What are the best procedures for treating deep acne scars and rolling scars? (Photo)

Question

I’m a 42 year old male, of Latin descent, with Fitzpatrick IV skin, seeking to reduce acne scars (mostly rolling acne scars). The scars that bother me the most are along my temples and my forehead, and again they’re mostly rolling scars. Any guidance that could be provided would be greatly appreciated.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The title of my answer says it all. I have personally been using subcision to treat boxcar and rolling acne scars since 1994. Unlike the expensive, "bells and whistles" fraxel lasers and RF devices that are so heavily promoted, relatively inexpensive subcision has stood the test of time for both efficacy and safety for elevating and smoothing rolling and boxcar acne scars in all skin types. What's more when performed by experienced physicians using local anesthesia is painless and engenders little to no significant post-treatment downtime. Just make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

What are the best procedures for treating deep acne scars and rolling scars? (Photo)

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What are the best procedures for treating deep acne scars and rolling scars? (Photo)

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