Age 50, female, best treatment for acne scars? (photos)

Question

I'm a 50 year old female. I'm wondering what would be the best approach to help my acne scars. I'm considering subscision with filler (not sure what kind or maybe fat graft?). Or maybe C02? Or both? Thank you for any thoughts or advice.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Subcision, which I have been performing since 1995 has a several decades' long track record for safety and efficacy for elevating and smoothing acne scars in all skin types. Field Subcision, which refers to performing subcision under a large area, such as the cheeks or temples, can be performed prior to performing individual subcisions for individual scars to provide a healthier foundation to these acne-scar-damaged areas. Be cautious when consider expensive gizmo treatments, like CO2 laser therapies, as these carry significant posttreatment downtimes and run the risk of dyspigmentation and scarring. And be cautious about the use of permanent fillers as these can translate into persistent, long-lasting and difficult-to-treat complications, since they are not easily reversible (unlike HA fillers). You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Age 50, female, best treatment for acne scars? (photos)

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Age 50, female, best treatment for acne scars? (photos)

Answers (2)

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