When you lessen an atrophic scar with microneedling, does the collegen stay even or does the scar eventually sink in again?

Thank you for your question.

Microneedling can be an effective treatment for atrophic scars, as it stimulates collagen production and helps improve the texture and appearance of the skin. However, it is important to understand that the results can vary from person to person. While microneedling can significantly improve the appearance of scars, it may not completely eliminate them, and maintenance treatments might be required to sustain the results over time.

Atrophic scars, which are characterized by a loss of tissue, can be challenging to treat permanently. The new collagen produced by microneedling can help fill in the scars and make them less noticeable, but because our skin naturally loses collagen as we age, some degree of scar visibility might return over time. This is why periodic treatments might be necessary.

Lasers, such as fractional lasers, can also be used to improve atrophic scars by promoting collagen remodeling and skin resurfacing. Similar to microneedling, the results can be significant but might not be permanent, and maintenance treatments could be needed.

It's crucial to consult with a dermatologist who specializes in scar treatment to get a personalized assessment and treatment plan. They can provide you with realistic expectations and recommend the best combination of treatments for your specific skin type and scar condition.

If you are located near Coral Gables, FL, I would be happy to assist you further. You can contact my office at the information below to schedule a consultation.

Best regards,

Anna Chacon, MD
Dermatology
135 Madeira Avenue
Coral Gables, FL, 33134
Phone: 305-902-5733
Fax: 305-203-4549

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