Can I reduce the appearance of the holes of my cheek piercings? (photo)

Question

I have had cheek piercings for the last ten years, and the holes and indents henceforth created have always stopped me from removing them. However I am very determined to remove them now but really hate the appearance of the scars. What options are they to reduce the indents and fill the holes? Ps: the picture isn't mine but the holes are exactly the same.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. 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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Cheek piercing scars are likely to require multi-modality treatment over the course of several sessions in order to achieve the best possible result. These types of scars are likely to require surgical excision, undermining, and re-positioning of the underlying soft tissues in order to fill in some of the soft tissue defects. A combination of post-operative treatments, such as fillers, laser treatments (like fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing), or dermabrasion to the healed scar could then also be used to improve the appearance. 
It is important to remember that once an incision or wound is created on the skin, there will essentially always be a scar present, but the job of the surgeon is to minimize its appearance and help it to blend in to the normal surrounding facial structures as much as possible. As always, a visit with a surgeon specializing in facial aesthetics is recommended for a physical exam and personalized treatment plan.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These can be improved with a combination approach with a scar revision, lasers, microneedling/prp and fillers. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question
These are more than just scars, these are actually small tracts into your mouth.  The usual scar treatment that works for say acne scars, will not work on this.  
I would recommend surgically excising the tracts with careful closure.  The small scars that result from removing these tracts can then be refinished with lasers, dermabrasion, etc. Until you have these excised I would not spend money on trying to refine the skin, as the depression will still be there
Best of luck!
Dr Rodman

Can I reduce the appearance of the holes of my cheek piercings? (photo)

Answers (4)

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