Subcision for chicken pox / acne scars? (Photo)

Question

Hello. A little over a year ago I had two e derma stamp treatments with very little result. I'm looking into other options and I saw that a lot of people were having good results with subcision. Would I be a good candidate for this? If so, are there any doctors near toronto with good experience? Thank you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, subscision is the gold standard in lifting depressed scars. Recently, We have used microneedle radio-frequency  (Infini) with subscision  to obtain  better results. I am concerned  about permanent fillers as they may lead to permanent problems.Seek a,doctor with experience  who will show you photos.Good luck!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Subcision is an excellent method for breaking up scar tissue under the surface of a scar, such as under acne scars and chicken pox scars, as in this case, and for promoting new, native collagen synthesis (neolcollagenesis). The addition of a biostimulatory filler, such as Radiesse can provide immediate lift and further promote new, native collagen formation. I am not much of a fan of permanent fillers, since there is no agent available that can dissolve these fillers should early complications occur, such as bumps or lumps, or late developing complications arise (years later) of nodules or granulomas. By contrast, small amounts of Radiesse, as would be needed under chicken pox scars, can be broken up with saline injections should the need arise, but regardless would spontaneously be eliminated anyway with time via the body's own metabolic processes. The results of subcision are permanent.I was not surprised by your dissatisfaction with the Dermastamp treatments. In my well over a decade experience with their use, Dermastamp treatments are best reserved for blending surface tone and texture of skin with the surrounding normal skin and should not be relied upon for elevating pox scars.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would subcise and then add the permanent filler, Bellafill to improve your problem.  The doctor needs to be careful with this area because the blood supply is poor and if injected too deep, there could be vascular compromise.

Subcision for chicken pox / acne scars? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Subcision with Bellafill placement gives best results

Answer: Subcision with Bellafill placement gives best results

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Subcision

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

Subcision for chicken pox / acne scars? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Subcision with Bellafill placement gives best results

Answer: Subcision with Bellafill placement gives best results

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Subcision

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