Removed Piercing, Resulting in Sunken Scar. Could Laser Resurfacing Help?

Question

I had a bridge piercing ( In between my eyes) and It's resulted in a sunken scar, I was wondering if laser resurfacing would bring it to the level of the surrounding skin.  Any answers are very appreciated.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

Sunken scars are common due to acne, trauma, or prior piercings.  In my experience, laser resurfacing falls short of expections for scarring, and even for resurfacing in general.  These scars are best improved simply by giving them time to improve.  If the piercing was recently removed, I would allow a few months to pass before any treatment.  If this time has passed, then, the scars can be lifted with a filler such as juvederm or restylane.  If a more permanent solution is desired, direct excision and meticulous repair is required.  If the scar is modest, dermabrasion (not microdermabrasion) may be helpful.  A good picture will help with advice on this topic.  Good luck!!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Piercing scars are best corrected with scar excision and scar revision techniques. Laser skin resurfacing is a less effective option.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. CO2 laser would be helpful for improvement in texture, but you will still need a filler or a little fat transfer to plump up the sunken scar.  Be certain to be under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in laser surgery and scarring for the most effective and safe treatments. I hope this helps.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

as piercing scars usually create an epithelial track deeply, it might need to be punch grafted and then laser resurfaced with a Fraxel Repair CO2 or Fraxel Restore erbium laser or dermabrasion. You need to have an in-person consultation to determine the best treatment approach.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without a physical exam.  If it is minor then possibly laser resurfacing with soft tissue fillers could help flatten and disguise the scar.

	Other options include removing the old scar and replacing it with a new scar that is less likely to become depressed or sunken.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It might be possible to resurface the scar from a piercing but it would depend upon the depth of the scar. Alternatively, the scar can be excised under a local anesthetic and then laser resurfaced to achieve maximum improvement. Good luck.

Removed Piercing, Resulting in Sunken Scar. Could Laser Resurfacing Help?

Answers (10)

Answer: Body piercing scar

Answer: Body piercing scar

Answer: Can lasers treat sunken scars?

Answer: Can lasers treat sunken scars?

Answer: Scar from piercing

Answer: Scar from piercing

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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Removed Piercing, Resulting in Sunken Scar. Could Laser Resurfacing Help?

Answers (10)

Answer: Body piercing scar

Answer: Body piercing scar

Answer: Can lasers treat sunken scars?

Answer: Can lasers treat sunken scars?

Answer: Scar from piercing

Answer: Scar from piercing

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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