Does sciton profractional laser work on icepick, boxcar pitted scares? (photos)

Question

I've had one procedure of this laser done in January. It is now March and I don't see a difference. My physician recommended 5 sessions with 20% improvement each session. Should I continue doing another session? each session is $1,700 so I don't want to keep wasting money for something i'm not sure will be working. Please help!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest a combination approach this type of scar needs fillers, subcision and TCA cross along with lasers.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne 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 acne 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 acne scars and indented acne 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 acne 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

Jennifer Chwalek, MD · Answer

There are many different lasers that can be used to treat acne scars successfully.  Regardless of the laser, it often requires a few treatments over several months.  The way these lasers improve the scars is by stimulating collagen and this can occur over weeks and up to several months.  Treating acne scars needs to be individualized to the patient because not all scars respond the same- Ice-pick scars are generally very difficult to treat (i'm not sure anything works really well).  Depending on the size and depth of the ice-pick scar, the CROSS method using 100% TCA may help.  From your photos it looks like you may have some active acne.  If this is the case, it is really important that you get your acne under control to prevent further scarring.  Also fractionated ablative and non-ablative lasers can sometimes cause acne to flare following treatment. The profractional is a good laser, however, with more aggressive settings you can have more downtime with this laser.  If this is an issue for you, you may want to consider treatment with a non-ablative fraxel or even a microneedling radiofrequency device (we have been using one in my office and have seen some good improvement in both scarring and mild acne).

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

You can never judge how scars will heal by only one treatment.  Depending on how deep the scars are, it will take several treatments.  Also, sometimes alternating with other therapies such as PRP will help heal these scars.  Some box car scars also need surgical subcision to help as well.  Scars are a complicated process and you need to consult an expert for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

The action Profractional does work but you can get improvement with no downtime at a lower cost with micorneedling .Small micro channels will result in lifting. Ice pick scars are more diifcult to treat and can be approached by scar elevation, excison etc. See another Dermatolgist for second opinion.

Does sciton profractional laser work on icepick, boxcar pitted scares? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Fraxel and other treatments for Scars

Answer: Fraxel and other treatments for Scars

Answer: Microneedling

Answer: Microneedling

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Does sciton profractional laser work on icepick, boxcar pitted scares? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Fraxel and other treatments for Scars

Answer: Fraxel and other treatments for Scars

Answer: Microneedling

Answer: Microneedling

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

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