What types of procedures will help get rid of facial chicken pox scars? (Photo)

Question

I'm 24 years old and I had chicken pox when I was 3-4 years old. I have scars all over my body but the facial scars bother me the most. I love with them, but I would get rid of them in a heartbeat. I have a combination of different scars though. Please help, I live in NYC and I want to get rid of the scars before my 25th birthday this December. Thank you in advance.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

First, let me say how sorry I am that you are so troubled by the scars. Unfortunately, for the present, there is no procedure or even set up techniques that can completely eliminate any kind of scar, including those resulting from chicken pox. That having been said, there are a number of procedures that can improve and in many cases improve considerably the appearance of these scars. These techniques include subcision to free up and elevate the bound down base of each pox scar--performed either alone or in tandem with the injection of a biostimulatory filler to further elevate the scar base and to promote new, native collagen synthesis; light electrodessication or manual dermasanding of the rims of the scars to diminish the "craters of the moon" effect; and medical microneedling of the scar surface to improve any residual tonal and textural irregularities and permit better blending with the surrounding normal skin. Since a series of subcision and microneedling treatments is often required to achieve optimal results, with a minimum of a six week interval between treatments, it would be advisable to seek consultation and treatment at your earliest convenience if you wish to make your December deadline.For more on any of the above simple, quick and relatively inexpensive approaches to chicken pox scar improvement, I suggest you check out the archives of Realself.com.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Chicken pox scars are difficult to correct. We have used a combination protocol including ablative laser, sublative ematrix, and scar surgery to improve these scars. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. According to your photos, it
seems that Fraxel Laser is appropriate to smooth and resurface your Chicken Pox
scars. In my office, the Fraxel laser is commonly used and offers minimal
downtime.

For larger chicken pox scars, scar revision can be done. A subcision
is made using a needle that is inserted under the scar to break up the thick
bands of fibrous tissue to allow the overlying freed tissue to float to the
surface.

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