What procedure will restore my face from these scars? (Photo)

Question

A sudden onset of acne (which turned out to be acne conglobata) left my face disfigured in a matter on months. Im heartbroken and want to restore my old look. Will microneedling help? What % improvement can i expect? Will it ever be the same again? Thanks in advance!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm really sorry that this has happened to you. The good news that subcision, which is a simple, relatively inexpensive technique that I have been using since 1995 with extremely gratifying results, works well for elevating and smoothing indented rolling and boxcar acne scars. For the vast majority people, except a few lucky Lotto winners, on average three to four treatment sessions are required to achieve optimal results, which are typically and realistically somewhere between a 60-80% (very occasionally over 90%) overall improvement in appearance. Be skeptical of all the claims that you no doubt be bombarded with for this or that "here-today-gone-tomorrow, supposedly "next big thing" fraxel laser or RF device, as these expensive gizmos simply do not have the hard science to back up the inflated marketing and social media influencer hype. So, be very wary and make sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist acne scar specialist. Best of luck.

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi AlinaK, thank you for your question regarding acne scars and microneedling. I suggest microneedling to address these scars. Microneedling will help to build collagen in these scars and improve their appearance. I suggest starting with 3 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart. I hope this helps!

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. 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, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, 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. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Juan Guillermo Breton, MD · Answer

I cand suggest a combination modality treatment:1. RF microneedling 3 or 4 sessions2. CO2 resurfacing (it cand be donde right after your microneedling) 3 or 4 sessions3. Appropiate skincare regimen (something including retinol)

What procedure will restore my face from these scars? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Acne scar treatments

Answer: Acne scar treatments

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Everything you need to know about Microneedling

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

What procedure will restore my face from these scars? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Acne scar treatments

Answer: Acne scar treatments

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Microneedling

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