Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

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

Subcision by an experienced board-certified dermatologist is helpful in releasing fibrous scar tissue that may be tugging downward existing acne or chicken pox scars. I recommend consideration of subcision prior to Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing or nonablative laser scar revision utilizing GenesisPlus or Spectra Laser to maximize clinical benefit. This is particularly helpful for ethnic skin as laser scar revision parameter needs to be a bit more conservative to minimize risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation and thus subcision can augment the clinical result.

Without a photo or face to face examination it is hard to say what would be best. If the scars are only a few millimeters wide and contain most of the normal skin elements at the depth of the pit punch incisions within the scar in my experience give a good long lasting result. As the incision heals it pushes the center of the scar out. I know some doctors have had good results with a subcision and injection of a long lasting filler +/- laser. The main issue is if the scar is large and is white, shiny etc. (missing skin components) the only available reliable treatment is scar excision and no matter what treatment is prescribed test it on a few chicken pox scars before treating them all at once.