How meticulous can skin texture improvement get? (photo)

Question

Hi! I am 37 now, but I had very severe cystic acne and a heart attack in my late 20s from stress. I do not like that my face is lumpy, but I also do not like the idea of erasing that part of my history from my face. Frankly, people should know that I’ve been through it. I want to know if it would be possible to intentionally work around some of the deepest scars so that, not only do they not heal, but that they deepen from the repair of the skin around them. That just feels right for me.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Improving skin texture while preserving certain scars as a testament to your personal history is a unique and thoughtful approach. Here are some options and considerations for achieving this balance:

Consultation with a Specialist:

Begin with a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They can assess your skin and discuss the best options tailored to your goals. Make sure to communicate your desire to maintain certain scars as part of your personal narrative.
Targeted Treatment Approaches:

Fractional Laser Resurfacing: This method can improve skin texture by targeting specific areas of the skin. It may be possible to focus the treatment around certain scars, enhancing the surrounding skin while leaving the selected scars intact.
Microneedling: Similar to laser resurfacing, microneedling can be targeted to improve skin texture in specific areas. This treatment can stimulate collagen production around scars, potentially deepening their appearance if desired.
Chemical Peels: These can be used selectively to improve skin texture. A skilled practitioner may be able to apply the peel in a way that respects your aesthetic goals.
Artistic Approach:

Discuss with your provider the possibility of an "artistic" approach to treatment, where they intentionally work around certain scars. This requires careful planning and communication to ensure your vision is respected.
Realistic Expectations:

While targeted treatments can improve skin texture, it's important to have realistic expectations about the extent of control over scar depth and appearance. Some adjustments may be necessary as treatments progress.
Emotional and Psychological Considerations:

Maintaining certain scars can be an empowering choice, symbolizing resilience and personal history. Consider discussing your motivations with a therapist or counselor to explore the emotional aspects of this decision.
By working closely with a skilled professional, you can craft a treatment plan that aligns with your desire to improve skin texture while preserving the meaningful aspects of your scars.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for sharing your story!

Both microneedling and laser treatments can actually support your goal. They smooth and heal the skin, but you can intentionally skip over certain scars you want to keep. That way, the surrounding skin improves, and those meaningful scars remain part of your visible journey—even standing out a little more as the skin around them evens out.

Just let your provider know you want to treat around, not over, those areas. A good one will totally get it—and work with you to honor your experience while still helping your skin feel good to live in.

Best of luck in your journey!
Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS 
Center for Classic Beauty
Danvers & Boston, MA

How meticulous can skin texture improvement get? (photo)

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How meticulous can skin texture improvement get? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Derma Roller

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