What can I do to minimize the appearance of an atrophic scar I've had since childhood? (photos)

Question

It is right on the bridge of my nose. I've always been under the assumption that it would be impossible to fix noting the size and location. The scar is sitting on the bone. Is there any hope for a scar like this? It's kind of reminds me of a chicken pock scar although I know that’s not what it's from.

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 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 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 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 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
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have been performing subcision, a quick and relatively inexpensive technique for elevating and smoothing all kinds of indented (atrophic, depressed) scars from all causes (post-trauma, acne, chickenpox, post-surgery) since 1995. The procedure takes about five minutes to perform in experienced hands and up to 80% improvement in appearance is possible in mature scars (those present for more than three months).  No doubt you will be offered treatments with this or that expensive fraxel laser or RF micrneedling device. Just bear in mind that the purported benefits of these supposedly innovation "bells and whistles" devices is really backed up far more by device manufacturer and social media influencer hype than hard science. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

What can I do to minimize the appearance of an atrophic scar I've had since childhood? (photos)

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What can I do to minimize the appearance of an atrophic scar I've had since childhood? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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