Please help determine my acne scars and how to improve them? (photos)

Question

As the title suggests, I need help determining my acne scar type, as well as the best course of action to take in terms of treating them. Furthermore, I would also like to know how much improvement I might expect in my scars. I like to believe that they are relatively minor and hence a great percentage of improvement might be possible, but that might be confirmation bias, and Inwould like to get a professional opinion.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are many options to treat acne scarring. These include less invasive methods like microneedling and/or chemical peels to more invasive including dermabrasion and ablative lasers. I recommend consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to further discuss options. Best of luck!

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Microneedling could be a great treatment for you to reduce the appearance of the scars. This is a treatment that creates little micro injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and induce cell turnover. Repeat treatments are usually necessary to get the best results possible. This is also a sun sensitive treatment and the results are usually shown 6-8 weeks after your treatment as it takes time for collagen to be stimulated. This treatment can also be complimented with Platelet -rich-plasma to further enhance the results.  I suggest making a consultation with a provider  near you! Hope this helps!

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Your acne scars are treatable and do not have to be permanent. Combined with a good medical grade skin care regimen, I would recommend in this order or combination thereof: sublative radiofrequency, Bellafill, microneedling plus platelet rich plasma (PRP), chemical peel series. When you are ready to consult in person with your provider you can discuss the varying financial and time commitments. The devices will cost more and usually come with possible down time. All treatments will require multiple sessions but with patience you can see visible, lasting improvement.

Please help determine my acne scars and how to improve them? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne scar treatment

Answer: Acne scar treatment

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Please help determine my acne scars and how to improve them? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne scar treatment

Answer: Acne scar treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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