Dermapen instead of subcision for acne scars?

Question

I spoke to a very nice doctor who is not a plastic surgeon. However, this person is a "cosmetic surgeon." I shows my acne scars and it was recommended that I go through 4 series of a dermapen before thinking about subcision. I have heard so many good thing about subcision that this surprised me. What are you thoughts? Thanks

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 HIDEF 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 been 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 laser 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.

Subcision works well alone and in combination with other laser and RF platforms, including fillers and air subcision. TCA Cross can be combined with subcision. 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

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, both modalities have their place. Subcision is most beneficial for deeper scars that are atrophic. It will also treat deeper boxcars. Dermapen can help with acne pits, ice pick scars and large pores. In summary, if the  scar needs to be lifted, subcision is the treatment of choice.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

If there are larger depressed scars submission can be done first to lift the depressed scar. This can then be combined with bellafil a per,a net filler that is FDA cleared for acne scars. The combination can yield greater than 50 per cent improvement in non ice pick scars in one sessions.Microneedling can be done later for additional imporovement.

Dermapen instead of subcision for acne scars?

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Dermapen instead of subcision for acne scars?

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Everything you need to know about Subcision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.