What can I do about these chicken pox scars and chemical peel redness? (Photos)

Addressing chicken pox scars and redness from a chemical peel can be challenging, but there are several strategies you might consider:

Laser Treatments: Since you've already tried IPL and Excel V, you might consider fractional laser treatments like Fraxel or CO2 laser resurfacing. These can be effective for both atrophic scars and persistent redness.

Microneedling: This procedure can help improve the texture of atrophic scars by stimulating collagen production. It can be combined with radiofrequency for enhanced results.

Topical Treatments: Continue using products that target redness and support skin barrier repair. Ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and ceramides can be beneficial. Consider consulting with a dermatologist for prescription options like retinoids, which can help with both scarring and skin texture.

Chemical Peels: While you've had a negative experience, a milder peel under professional supervision might help with scarring and redness. Options like glycolic acid or lactic acid peels can be considered.

Consultation with a Dermatologist: Given the complexity of your case, a personalized treatment plan from a dermatologist would be ideal. They can assess your skin's current condition and recommend a tailored approach, possibly combining several modalities for optimal results.

Patience and Consistency: Skin healing and scar improvement can take time. Consistent use of recommended treatments and products is key to seeing gradual improvement.

It's important to proceed with caution and under professional guidance, especially after experiencing adverse effects from previous treatments.

Thank you for your question! At our practice we use laser genesis for facial redness, broken capillaries, and scaring. This laser heats up the dermis, causing blood vessels to contract minimizing redness. Heating of the dermis also causes collagen to be produced which can minimize that appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring.

Subcision, which I have successfully been using for thirty years, can be used to elevate and smooth chickenpox scars, much like it is used for this purpose in treating acne boxcar scars. And once, the scars are elevated, professionally performed Dermastamp microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the use of Rx topical pigment enhancers can be used to better blend the surface texture and color of the scars with the surrounding normal skin.
I am not at all surprised by your lack of success with light-based treatments, as the hard science to back up their use lags well behind the marketing hype and social media buzz to promote them. Sorry.
I am also not surprised by the lack of success with TCA CROSS, since this technique, which I have been using for twenty-five years, is best reserved for treating ice pick scars and dilated pores, rather than for more broader based scars, such as acne rolling and boxcar scars and chickenpox scars. Once again, sorry.
Finally, I always caution my regular followers about the use of strong, full-face pulls out of concern for the higher risk of complications, such as persistent redness or other dyspigmentation problems that are well-known potential complications of this form of treatment. So, again, sorry.
You would be well-advised to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist who can both help to treat your scars and to advise you on proper treatments for diminishing the post-peel redness issue you are having. You would also be well-advised to exercise going forward a very healthy dose of "buyer beware" when being offered any of the expensive, supposedly "next big thing," here-today-gone-tomorrow, light and energy-based devices out there for the reasons mentioned above. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon