Vampire facial for boxcar acne scars with some ice pick scars? Or laser?

Question

Hi doctors! I am slightly tan with moderate boxcar acne scars and some ice pick scars. How effective would multiple microneedling with PRP, vampire facial, sessions be for my issue? Especially in comparison to lasers, which I am also looking into. However, I learned that lasers may cause a permanent increase in redness. Yes, how effective would vampire facials be for my mainly boxcar acne scars? Thank you doctors!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. Generally speaking, we often use:

- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, PiXel8, Morpheus, Skinfinity, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.
- All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time.

For darker skin types, it is important to avoid strong lasers such as CO2/Erbium and Fraxel as they can cause hyperpigmentation. Instead, scars in darker skin types can be improved with a combination of microneedling RF (Fractora, Intensif, Infini), Aerolase or Laser Genesis, microneedling with PRP, skin lightening, peels like Cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (EmerageSkin roller with anteage AERIFY MD ampules weekly, and a proper skin care protocol (hydroquinone, vitamin c, kojic acid, azelaic acid, retinol)​. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer​"

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Atlanta Innovative Medicine · Answer

The Vampire facial can be a highly effective treatment for all kinds of texture issues, including acne scars. Combining microneedling and topical PRP, the Vampire technique works by promoting the growth of collagen and stimulating the body’s repair processes to restore smooth, healthy skin. For more extensive scarring and deeper indentations, like boxcar scars, we often recommend a tailored treatment that involves multiple therapies, like dermal fillers, which can also be highly effective in treating recessed scars. We welcome you to visit our website for more information about Vampire treatments&mdash;and the many other natural and regenerative options for skin rejuvenation.

Vampire facial for boxcar acne scars with some ice pick scars? Or laser?

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Vampire facial for boxcar acne scars with some ice pick scars? Or laser?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Vampire Facial

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