Would a chemical peel or laser help with chickenpox scars on my nose? (Photo)

Question

I have had some chickenpox scarring on the bridge of my nose since I was a child. Would a strong chemical peel like TCA peel help reduce the appearance of these scars. Or would treatments like lasers, microneedling, etc be preferable?

Falguni Patel, MD, FACOG · Answer

Microneedling might be a better option for the scaring! You will need multiple sessions of microneedling to help smooth out the scarring. After that, you can go in a do a chemical peel to help with any hyperpigmentation from the scaring.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

For chickenpox scarring on the bridge of the nose, treatments like submission, lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels can all be considered. However, in my humble opinion, the Ultraclear Laser offers several different modalities, including laser coring, which I have successfully used for similar types of scars. This laser is precise and safe, allowing for targeted treatment of the scar tissue. I recommend using the Ultraclear Laser for the best results.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Strong chemical peels of any kind, just like other destructive technologies, such as lasers, runs the risk of scarring and dyspigmentation problems, especially in skin of color. RF microneedliing likewise runs this risk. Manual microneedling while an appropriate treatment for superficial, surface color and pigment irregularities is best reserved as a final "polishing' step after appropriate treatment for the scars has been performed.
I have been treating chickenpox scars--to elevate and smooth them-- since 1995--with gratifying results. The procedure, properly performed by an experienced cosmetic dermatologist typically engenders little to no significant downtime and since all the work is done below the surface of the skin, there is little to no significant downtime and little risk for complications of scarring or dyspigmnetation. 
Unfortunately, the problem these days is finding a physician experienced in performing subcision, since so many are into promoting expensive fraxel laser and RF treatments. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Would a chemical peel or laser help with chickenpox scars on my nose? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Consider Subcision For Elevating & Smoothing Chickenpox Scars

Answer: Consider Subcision For Elevating & Smoothing Chickenpox Scars

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Would a chemical peel or laser help with chickenpox scars on my nose? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Consider Subcision For Elevating & Smoothing Chickenpox Scars

Answer: Consider Subcision For Elevating & Smoothing Chickenpox Scars

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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