Proper Halo setting for ice pick and rolling acne scars in medium toned Asian skin? (photo)

Thanks for the great question. Although those are more aggressive settings, they are in line with what is normally used. If there is concern for hyperpigmentation, then I will pre-treat patients with hydroquinone to reduce the risk. The sensation of having a sunburn is normal, especially after a more aggressive treatment. Most patients require 3 or more treatments to see a significant improvement in acne scarring. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Both treatments were aggressive and it takes several weeks to see the full results. In the picture there is no visible hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a risk with any laser and if it happens, prescription topicals can help lighten those areas. The sun burn sensation is normal after any Halo treatment. If you still have concerns please follow up with your treating physical. 

Please see someone who treats individual scar types and not just use a 'laser'.My job involves lasers in at least 50% of my day and the Scition (Halo) is a good laser, but NOT for acne scars. 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.