Can hypopigmentation from tca be treated? 3 years post op (photo)

Question

I had tca peel with dermatologist in 2021 . I did everything as instructed but my amine was left with some red dots that eventually turned white . Is there any treatment, laser that can help with this ? What about IPL? Or Microneedeling? Anything? I am 34 years old white Caucasian woman. Thank you!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Scars, including those from acne, are typically off-white or ivory colored. I have personally had very gratifying results over the years hypopigmented acne scars by combining professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF micronreedling) accompanied by the application of prescription strength pigment enhancers, such as topical tyrosine and latanoprost. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist. Also exercise a great deal of buyer beware caution when being hawked this or that expensive, fraxel laser or RF device treatment, as so many of these here-today-gone-tomorrow gizmos that are touted on unreliable sources, such as  by "Drs" TikTok and Instagram, lack the hard science to support their use. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Can hypopigmentation from tca be treated? 3 years post op (photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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

Can hypopigmentation from tca be treated? 3 years post op (photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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