What methods can I do to improve my indented acne scars and hyperpigmentation?

Question

My skin had scars like shown due to a bad cosmetologist experience. She used a drawing knife to cut open some pimples 6-7 years ago. Then, things got worse when I tried to improve my scars using self TCA cross . I did the procedure over winter and now left with PIH. My question is : is there a method to both get rid of the acne scars and PIH? I'm looking for results that save budget as I'm still a college student. Wolf one fraxel laser treatment does what I'm looking for?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach would give the most improvement. Scars and hyperpigmentation can be improved with a combination of lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, subcision, fillers, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello,Acne scars and pigmentation issues may vary in color, texture, concerns, etc.  Skin type/color is also a factor in choosing the best treatment plan.  Lasers, whether ablative or non-ablative (no downtime) do offer appreciable benefit if the treatment plan is aligned with the patient's condition and goals.  With regards to brown discoloration (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Qswitched YAG lasers offer a nice, no downtime treatment option, or using a topical prescription strength hydroquinone product.  The topical option would be cost effective for you and your current budget.  Please see below link for further information and before/after photos.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sukinii,a picture of your acne scars would be great. Generally speaking, a combination of different treatment methods (subcision, laser treatment, microneedling, fillers, etc.) is usually used for acne scar treatment. I would recommend you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

Acne scars are the hardest to comment on without pictures or an in-person consult.  There are a variety of approaches to treating scars and PIH ranging from topicals, peels, qs and long pulsed laser to fractionated devices, ablative and nonablative lasers, radiofrequency, subcision etc.  I'm not a a huge fan of nonablative fractionated lasers on their own.  They provide suboptimal benefit on their own but are great as an adjunct.  I would recommend and in-person consult with someone that has experience treating these scars.  Best of luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Lim in that these types of scars can actually be made worse by high energy lasers.  Without photos it is difficult to assess but in general fillers, bleaching creams, and chemical peels can help improve these types of scars.  Please consult an expert in acne scars to help assess this area.  Best, Dr. Green

What methods can I do to improve my indented acne scars and hyperpigmentation?

Answers (8)