What is the best treatment for my acne scars? (photos)

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic acne scars and indented acne scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your acne scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

There are a couple treatment options for your acne scars. Microneedling with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is a great treatment for acne and acne scars and involves relatively little downtime. A series of microneedling with PRF treatments is usually needed for great results. PRF will help your skin heal and regenerate quicker by stimulating collagen production and restoring growth factors in the skin. Microneedling with radiofrequency is also a great option. This treatment requires a couple more days of downtime than regular microneedling, but yields better results. A more invasive option is the Tunable Resurfacing Laser (TRL) which requires the most downtime relative to the previous options, but will provide significant improvement in acne ice pick scarring. I recommend consulting with an experienced provider to determine the best and safest treatment for you. Best of luck, Kian Karimi MD, FACS

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. ​

Due to the severity of the ice pick scarring, it would suggest multiple treatments with a C02 ablative laser. If you do not have the down time that comes with an ablative laser, then multiple treatments Morpheus 8 would be a good option as well.

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.