Scar revision surgery for acne scar on cheek - is it an option for me? (photo)

Question

I am interested in surgical scar revision of one or two large depressed acne scars on my right cheek. I have already tried Subcision, Infini, multiple deep Fraxels, Filer, and micro droplet Silicone. Nothing has improved the scar. (these treatments were over 10 years ago) Due to all these treatments the skin around the scar is slightly puffy - not hard, no nodules feels like normal tissue - just slightly puffy in certain light. Do you think surgical scar revision is an option for me? I am 51

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars can be temporary or permanent and there are many aspects of scars that can be improved. During your consultation, we look to determine the textural changes, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, scar color, scar contour depth, scar atrophy, inflammation, and scar thickness. Once complete, a HIDEF protocol is established that includes pigmentation protocols to either lighten or darken scar tone, retexturization of scars, inflammatory mediators, lasers, and contour correction. All of these require time and multi-plane correction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Scar revision surgery for acne scar on cheek - is it an option for me? (photo)

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Scar revision surgery for acne scar on cheek - is it an option for me? (photo)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal Surgery

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