Male, age 24 - what procedure for my facial acne scars? (Photos)

Question

I am a male (24) who has acne scarring on the face. I have done 3 laser treatments, one fractional non-ablative and 2 co2 ablative lasers. I am not really getting results like I expected, so is there a better procedure for my scars?

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

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

Unfortunately, I am hardly surprised by the lack of success with the laser treatments and have been cautioning readers for years that relatively expensive "bells and whistles" fraxels and RF devices are far more backed by marketing hype than any hard science. Sorry that this had to be learned here the hard and expensive way. At least from the photos provided, it would appear that a "Field Subcision" for both the cheeks and temples would be a good start for elevating and smoothing the overlying acne scars, especially when there are many, as in this case. If still needed, individual subcision of any particularly troubling scars may be subsequently performed. Make sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and not another venue simply hawking the latest, "next big thing" device it has just purchased. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Maria Wiedner, MD · Answer

I would recommend Medical Needling, maybe in combination with fat stamp, which gives even better results. Medical Needling also needs to be done several times, to get a desirable result. Another option could be injection of Biostimulators, like Radiesse.

Male, age 24 - what procedure for my facial acne scars? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Medical Needling

Answer: Medical Needling

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Male, age 24 - what procedure for my facial acne scars? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Medical Needling

Answer: Medical Needling

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Everything you need to know about Subcision

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