Treatment options for chest acne? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I’m a 21-year-old female, and I’ve struggled with chest acne since middle school. I have a larger chest and started noticing blackheads in sixth grade. Over time, my acne consisted of blackheads, whiteheads, and bumps under the skin, but now it has mostly left scars. I also have PCOS and recently started growing more hair on my chest. This hair growth has caused small holes where the hair grows and it is very noticeable. I’m looking for treatment options, any advice is appreciated!

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

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. It sounds like you've been dealing with a challenging combination of chest acne and scarring, especially in the context of PCOS. CO2 laser resurfacing could be an effective treatment option for improving the appearance of your scars. This procedure uses a focused laser to remove the outer layers of damaged skin, which helps to promote new skin growth and stimulate collagen production. Over time, CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly improve the texture and tone of your skin, reducing the visibility of scars and helping to create a smoother surface. Additionally, addressing the underlying issues related to your PCOS, such as hormonal imbalances, may also help improve your skin condition. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have been treating this condition for many years using the following protocol. First, if there is any active acne this must be brought under control otherwise every step forward in acne scar treatment can be reversed with new breakouts.
Once breakouts have suppressed, then depressed scars can be elevated and smoothed using a combination of subcision  and the use of an HA lifting filler (which can also further help the subcision in promoting new collagen synthesis). And finally, for better blending in both color and texture the superficial, surface texture and color irregularities with the surrounding normal skin 
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Treatment options for chest acne? (Photo)

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Treatment options for chest acne? (Photo)

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