Does derma rolling work on hypertrophic acne scars?

Question

I have mostly old, raised acne scars that have a small white tint of discoloration. Would I get any benefit from derma rolling? I was thinking of mixing derma rolling and then microdermabrasion later on.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach is needed to get the most improvement. These scars can be improved with a of vascular lasers like yellow laser, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an scarring expert. Silagen gel should be used twice daily with jan marini bioshield.  Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Without photos, it is really hard to comment in any more than the most general fashion. However, what I can say after nearly fifteen years of experience with all forms of medical microneedling (manual dermal rollers and automatic devices) is that this treatment modality is best reserved improve skin clarity, tone and superficial texture. It can be quite helpful, accompanied by the use of certain topical pigmenting agents, for helping to repigment whitish or off-whitish scars and smoothing very superficial indented scars. It  is not particularly effective for treating other kinds of scars, including deeper boxcar and rolling scar or hypertrophic scars. Microdermabrasion is really not good for much in general, except perhaps for adding a bit of temporary glow and smoothness to the skin. Save the likely waste of time and money and seek consultation and treatment by a board certified aesthetic dermatologist who can tailor a specific and more effective and cost-effective treatment paln for you. Best of luck.

Robert S. Bader, MD, FAAD · Answer

Older scars can be more challenging to treat than newer scars. In my opinion, Dermarolling has been overplayed, which I can understand why. It is safe with little risk. Therefore, practically anybody can do it with almost no training whatsoever. Unfortunately, results for any indication (wrinkles, scars, etc) are often minimal. For thicker scars, dermarolling may be useful if used as a tool to get medications into the scar (i.e. corticosteroids or other), although studies are needed to determine its effectiveness and my guess is that longer needles will be needed on the dermaroller.Microdermabrasion when used alone is almost useless in regards to scar treatment, except when blood is drawn (the dermis is reached), at which point it is no longer microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion can be combined with chemical peeling, which can be useful depending upon which peel is used and what type of scar is present.Nonetheless, the treatment of acne scars should be done by those experienced in such. Good luck!drbader

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

In my office, medical micro-needling has been proven to be an excellent treatment foracne scarring and for improvement of skin texture. To be really effective, the treatment needs to be combined with the application of human growth factor serum to the skin at the time of the treatment. We use the ProCell Therapies system which combines motorized micro-needling with serums that are specifically made for micro-needling.In these treatment situations, we have found that shorter needles are better for treatment. Longer needle lengths create more tissue damage, swelling and bleeding which can adversely affect penetration of the serum. So, bleeding is not necessary and is usually detrimental.
Also, I do not like derma rolling, as rollers create a more erratic pattern of "tears" through the skin rather than the clean, more evenly distributed punctures seen with the motorized micro-needling machines.

Does derma rolling work on hypertrophic acne scars?

Answers (5)

More Derma Roller Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Derma Roller Questions

Can Dermaroller reduce white sunspots?

Can dermarollers help reduce skin redness and thread veins on face and nose?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS