Treatment for scars caused by acne and TCA CROSS?

Question

I am looking for help fixing scars on my face caused by acne and a recently failed TCA-CROSS method inaccurately performed by self.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm truly sorry that this has happened to you. TCA CROSS, which I have been performing for over twenty-three years, has a proven track record for both safety and efficacy for treating ice pick scars and dillated pores in the hands of trained professional. Subcision for elevating and smoothing boxcar and rolling scars, which I have been performing since 1995, is another technique with a proven track record for safety and efficacy. And, finally, professionally perfomed manual microneedling, which I have also been employing for over two decades, is still another technique for improving both the overall superficial surface color and texture of the skin--in order to better blend the previously treated scars with the surrounding normal skin-- once the aforementioned procedures have been performed. Be very cautious when evaluating all the expensive, "bells and whistles" fraxel lasers and RF devices out there, since the hard science to support their use lags woefully behind the heavy marketing hype and social media buzz to promote them. For optimal outcomes, most scars should be treated between the end of week four to the end of week twelve after their appearance.  You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist acne scar treatment specialist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. 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 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 scars and indented  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 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

Treatment for scars caused by acne and TCA CROSS?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

Treatment for scars caused by acne and TCA CROSS?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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