Is Fraxel Laser recommended to treat a lip scar I got when I was 6 years old? If not, what would be the alternative? (Photo)

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

I am of course not surprised that one might immediately jump to some form of lasers, like fraxel lasers, for treating just about any skin problem these days. It is understandable given all the social media buzz and marketing hype given to such kinds of expensive "bells and whistles" devices being hawked out there in medspa venues and by so-called "skinfluencers" on the web. The truth is, unfortunately, that the hard science to back up their use lags well behind the hype to promote them. For an elevated, obviously fibrotic scar like that in the photo, the first line of therapy would be the simple intralesional injection of an anti-inflammatory agent to shrink and flatten it. You would be wise to make sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.