Need help to reduce my acne scars and get a better looking skin (Photos)

Question

Hi, I had laser treament for my acne scars for 1,5 years ago and did 5-6 sessions. The laser was a fraxel laser. However, it has been better but im still not satisfyed. My fine lines, acne scars and redness is something that bothers me. I am wondering what other treatment I can do? Is skin transplant combined with C02 laser a better treatment? Will retinol/retinal help me as well? In certain lightnings, my skin looks very bad and almost dirty.. if I look in a mirror or phone camera.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello Dkaap:

You see to have several types of scars: pitted,  boxcars, “punched out” and shallow scars. This type of scarring typically requires multiple treatments utilizing different modalities for the best results. I recommend you consider a package of 6 treatments with Microneedling with PRP and PRP injected directly into the scars as well as Microneedling with RF energy and fractionated CO2 treatments. Any resistant scars may need undermining with a trocar, injections with semipermanent or permanent fillers, and even localized excisions. I love treating acne scarring because patients are so happy with results for this difficult problem, but understanding that it is a process helps.

Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

All the best from New York City, 
Sheryl Clark MD, FAAD.

Need help to reduce my acne scars and get a better looking skin (Photos)

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Need help to reduce my acne scars and get a better looking skin (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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