What treatment can help with my acne scarring? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am 23 years old male suffering from acne scarring. I am seeking a treatment which can help with the scarring. Your views will be appreciated. Thanks

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic acne scars and indented acne scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your acne scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding treatment options for acne scarring. I reviewed your pictures, and I believe that microneedling would be a great treatment option for your acne scarring concerns. I would suggest 3-5 sessions, 1 month apart for the best results. Microneedling is safe for your age and is safe for almost all skin types. Microneedling is relatively low risk and is a quick procedure done in the office. You can combine microneedling with PCP for enhanced results! I hope this helps.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

It is important to note that once scar tissue has formed, it will always be there in some capacity. The best we can hope for is to reduce the appearance of the scar tissue. The most effective way to reduce visibility and breakdown of the scar is with controlled injury to the skin such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, and physician grade peels. Each option depends on candidacy as well as budget and downtime allowance.

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

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. ​

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Textured skin as well as acne scarring make you an excellent candidate for microneedling with PRP. Based off of your photos, microneedling would yield a good cosmetic result as it can improve the quality, vibrancy, and texture of your skin. It is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment that works to increase the production of collagen, elastin, and other healing factors to help tighten, lift, and smooth the skin. Finding a provider experienced and skilled in microneedling is important as he/she will be to perform it in an effective and safe manner. @drdonyoo

What treatment can help with my acne scarring? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Microneedling

Answer: Microneedling

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Everything you need to know about Microneedling

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What treatment can help with my acne scarring? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Acne Scarring -- Needs Combination of Subcision; Fillers Like Bellafill; Lasers Like Fraxel/Erbium/CO2; TCA Cross; Fractora RF

Answer: Microneedling

Answer: Microneedling

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Microneedling

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