Which procedure would be effective in minimizing the appearance of acne scars? (photo)

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

A sharper image of the scars would have been helpful. However, as a general rule, subcision, which has been around since 1995 when I first began using it, has a proven track record for safety and efficacy in all skin types for elevating and smoothing boxcar and rolling scars. Similarly, professionally performed microneedling, which I have been perforrming for over twenty-three years, also has a proven track record for safety and efficacy as a final "polishing" step for addresing any residual superficial color and texture irregularities in order to blend better the previously treated scars with the surrounding normal skin. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and be wary when offered this or that, relatively expensive supposedly "next big thing" fraxel laser or RF devices, as the hard science to support the use of these "bells and whistles" lags woefully behind the heavy device manufacturer backed marketing and social media influencer hype. Hope this helps and best of luck.

When scars are atropic they must be lifted. Subcision produces long lasting results, naturally, and is effective at raising scars. We recommend a Nokor needle subcision, then Cannula field subcision and PRP. This is followed by a home suction device to keep the scars lifted. You will then be ready for a Fractionated laser. If any hypopigmentation remains, Eximer laser can be employed. Multiple sessions may be needed. Find a scar expert.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD
Realself Hall of Fame

There are many options to help improve acne scars. Two that you can consider are laser resurfacing and Morpheus8. This treatment helps to improve overall skin tone and texture. Three sessions are recommended for optimal results. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation and discussion of your goals.