How can I make this scar less noticeable? (Photo)

Question

What in-office treatments can help me either remove or make this scar less noticeable? It is fairly short (1.5cm), but it is the first thing people look at when they look at my face. It's affecting my self-esteem and making me depressed.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. 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

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo but it is hard to see her your scar. I would recommend doing a consultation in person to get the best recommended treatment for your scar. We would typically recommend 5 sessions of 1540 or 3 core resurfacing depending on how deep the scar is. Good luck!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

From the photo, there appears to be a hypopigmented scar that is flush with the surrounding skin. If this is indeed so, then the issues primarily relate to the hypopigmentation and to surface textural irregularity. Professionally performed microneedling (no need for the much hyped and expensive RF kind) accompanied by the topical application of prescription pigment promoting medications, such as tyrosine and lanatoprost can improve the superficial texture of the scar and better blend its color with that of the surrounding normal skin. Be wary of claims for this or that fraxel laser or RF treatments, as the value of these expensive "bells and whistles" are backed up far more by marketing hype than hard science. Make sure to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. It's difficult to evaluate your skin through this type of forum. If your scar has an indentation, then that is atrophy, and treatments that cause trauma to the skin resulting in subsequent collagen formation can be helpful in improving the texture of the skin. For the lighter discoloration, or hypopigmentation, unfortunately, there is no medical treatment effective in regaining pigment to scars. However, medical tattooing is a new cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance and color of hypopigmented scars. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist to have your skin evaluated and to discuss appropriate treatment options. Take care and good luck.

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