What would you recommend to improve my acne scars? (photos)

Question

I am 26 years old and I have acne scars and I was wondering what would help improve them?

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

Hi there! I’m Lauren, the aesthetic injector here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. Thanks for sharing your concerns. From what you’ve shared, the CO2 laser treatment could be a fantastic option for you. It’s a powerful, results-driven solution for improving acne scarring by smoothing the skin’s surface and boosting collagen regeneration. I’ve included a link to our website to learn more about how it works and what to expect.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Here's a post-Christmas gift to you that will likely save you a whole lot of money, time and needless frustration. In your search to find the best treatments for your acne scars. For one thing, you will likely be barraged by every venue to undergo relatively expensive fancy-named fraxel laser and/or RF treatments. Keep in mind that these "hear-today-gone-tomorrow" supposedly "next big thing" bells and whistles gizmos are backed far more by heavy marketing hype and social media buzz, but unfortunately very little hard science. On the other hand, there are several relatively simple techniques that have stood the test of time for efficacy and safety for improving acne scars in all skin types. Subcision, which I have been regularly using since 1995 works well for elevating and smoothing acne boxcar and rolling scars. TCA CROSS, which I have been performing for 24 years for ice pick scars and dilated pores, is another simple and inexpensive treatment with proven efficacy and safety in all skin types. And finally, professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) --another simple approach that has demonstrated nearly a quarter of a century of efficacy and safety for improving ovarall superficial texture and color of the skin--can be used to better blend the color and texture of the treated areas with the surrounding normal skin. You would be wise to seek consultation and treatment by an experienced board certified cosmetic dermatologist acne scar expert and be wary of the device hawking and hype out there. Best of luck and Happy New Year.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

You can start using Tretinoin. (Prescription grade). Make sure to consult with a dermatologist to assess your skin.

Best of luck !

What would you recommend to improve my acne scars? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tretinoin

Answer: Tretinoin

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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

What would you recommend to improve my acne scars? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tretinoin

Answer: Tretinoin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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