Chicken pox raised scar tissue (Photo)

Question

Hello! I had the chicken pox 14 years ago and was left with these scars. Is there any permanent treatment to rid my body of these scars?

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, the photos are not clear. However, in general terms, the treatment plan would include first flattening the elevated scars and then dealing with improving their surface tone and texture using fractional microneedle resurfacing.  In my experience, most elevated scars, either hypertrophic or keloidal in nature, can be flattened with the use of antiinflammatory injections. Not uncommonly, it takes one to three treatment sessions spaced at monthly intervals to sufficiently flatten them. Following this, any remaining superficial textural and tonal abnormalities can be addressed with the use of fractional microneedle resurfacing (aka medical microneedling, skin needling, needle dermabrasion). Unhappily, I have not been impressed with the results of fraxel lasers, which are often touted for scar treatment, finding them to be backed far more by device manufacturer supported marketing hype than hard science. Since the results of medical microneedling are predicated upon stimulating new, native collagen synthesis (neocollagenesis), the results of treatment are typically permanent.I would strongly suggest consultation with a board certified aesthetic core physician with extensive experience and experience in all forms of scar treatments and be sure to ask to see his/her before and after photos.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is best for you to meet with a scar and laser specialist. These can likely be treated with a combination of lasers and microneedling.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

There are a number of options available. For thickened scars, scar reduction using injections of cortisone +/- 5-FU, sometimes along with liquid nitrogen can be quite helpful. For flat scars, to blend the scar better into surrounding skin, a fractionated laser resurfacing (e.g. ProFractional) or edermastamp can be quite helpful. Best to speak to a laser and scar expert such as a dermatologist.

Chicken pox raised scar tissue (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treating chicken pox scars

Answer: Treating chicken pox scars

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Chicken pox raised scar tissue (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treating chicken pox scars

Answer: Treating chicken pox scars

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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.