Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

Question

I have chicken pox marks that i have had since my collage days. Now that im 40 im looking to have them addressed and had a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon in my area. She has recommended subcision with a laser treatment. Would this be an effective way of removing the marks? they do look like rolling box scars and are quite sizeable.

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

William Ting, MD · Answer

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.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

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.

Madeline Krauss, MD · Answer

Subcision is a good first step for the boxcar or rolling type of acne scars.  It is low risk and easy to recuperate from.  It can be done in combination with lasers, and fillers.  It is also cost effective.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Try a few of the worst pox marks to see if you obtain an improvement. Best of Luck from MIAMI DR. Darryl j. Blinski

Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

Answers (6)

Answer: Acne scars and subcision

Answer: Acne scars and subcision

Answer: Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

Answer: Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

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Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

Answers (6)

Answer: Acne scars and subcision

Answer: Acne scars and subcision

Answer: Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

Answer: Subcision for Chicken Pox Marks?

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Everything you need to know about Subcision

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