: derma rolling, laser therapy, and topicals.

Derma Rolling vs. Microneedling Pen

**Microneedling Pen:**
- **Pros:** Provides precise control over needle depth and can be more effective for deeper scars.
- **Cons:** Requires professional administration for optimal and safe results, which can be costly. Risk of making scars worse if not done correctly.

**Derma Rolling:**
- **Pros:** More affordable and can be used at home. Effective for improving skin texture and promoting collagen production.
- **Cons:** Less precise than microneedling pens, potential for uneven pressure application, and higher risk of skin damage or infection if not used properly.

Given that a professional advised against microneedling due to the nature of your scar, it may be best to exercise caution with derma rolling as well. Both methods could potentially exacerbate scarring if not suited to your specific case.

Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can be very effective for certain types of scars, including those with pigmentation issues or raised scars. However, it can also be expensive and may require multiple sessions. Consulting with a dermatologist who specializes in laser treatments can help determine if this is a suitable option for your scar type.

Topicals
Topical treatments are generally safe and can be quite effective, especially when used consistently over time. Here are some recommendations:

**Silicone-Based Products:**
- Continue using silicone sheets and gels (like ScarAway), as they are clinically proven to improve scar appearance.

**Vitamin C Serum:**
- Vitamin C can help with pigmentation and overall skin health. Ensure the serum is stable and stored properly to maintain its efficacy.

**Allantoin:**
- Continue using products with allantoin, as it helps with skin healing and soothing.

**Additional Topicals:**
- **Retinoids:** These can promote cell turnover and improve skin texture. Consider products with retinol or prescription options like tretinoin, but consult a dermatologist first, as they can be irritating.
- **Hydroquinone or Other Lightening Agents:** If hyperpigmentation is a concern, products with hydroquinone, kojic acid, or niacinamide can help lighten the scar over time.
- **Sunscreen:** Protecting the scar from UV exposure is crucial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to prevent darkening of the scar.

Recommendations
1. **Consult a Dermatologist:** Before starting any new treatment, especially invasive ones like derma rolling or laser therapy, consult with a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice based on your skin type and scar characteristics.
2. **Consistency with Topicals:** Continue using the silicone sheets and gels, vitamin C serum, and consider adding a retinoid or other lightening agents as recommended by a dermatologist.
3. **Avoid DIY Microneedling/Derma Rolling:** Given the advice you received, it may be best to avoid these treatments to prevent potential worsening of the scar.

Managing scars requires patience and a tailored approach. Topicals are generally the safest initial step, and professional guidance is crucial for more invasive treatments. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist will help track progress and adjust treatments as needed.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend treatments with a PICO laser in the area of concern to help break down the pigmentation and even out the skin tone. Pico laser treatments offer significant benefits for evening out skin tone and improving overall skin texture. Pico lasers deliver ultra-short pulses of laser energy in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). This rapid delivery allows for precise targeting of pigment and melanin in the skin, breaking them down into smaller particles more effectively than traditional lasers. Also, Pico lasers can address a variety of skin concerns, including sunspots, age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They can also improve overall skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I highly recommend this treatment. I hope this helps and best of luck!