Which is better for putted acne scarring in type 5 skin - Picosure or ICON or both? (photos)

Question

Hi I’m 25 and have pitted scarring - I’ve had two opinions and one send combination of ICON and Picosure but 3 sessions of ICON first and the other said Picosure. I’m concerned that my skin is going to have crazy hyperpigmentation with ICON but I think it’s more effective. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Before jumping from one relatively expensive "bells and whistles"--in one day and passe the next--laser and energy-based device to another, why not think of simple, relatively inexpensive acne scar treatments that have stood the test of decades of time. Subcision can work well for the boxcar and rolling scars and TCA CROSS can do so for the ice pick scars you have. Both procedures are "color blind," meaning they can be used safely in all skin types, including skin of color. Make sure that you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician and not just anyone hawking the purportedly "one-size-fits-all the machine they just recently purchased. Best of luck to you.

James Okamoto, MD · Answer

You are correct that there is a potential risk of hyperpigmentation with IPL treatments (ICON). Neither treatment will correct the deep scars in a single treatment, so be patient! Multiple modalities may be the best approach, however I would recommend a combination of Picosure followed by microneedling from an experienced medical office. Picosure is the safest for dark skin, and will help revitalize your skin by stimulating neocollagenesis and increased elastin, while the micro needling will help break down scar tissue associated with the deeper scars. PDO microthreads have also been effective for deep scarring.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

I would start with a non-laser approach. TCA CROSS, subcision and fillers are my usual go-to’s for acne scars. Please see an expert in the treatment of acne scars, not just someone with a laser machine.
Regards,
Dr. Ort

Which is better for putted acne scarring in type 5 skin - Picosure or ICON or both? (photos)

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Which is better for putted acne scarring in type 5 skin - Picosure or ICON or both? (photos)

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