How can I fix grid marks and redness 9 months after Icon Ablative Laser? (Photos)

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

I'm really sorry that this has happened to you. Unfortunately, I am not surprised, however, which is why I caution my regular followers to exercise a heavy amount of "buyer beware" when considering so many of the expensive, "laser and energy-based" gizmos being hawked out there. Unfortunately, the hard science to back up their use lags well behind the heavy marketing hype and social media buzz to promote them. And then there are the potential risks, as in this case.
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist to discuss the use of manual microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) to attempt to better blend the color and texture of the skin with that of the surrounding normal skin. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck.

I’m really sorry you’ve been going through this. It can feel devastating when a treatment meant to help ends up causing more harm. Based on your photos and history, what you’re describing sounds like post-laser complications, including prolonged erythema (redness), vascular changes (broken blood vessels), and textural changes that appear as grid marks. Nine months is a long time to still be experiencing these effects, so your concern is very valid.

Some approaches that may help improve your skin over time include:

Vascular laser treatments (like pulsed dye laser or KTP): These can help reduce the persistent redness and visible broken blood vessels.

Fractional non-ablative resurfacing (such as Fraxel Restore): When done cautiously, this can help blend out the grid-like marks and smooth textural irregularities.

Microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma): This can stimulate collagen repair and help remodel the damaged areas more gradually.

Topical options: Prescription-strength creams such as retinoids, growth factor serums, or compounded creams that target redness may help encourage skin remodeling.

Time and supportive care: Some of the grid-like marks and redness may continue to fade over the course of 12–18 months, but active treatments can help speed and enhance that recovery.

It’s very important to find someone who has specific experience in corrective treatments after laser complications. These situations require a very tailored approach, as overly aggressive retreatment can make things worse.

You’re not alone in this, many patients who experience post-laser injury feel like they’re stuck, but with the right combination of vascular treatments, collagen-stimulating procedures, and time, improvements are possible.