Ehich procedure would help minimize the appearance of acne scars on my cheeks? (photos)

Question

What should I do to fully remove my acne scars on my cheeks? I’ve done Prp injections, vivace microneedling, piqo4 laser but I still have these scars. A NP who already did those treatments wants me to go to her for 3 Halo Laser treatments but I’m not sold that they’ll remove my scars. Please help. Thanks so much!

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Really sorry that you have wasted so much money and time with your treatments. My regular Realself followers are well aware that I have written extensively over the years cautioning people that PRP, fraxel lasers and RF treatments (as well as other supposedly "next big thing, " expensive "bells and whistles" devices) are far more supported by marketing hype than any hard science. Really sorry that you unfortunately had to learn the hard way. You would do well to look into Field Subcision for generalized facial acne-related atrophy; individual subcisions for elevating and smoothing boxcar and rolling scars: and TCA CROSS for ice pick scars and dilated pores. Realistically, any scar over 12 weeks of age--which I gather is the case with your scars--is considered a "mature scar,' and, as such the optimal improvement you can realistically expect even from a legitimate treatment or a combination of approaches currently available is between a 60%-80% overall improvement in appearance. Enough time and money has already gone down the drain, and it would seem prudent at this point to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar specialist before squandering any more money on another expensive "next big thing."

Ehich procedure would help minimize the appearance of acne scars on my cheeks? (photos)

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Ehich procedure would help minimize the appearance of acne scars on my cheeks? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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