Fair, Asian skin - laser, microneedling or chemical peel for acne scars and large pores? (Photos)

Question

I have fair, Asian skin with acne scars, large pores, some minor acne and uneven skin tone. I have done rounds of microneedling in the past as well as quarterly maintenance sessions but I feel like my skin has stopped responding to microneedling. Should I give microneedling another try or should I start investing in laser treatments and/or chemical peels?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

You would be wise to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist who can examine you closeup and discuss the best in-office treatment options for your particular issues at this time. Recommendations you may have gotten from Dr. Google & Dr. YouTube for  fraxel lasers or other expensive "bells and whistles," supposedly "next big thing" gizmos are fraught with misleading, biased, incorrect or unsubstantiated claims. Remember, there is no fact checker for the claims made through internet venues. From what can be seen in the photos provided, there appear to be ice pick scars and dilated pores. If so, then TCA CROSS may prove useful. I have been using this technique successfully and safely for these purposes for about twenty three years. It was first developed by South Korean doctors for South Korean women suffering with these issues and so it is has a long track record for safety and efficacy in Asian (in all types, in fact) skin. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Fair, Asian skin - laser, microneedling or chemical peel for acne scars and large pores? (Photos)

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Fair, Asian skin - laser, microneedling or chemical peel for acne scars and large pores? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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