What is the quick resolution for deep facial scars; peels vs. Microdermabrasion or alternative procedures, please?

Question

Hello Doctors, I'm wondering about deep facial scars from chicken pox, they have been my facial signature and am looking for a seamless way to rid myself of them. I have been researching chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and lasergenesis. To be frank Doctors, there are so many facial treatments. What would be the initial step I should take prior to jumping in head first into the world of aesthetics? Thank you for your feedback! IslandLioness85~

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is no quick fix for scarring.  Often you just get improvement without cure.  You need a cosmetic dermatologist who specializes specifically in acne scarring/pigmentation and does a combination of treatments including: surgery, subcision, or TCA cross for deep or pitted "ice pick" scars; fillers like Bellafill or Sculptra or Radiesse for broad "boxcar" or "rolling" scars; Eclipse Micropen for all types of scars and improvement in texture and tone; lasers such as co2 laser resurfacing or Fraxel/Clear+Brilliant or radiofrequency such as Sublative or Viva to improve the scars and give long term collagen production. There are many options but you want someone who can customize a regimen for your short and long term goals based on your individual situation. Best, Dr. Emer.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

None of the lasers of any kind, creams, lotions, microdermabrasion out there would give you much improvement at all!!  I have seen deep dermabrasion under sedation in my hand with my technique to give the best results for your money.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

A great treatment for facial scarring is a combination of a profractional and micro-laser peel. The number of sessions required usually depend on the severity of the scarring. The downtime is longer than most non invasive treatments, approximately 5-7 days. The face is very red with pin point bleeding across the treated areas. It is important to keep the face moisturized with a Vaseline type ointment, with no exposure to sunlight without protection.

What is the quick resolution for deep facial scars; peels vs. Microdermabrasion or alternative procedures, please?

Answers (4)

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