Will chemical peels help my acne scars? (Photos)

Question

I've long struggled with acne since high school and it has been about 7 years now and I suffer from a lot of small holes/scars on my cheeks and temples. I do not want to get laser resurfacing done and I'm hoping peels will provide a good solution. I've attached pictures below.

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

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Chemical peels can address acne scars, acne and any irregular pigmentation or rough skin caused by acne. The treatment can be repeated to get the results that you want. Just as important, the treatment is tailored to the patient to meet their desires so I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Mark Berkowitz, MD · Answer

sil111 Thank you for the questions and photographs.   An in person consultation is paramount to determine your best course of action.  Typically acne scars require multiple methods to help improvement.  this may include:subcisionBellafillRadiofrequency treatment : Venus vivaLight therapyPlatelet Rich Plasma ( Vampire Facial)Skin Resurfacingof course, treatment to get current breakouts under control

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist for treatment for active acne and scarring. A combination approach is needed for improvement with lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision, fillers, blue light, peels and skin care. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sarah Hahn Hsu, MD · Answer

Chemical peels can be very helpful with acne scars, as they peel off the outer layers of skin to reveal fresher, smoother skin.  For deeper, more effective treatments, however, we offer other treatments in addition to light and more aggressive laser resurfacing.  Microneedling, with or without radiofrequency, can provide significant improvement of acne scars without major downtime.  We offer four types:  Collagen Pin, Infini, Endymed Intensif, and Intracell.  For deeper, indented acne scars, we offer Bellafill-- the only injectable dermal filler that is FDA-approved for facial acne scars. It uses collagen gel to lift deeper acne scars to the level of the surrounding skin. Most patients report results lasting up to a year or longer.  Subcision also helps to break up the bands of scar tissue that pull scars inward.  For red scars, pulsed dye laser or intense pulsed light treatments can help. This doesn’t involve laser skin resurfacing or any down time, but could be beneficial.  It is best to schedule a face to face consultation with your dermatologist to discuss the best option for you.

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. Chemical peels may help, however you will require many treatments. I understand that you may not want to have laser resurfacing done but this may be the option you require to rid you of your scars. Be sure your acne is under control before having laser done. Always see a board certified plastic surgeon for proper instructions pre and post peels as well as laser. Best of luck.

Bashar Mohsen, MD · Answer

Chemical peels are very good for scars and treating acne . However for deep acne scars its a slow process for improvement . Laser skin resurfacing is a better option to start with . You see more and faster improvement . You might need more then one treatment . However in between or after laser treatment , I recommand you to do chemical peels as treatment for a healthy and younger skin .

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures. Acne scars can be difficult
 to treat. You will see some, but minimal improvement with chemical 
peels when used alone. A series of treatments including platelet-rich 
plasma with micro-needling, chemical peels, IPL
 and laser resurfacing will give you the best results. I recommend 
seeing an expert for a proper evaluation and treatment plan. I hope this
 help. Best of luck,

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks so much for your question and photos.  Acne scars can be difficult to treat and typically require several combination treatments such as profractional laser, peels, IPL and good skin care. Visit a surgeons office that specializes in your specific condition to have an assessment in order to determine the best treatment course for you! Good luck.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

A combination of treatments area available to help these scars.  Lasers such as the V-Beam for redness, Fraxel and eMatrix for scars, fillers such as Bellafill, Restylane and Sculptra.  Chemical peels will show improvement but you may need to combine other modalities such as PRP and microneedling. Please consult with an expert in acne scar removal.  Best, Dr. Green

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