Will Sciton Broadband Light Help with Atrophic Acne Scars?

A combination approach will give the most improvement. These types of scars need a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. It may take a series of treatments and may need lifelong treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your inquiry.  While use of broadband light or IPL can be highly effective for improving the appearance of skin discoloration, these procedures do not improve atrophic scarring.  Treatments such as subcision, dermal grafting, or nonablative fractional resurfacing may be better options for the treatment of atrophic scarring.  I highly suggest seeing a physician who has a strong interest in treatment of acne scarring.

Atrophic or depressed acne scars require increased collagen production for an improved appearance. Sciton's BBL or IPL help correct skin discolorations such as reds and browns.  For effective collagen stimulation, I recommend microneedling with PRP, radiofrequency microneedling, laser resurfacing, and/or subcision.  Further fine-tuning may require additional filler treatments.  See a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for a proper evaluation.

Sadly there are more high priced high tech "machines" that take peoples hard earned money and promise miracles that one can count. It has been going on too long. They all promise "collagen stimulation".Dr B below is correct that subcision with grafting for old atrophic acne scars of the cheeks leads to good results.Results depend upon the knowledge, experience, and ability of the treating physician more than the price tag of the "latest" high tech, artfully named, machine. Unfortunately for some providers, it means that they must do the work themselves, rather than hire a provider to push a button.

The Sciton BBL is really meant for rejuvenation in terms of skin tightening and while I use it for this purpose it does little for acne scars.  I would recommend you seek an expert in acne scars who uses eMatrix, Fraxel, microneedling with PRP and fillers to correct scars.  Best, Dr. Green

Can't comment with out a proper exam if your scars will respond to BBL, but if they are indeed truely atrophic than you do need other METHODS and not just devices to treat these scars. I agree with the comments below. Acne scar revision is a specialised field. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments. The web reference below will take you to a resource. I embedded all the videos in one page to help.

For example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars can be treated with TCA CROSS peels, mixed scars, rolling, and atrophic scars treated with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, PRP and INFINI radiofrequency. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, or with HA dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgery.

The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment METHOD will be best. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars.

All the best,

Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.