Will PicoSure work for these pitted acne scars? (photos)

Question

I've been seeing a dermatologist for years now to help with bad acne in my teens, I am now 23 and want to remove these scars (arnd 4 yrs old). She has recommended Picosure for me, and assures me that these scars can improve by using Picosure, however, even though she is highly trusted, I was looking around online and have my doubts about whether I should spend my money on this right away. I am afraid of invasive procedures such as TCA and Fraxel, as I am a student who would prefer low downtime.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting pictures.  No one has perfect skin, but you can probably get improvement in your scars.  Every physician will have their area of expertise and preferred treatments.  You might find success with microneedling with PRP, TCA Cross, subcision, fillers, etc.  There is no best treatment that will work on everyone.
Some lasers are proven very effective on acne scars.  After a complete consultation in a medical setting, you would probably be a candidate for a several treatment options depending on your skin type, severity of the scar and how much downtime you can take.  Keep in mind that more intense/deeper treatments require more downtime, but you will need less treatments.  If you choose a short downtime treatment plan, you will need more treatments in the series.  The most gentle would be something like the PicoSure FOCUS treatment with almost no downtime for both scars and hyperpigmentation.  It is safe for all skin types, but you would probably need 4 to 6 treatments.  Another option would be a fractional 1540 nm laser treatment like ICON or Fraxel.  With these treatment you could have redness and swelling for 1 to 3 days, but need less treatments.  Based on your skin type, you ARE NOT a candidate for a fractional CO2 treatment with 7 days of redness and swelling.  Look for a medical setting with a doctor in house, where they have multiple laser options and experience treating your scars.  Prices vary by market.  Since you are student and want to minimize your downtime, you could do the Fraxel/Icon level treatment on Friday afternoon and back to school on Monday.  Best of luck

Bernard Tan, MBBS, MRCSB · Answer

Hi there! These Acne scars look to be a mixture of rolling and box car scars. Definitely PicoSure laser treatment with its focus lens will help, and I would also suggest an additional treatment such as RF microneedling or subcision to address the deeper dermal aspect of the scar.Best wishesDr Bernard Tan

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

it is important that you aim for an improvement and not perfection. I do not believe any treatment, will eliminate all of your scarring. i will often recommend the Picosure laser (expect to need around 6 sessions, each spaced at least one month apart) alternating with microneedling.

James Okamoto, MD · Answer

I concur with your dermatologist.  Picosure will help remove the scars and actually revitalize your skin by stimulating the collagen and elastin production in your skin. Since it does not rely on heat (thermal) destruction of cells the downtime is MUCH less too and it works faster than any topical treatments!  All the best!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I was the Key Opinion Leader for Cynosure. I do have a Picosure, and I think this laser is great for removal of green ink and general skin rejuvenation in darker skin type. As for acne scars, this is pure marketing. My evaluation 4 years ago showed minimal improvement in all types of scars. One out of twenty patients showed a one grade improvement in scarring. The question is, are there more effective treatments for your scar type? The answer is 100% YES. Simple microneedling, or RF coupled with PRP and CO2 will give you a more predicate response. When do I use pico? When there is a melanin rich state - namely after CO2 fractional laser. 071 6mm over pass to scar areas- this will reduce PIH, reduce comedones and pores. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Will PicoSure work for these pitted acne scars? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Picosure will absolutely help!

Answer: Picosure will absolutely help!

Answer: Improvement vs optimal care - Picosure and scars; the truth

Answer: Improvement vs optimal care - Picosure and scars; the truth

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Will PicoSure work for these pitted acne scars? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Picosure will absolutely help!

Answer: Picosure will absolutely help!

Answer: Improvement vs optimal care - Picosure and scars; the truth

Answer: Improvement vs optimal care - Picosure and scars; the truth

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PicoSure

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