How can I fix a chicken pox scar under my eyebrow? (Photo)

Question

I have a small chicken pox scar beneath my eyebrow from when I was a toddler. I want to diminish the appearance of it through scar revision, but I can't find information anywhere on the internet regarding the best procedure for this. Would laser help? Or microneedling? Or would I have to have surgery?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. 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 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 scars and indented  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 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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it's difficult to determine the best solution for you without the benefit of a formal evaluation. Generally speaking, scars can be improved with a combination of surgery and/or lasers and microneedling with PRP. Below is a more detailed reference list of the treatments available. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert to determine which is best for your specific case. Best, Dr. Emer   1. Vascular lasers (Yellow laser, V-Beam, Excel V) 2. Fractional lasers (Fraxel, Erbium, CO2) 3. Microneedling/PRP 4. Silicone-based scar gels with growth factors 5. Excision / revision surgery   See an expert to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer

Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery - Grand Rapids · Answer

Hello there,
    I would definitely micro needle this scar. I am unsure HOW much improvement you will achieve, but I know you will achieve some improvement/softening. I would recommend at least 3-6 treatments on this area. I would also use a growth factor serum post-treatment to increase your results. Good luck!
Sarah RN BSN

Lucy Hostetter, MD · Answer

A series of MicroNeedling treatments would be of great benefit to the scar under the brow. If you added  PRP to the treatment it would greatly enhance it as well . Another option  could be performing a nano fractionated laser , we have Venus Versa ... it uses RF technology along with ‘nano’ fine pins to stimulate fibroblast cells & rebuild collagen.  Your last option could be adding a very small amount of filler to the scar.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

A chicken pox scar can be improved with microneedling and laser in that area. Surgery is also possible, however you will be trading the chicken pox scar for another scar that lies along the border of your eyebrow. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Microneedling is an excellent treatment for facial scars from many causes, including chicken pox. Combining microneedling with human growth-factor serum makes it even more effective.I also very effectively treat facial chicken pox depressed scars by injecting a superficial hyaluronic acid filler just beneath the surface of the skin. Restylane Silk works well for this.

How can I fix a chicken pox scar under my eyebrow? (Photo)

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