Ask a doctor

Subcision and Fraxel for Boxcar Scars? (photo)

I plan on receiving Fraxel but was interested in receiving subcision before hand in hopes that both combined would give a better result. Would subcision be recommended for my scars. I feel that it would definitely help on my right cheek especially towards the middle and outer side. On my left side would it help the boxcar scar on the outside or the line on the inside at all? I understand that there is no such thing as 100% improvement but would it be possible to look like the third picture?

Doctor Answers 2

Acne Scar treatment

February 17th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

  I agree with you!  If you only proceed with the Fraxel, I think you will be disappointed.  You need to find a physician who will work with you, employing different modalities to achieve optimal results.  you do not want to proceed with a doctor who offers you Fraxel alone.

Web reference: http://kassmd.com

Lawrence Kass, MD


Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 134 reviews

Acne scar treatment

February 17th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Fractionated erbium or carbon dioxde laser treatments are used commonly for acne scars such as boxcar, rolling hills and ice pick scars.  Subcision is more helpful for rolling hill type or depressed acne scars and needle stippling is helpful for icepick scars. I don't guarantee that your acne scars will improve to the third photograph; however, you will see improvement.

Cheryl M. Burgess, MD, FAAD

Cheryl M. Burgess, MD, FAAD
Washington DC Dermatologic Surgeon
2.3 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

Related content

View all Fraxel Laser reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.