Can I get subcision for acne scars if I have a history of hypertophic scarring?

Question

I was pondering about getting subcision for many months now to treat my acne scarring and have been doing some online research.But recently I stumbled upon a dermatological website which states that patients with a history hypertrophic or keloid scarring are not suitable for subcision since it is a contraindication. I have about 5 small hypertrophic acne scars on my face and was wondering whether I should go for subcision?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Subcision doesn't increase the risk of hypertrophic scarring in my opinion.  However, if you have this type of scarring it needs a combination of laser treatments for improvement.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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

Shobhan Manoharan, MBBS, FACD · Answer

With a history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, any procedure should be performed with a high level of care; however this is not an absolute contraindication to subscision.  With your hypertrophic scars, you may also require intralesional steroid injections, fractionated laser (fraxel or CO2) or pulsed dye laser treatments also.  Visit an experienced scar specialist.  Best wishes, Shobhan.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Firstly, a history of hypertrophic scarring does not exclude you from subcision. I often perform intralesional steroid injections and subcision on the same patient. Having a history of hypertrophic scaring will however raise red flags for more aggressive treatments such as CO2 or erbium fully ablative laser. I think combination therapy will be in your best interest. CO2 Fractional is not contraindicated, but with your history a more conservative approach is best.All the bestDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBrisbane, Australia.

Can I get subcision for acne scars if I have a history of hypertophic scarring?

Answers (4)

Answer: Yes... however...

Answer: Yes... however...

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Can I get subcision for acne scars if I have a history of hypertophic scarring?

Answers (4)

Answer: Yes... however...

Answer: Yes... however...

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Everything you need to know about Subcision

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