29, will these chicken pox marks/scars fade with time? (Photos)

Question

Hello Dr., Kindly apologize to disturb and approach you with such mundane matters, however I’m really distressed by my condition. I’m 29 and was diagnosed with Chicken pox, 6 weeks ago today. The crusts fell naturally and 1 prematurely on the bath. Some left superficial depressions and one a moderate one not too deep. Will I be permanently scared for life, or is it just normal lesions that will fade or disappear with time? Thanks a lot, JVR

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and for describing your concern so clearly. It’s completely understandable to feel distressed after a recent chickenpox infection, especially when marks remain on the face.

At this stage just 6 weeks after the infection the skin is still in its healing phase. Many of the reddish or pigmented spots you see now are post-inflammatory marks, which can take several months to fade naturally. The superficial depressions often improve with time as the skin remodels collagen, and they can become less noticeable within 6–12 months.

The deeper mark you mentioned may persist to some degree, but even that can soften and blend in over time. If, after several months, certain areas still bother you, there are effective treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, fractional laser, or fillers that can help further improve the texture.

The good news is at 6 weeks, nothing is final. Your skin still has a lot of healing capacity ahead, and many of these marks will fade or improve naturally in the coming months.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. 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 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 scars and indented  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 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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The ideal time for treating young developing scars from any cause, including those from chickenpox, is between the end of week four (when the scars are strong enough to withstand treatment) and the end of week twelve (after which the scar is considered "mature') and the typical improvement ranges between 60-80%. If treated during the 4-12 week window there is chance for greater improvement and occasionally even erasure of the imminent scar. So, you would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar specialist asap. Since chickenpox scars are typically quite box-like, often a treatment, such as the use of an agent, such as TCA, or light electrodessication needs to be used to make the side walls of the scar less steep and more "rolling," and subcision can be used to elevate and smooth the central portion of the scar. Since, at least from the photos, your scars appear less deep, so this first step may not be necessary. Finally, manual Dermastamp microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) can be used to better blend the surface of the scar in both color and texture with the surrounding skin. A word to the wise. You will no doubt be hawked this or that expensive fraxel lasers or RF device for treatment. Be aware, however, that the hard science to support the use of these "bells and whistles" gizmos lags well behind the heavy marketing and social media buzz to promote them. Bottom line: The earlier you seek treatment, the better. Hope this helps and best of luck

29, will these chicken pox marks/scars fade with time? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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