Will a chemical peel treat this scar? (Photo)

Question

My skin type is combination which causes me to develop white heads on my t zone area. I developed a white head and it was squeezed and the scar that was left behind was accidentally scratched off and now I’m left with an indented scar.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

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

Nuris Lampe, MD · Answer

On your picture is not so easy to see the scar, but chemical peels won’t remove this kind of scars. The scars can be treated and get better appearance but I suggest to make a better picture or see a dermatologist to give a good advice.

Diyanah Bani Hani, MD · Answer

Hello! This skin injury still looks inflamed, so I would recommend waiting until it’s completely healed before trying any type of treatments, such as chemical peels. 
To answer your question about whether chemical peels improve the appearance of scars, the simple answer is not really. A true scar is made up of abnormal collagen in the deeper layers of the dermis. For you, I wouldn’t recommend a deep chemical peel for this one little scar, but you may eventually consider an ablative laser (ex: Halo) or radiofrequency microneedling. Again, this is if it develops into a true scar, which is deep.
Some people think they have a scar, but it’s really pigmentation from the injury. This is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and would look like discoloration, but feels flat and smooth. This can be treated with chemical peels, but I would wait at least 3 months after the original injury. Very often, PIH goes away by itself. 
Hope this helps!Diyanah Bani Hani, MD

Will a chemical peel treat this scar? (Photo)

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Will a chemical peel treat this scar? (Photo)

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