Sunken crater in forehead. What will help? Subcision? (Photo)

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

A good rule of thumb for treating scars of any kind is that if it is depressed (i.e. atrophic, sunken, indented, crater-like), raise it up. And in this case, subcision lifting would be a good, relatively inexpensive first choice. If combined with the injection of a biostimulatory filler, such as Restylane Lyft (which I would use in my Upper East Side Manhattan office) or Hyaluronica 2 (my go-to for this in my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved fillers are available), the results would be immediate and, due to the extra  stimulation of new, native collagen synthesis,  would likely be even more gratifying in the long run. I would exercise caution if considering laser treatments and the use of PRP, as these relatively expensive treatments have a lot of industry supported marketing hype to back them up, but much less hard science.  Best to see a board certified, aesthetic physician with experience and expertise in all forms of scar treatments. 

Subcision can be used on the forehead but needs to be done with caution and often fillers to get a better result. Scarring usually requires a combination of fillers with lasers, microneedling/prp and lasers. I suggest consulting a well trained dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hey wobblymonster- 

thanks for your pic and the question. I would offer subscision and Radiesse injection into the area. We should be able to get that flattened out. It may take a couple treatments but we should emerge victorious by the end!

Hope this helps!

Dr. Robb