Is IPL or Clear and Brilliant better for dark acne scars? (Photo)

Question

I have very sensitive skin and looking to lighten the dark acne scars on my face. I’ve already tried microneedling. I want to use a non-ablative laser so I do not damage my skin any further. Is IPL or clear and brilliant better to address my concern? Thank you.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Lasers and other light-based therapies carry the risk for the development of post-treatment hyperpigmentation. So, this is a risk that must be borne in mind when considering any treatment for hyperpigmentation disorders, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which apparently is the case here. Although microneedling was already tried, it is not clear whether this was professionally performed and whether it was RF microneedling (which not only adds to the expense, but which itself poses an additional risk for post-treatment hyperpigmentation. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. And remember, if you go in suggesting treatments, you may just get what you ask for, but, unfortunately, not the improvements you seek. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. 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 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 scars and indented  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 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

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