Punch excision for stubborn chicken pox scarring?

Question

Hi! I have a question regarding punch excision for pitted scarring. I had chicken pox as a new born, so I’ve had pitted scarring my entire life. I’ve tried fraxel laser, BBL, micro needling, chemical peels, all with marginal success. I have realistic expectations. Would punch excision help with the appearance of some of the more noticeable scars, specifically wider scar on left cheek (first pic) and deeper ones on my forehead?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am not at all surprised by the lack of success following the various light-based treatments, such as fraxels and IPL. I have been cautioning my regular readers for years already that the use of these expensive, hear-today-gone-tomorrow "bells and whistles" treatments are much more heavily backed by marketing hype than hard science. Sorry.  Microneedling, even when professionally performed, is best reserved as a final "polishing" step to blend a treated scar better in both superficial color and texture with the surrounding skin. It would not be expected to yield gratifying results for deeper scars of any kind. Superficial chemical peels would likewise not be expected to be particularly effective for deeper chicken pox scars. Punch excision, like any scar revision surgery, runs the risk for the development of stretch scars and even tram track stitch marks, especially when performed in areas under muscular tension or subject to muscular movement, such as the forehead and cheeks, respectively. Subcision, which I have been performing since 1995, however, has a proven track record for both safety and efficacy in all skin types for elevating and smoothing all kinds of indented scars, including those resulting from chickenpox. You would be wise to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist to explore this option before wasting any more time and money on other possible so-called light and energy-based devices. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Punch excision for stubborn chicken pox scarring?

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Punch excision for stubborn chicken pox scarring?

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Everything you need to know about Punch Excision

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