Can I remove these chickenpox scars? I got them 3 months ago (Photo)

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Hello,

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photo. Chickenpox scars can be distressing, but there are several options available for improving their appearance.

Since you mentioned that you got these scars 3 months ago, it's still relatively early, and your skin may continue to heal and improve over time. However, there are treatments that can help accelerate this process and improve the appearance of the scars:

Topical Treatments: Silicone gel or sheets can be effective in reducing the appearance of scars. Over-the-counter scar creams containing ingredients like onion extract or vitamin E may also help.

Microneedling: This procedure uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the texture and appearance of scars.

Laser Therapy: Fractional laser treatments can help resurface the skin and reduce the appearance of scars by promoting new skin growth.

Chemical Peels: These can help to exfoliate the top layers of skin, encouraging new, smoother skin to replace the scarred areas.

Dermal Fillers: For deeper scars, fillers can be injected to raise the depressed areas, making them less noticeable.

Steroid Injections: In some cases, steroid injections can help to flatten raised scars.

It's important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss the best treatment options for your specific case. They can provide a personalized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your scars.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.

Best regards,

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

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 occasionaly even erasure of the ilmminent 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. 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.