Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of red scars and dents from hormonal acne? (photos)

Question

I had clear skin a few months ago till I had a bad hormonal acne breakout. It's now clearing but I'm now being left with a ton of scarring. Most of it is bright red scars but there are some that look like dents. I had a previous question about micro laser peels and was told that those scars could get wider and more prominent with the laser. I already have two micro laser peels along with a bbl laser paid off so I'm now worried I shouldn't go forth with it.I need some opinions and advice please.

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

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion,  I would start with a treatment using the Theraclear device.
 It reduces the number of acne lesions in the affected skin area via strong suction of the block pores with the special vacuum. This extracts the trapped sebum.. Furthermore the blue light IPL targets and destroys the bacteria and improves the redness.  If the lesions remain visible and depressed,  the next step would be to utilize the Fraxel laser or micro needling with Subcision. Find a scar expert.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD 
Realself Hall of Fame

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The first principle of acne scar treatment is to prevent them as much as possible in the first place by aggressive treatment if necessary, especially when the breakout is severe and characterized by large pustules, nodules, and deeper cysts. Once the acne is completely controlled, THEN any acne scars can be addressed. Otherwise, a new breakout in the scar areas that are prematurely being treated will set back the scar treatment process. From the photos, there is still significant acne activity and this, in my opinion should be addressed right away to diminish further scarring and prolonged dyspigmentation problems, such as persistent red and brown blotches. A series of superficial peels, such as with high concentration of salicylic acid, (combined with home use of an appropriate topical retinoid) can be extremely helpful in treating active acne, as well as pigmentary issues.  Once the acne is completely suppressed for several weeks, THEN, subcision can be used to elevate and smoothe any residual boxcar or rolling scars, at-home topical presciption bleaching agents can be used to improve the blotchy coloration. Exercise a whole lot of "buyer beware" when choosing light and energy-based devices, like IPL and fraxel lasers, etc., since the hard science to support their use lags woefully behind the heavy marketing hype to promote these relatively expensive "bells and whistles" gizmos. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of red scars and dents from hormonal acne? (photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

Which procedure would help minimize the appearance of red scars and dents from hormonal acne? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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