Can full face dermabrasion be done on Fitzpatrick type 4 skin? (Photo)

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

Hello Beautyqueen2023,

My name is Melanie. I am a Medical Aesthetician at Aesthetic Skin located in Chicago, IL. First off thank you very much for sharing your picture! Microdermabrasion would be an effective treatment for you to improve the tone and texture and treat fine lines. You provider will determine the strength of the treatment upon assessment but it is very safe and beneficial treatment.

Frankly, from the one photo provided, it is really difficult to assess what might be best. What I can say is that the reason that a major reason that traditional dermabrasion has fallen into disfavor is that it is an aggressive procedure that engenders significant post-treatment downtime and runs the risk for post-treatment scarring and dyspigmentation. From what you describe and from what can be seen, you might profit more, with much less risk by combining a series of in-office superficial peels--whether high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid, Jessner's Solution or low concentrations of TCA accompanied by the regular, at-home use of topical tretinoin and/or glycolic acid. Professionally performed manual microneedling, HA skin boosters or the use of mesotox injections are additional or alternative approaches to skin prejuvenation and rejuvenation. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.