(Levulan Blue Light Therapy) vs. (Laser Genesis + Chemical Peels) for acne and pitted scarring on Indian skin? (Photo)

Question

I've been diagnosed with acne vulgaris grade 2 by my dermatologist and recommended the above mentioned treatment options. Which one would be a safe and effective option in terms of my skin tone and preventing permanent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on my tan skin? Treatment time is not an issue. I am 23 years old, no significant hormonal imbalances. Acne is affecting forehead, cheeks and chin. Have been on accutane at age 18, however acne relapsed after a few years.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Stephen Mandy, MD · Answer

Patients with dark skin must be exceedingly wary of laser treatment for any condition except in the most expert hands as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is often the undesirable outcome of such treatment.  There are many non laser choices such as Accutane, topical retinoids and antibiotics that will correct the problem without the risk of pigmentary change.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

If still using Accutane can not recommend any skin damaging therapies because of potential increased scarring.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It is first most important to assess the reason for your acne.  It sounds as if you may need a second round of Accutane.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist to assess your skin.  It may be necessary to have chemical peels afterwards to heal those pigmented marks.  Best, Dr. Green

(Levulan Blue Light Therapy) vs. (Laser Genesis + Chemical Peels) for acne and pitted scarring on Indian skin? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne and Best Treatment

Answer: Acne and Best Treatment

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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

(Levulan Blue Light Therapy) vs. (Laser Genesis + Chemical Peels) for acne and pitted scarring on Indian skin? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne and Best Treatment

Answer: Acne and Best Treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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