Treatment options for deep acne scars on chest? (photos)

Question

Hi! Im a 24 year old male that suffered from cystic acne as a teen and as a result are left with very deep acne scars on my chest. These scars have made me insecure throughout the years and now want to change that! I want to know what would be the absolute best options to better the appearance as much as possible. Any suggestions for treatments? combination of treatments. I have set up an appointment with my dermatologist and want to be as informed as possible when meeting with them.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have treated this problem many times before with gratifying results. Subcision can be used to elevate and smooth the individual scars after which professionally performed microneedling can be performed to better blend the surface of these scars in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin. Make sure that you consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist with special expertise in acne scar treatments. And, be very wary of claims for this or that faddish and relatively expensise fraxel laser or RF device, as these to date are much more heavily backed by device manufacturer supported marketing hype than hard science. Best of luck.

Daniel Zelac, MD · Answer

Combination therapy would probably be best. You have active acne which should be treated. It is unclear if you have ever used Accutane, but that would be something to consider. Regarding the past scarring, a fractionated destructive CO2 laser approach would be applicable as well as radiofrequency needling. Your board certified dermatologist should have some insight into your specific needs. Good luck.

Treatment options for deep acne scars on chest? (photos)

Answers (4)

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