What can I do to get rid of two childhood scars? (Photos)

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

After three months a scar is considered mature and, unfortunately, even with the best of treatments or combinations of treatments available today, the best improvement in appearance that can be realistically obtained ranges between a 60-80 percent overall improvement in appearance.
At least from the photos, the scars appear indented. So, I would subcision to elevate and smooth them as much as possible. Following this, I would consider the use of manual, mechanical Microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the topical application of Rx pigment enhancing agents, such as tyrosine and latanoprost, in order to blend the scars better in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin.
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and best of luck.

Thank you for sharing your concerns and history. Scars that have been present since childhood are usually more resistant to treatment because the skin has had many years to remodel and mature. That being said, there are still approaches that can help soften their appearance and improve skin texture, even if complete removal is not possible.

Since you’ve already tried several resurfacing methods such as microneedling, laser, retinol, and peels, the next steps often involve combining treatments or trying more targeted procedures. Options can include:
Fractional or ablative lasers (such as CO₂ or erbium) which can sometimes provide deeper resurfacing than non-ablative lasers.

Surgical scar revision for very stubborn or linear scars, this involves carefully excising and re-closing the scar to make it less visible.

Fillers or fat grafting if there’s any indentation, as they can help lift and smooth the area.

Advanced resurfacing techniques like radiofrequency microneedling, which can stimulate deeper collagen remodeling.

While treatments may not erase scars entirely, a combination approach often leads to noticeable improvement in blending them into the surrounding skin.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that sun protection and ongoing topical care (such as retinoids) can support any procedural results and prevent the scars from standing out more with time.