Does Retin-A help pitted scarring? (Photo)

Question

Just curious - if I continue using tretinoin, will my pitted scarring eventually get better? I get microneedling once a month @ 1.5mm, use retin-a 0.025% every M, W, Th, F and Sunday and use 0.01% as a mask for 30 min short-contact therapy every Tues and Sat. I know I can get better results with TCA, lasers etc. ( and I do get them a few times a year) but just curious to know if my skin care routine does anything at all or if it's just for mitigation of fine lines. Thanks!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

with long term use, you can achieve some improvement in your scarring. it is a slow process. Other things, like micro-needling, will give quicker results.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. Retin-A creams are not effective in treating atrophic scarring due to the depth of the scars. Treatment modalities that cause injury to the skin leading to subsequent collagen formation are effective. Such treatments include laser therapy, microneedling with PRP, etc. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist to have your skin evaluated and to discuss appropriate treatment options. Take care and good luck.

Does Retin-A help pitted scarring? (Photo)

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