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POSTED UNDER Dermabrasion REVIEWS

Dermabrasion for Cystic Acne Scarring. East Syracuse, NY

ORIGINAL POST

Three weeks ago I had a dermabrasion done for...

pandoramarius2011
$3,400
Three weeks ago I had a dermabrasion done for moderate to severe acne scarring due to years of cystic acne. I first want to say that i have already undergone a total of 12 (yes, 12) rounds of fraxel laser from two different physicians. All of which did not even touch my scarring. Not even a little. Like, at all. So i did some research for physicians that were a little outside of my area to a bit of a bigger city, hoping for a doctor that could possibly give me a better result, or just be more knowledgeable of my situation. I did find one, in Syracuse. He was very knowledgeable of acne scarring and said that due to the nature of acne scars, most lasers do not touch them because of their depth. He recommended dermabrasion. The price seemed steep, especially sense the internet searches told me the average was 1500. His practice charges 3400, with an additional 700 dollars for the OR fee. They were kind enough to waive this fee for me, as it would have been a complete deal breaker. The surgery went fine, and i had a quick recoup for the most part, the doctor was great and he had a nice way of making me feel at ease. But i wish there was more that i knew going into this procedure. Like that it wouldn't help my scars very much. I went into this procedure not knowing that the most an average dermabrasion can help scars is about only 30%. I was hoping for more. And i probably would not have expected more but the lady that was the middleman for me and the doctor kept talking up the results i would have. I said i would be happy with 50% improvement at the consultation, and she said i should get more improvement than that even, that he was a "master" at what he does. After the procedure was done and my swelling went down, i was absolutely horrified to see all my old scars staring back at me, except they looked worse! Now i have these giant red blotches from where i got the dermabrasion, plus my scarring. And on top of that, another thing they don't tell you is the change to the texture of the dermabrated area will be dramatically different for a while after the procedure. I have been cleared to put on makeup, but the areas that were dermabrated are EXTREMELY shiny and waxy looking. No matter how much powder i try to use, within a half hour, just those areas turns so shiny you could literally see your reflection in them. It is mortifying. I am going back to work in a few days and i don't know what i'm going to do. The dr. said this would persist for weeks or possibly months to come and that it was normal. As for my results, i am told that now i am waiting to see if collagen will hopefully start forming to lift up the scars a bit over the next couple months. Well i have had 12 rounds of lasers, playing this same game of hoping for collagen to form, that ultimatley never does. so i am not too hopeful. At my six week post op appt, he will look to see if he can possibly use some fillers to fill in the scars. It is my own fault for not researching this procedure enough before going ahead with it. It has put my life to a complete hault, and not the results i was thinking that i was going to get. I am pretty much house bound, i have all my old scars, but now all the redness and shininess along with it. I do want to add that this physician is board certified, and a very knowledgeable man. But there is just things that they don't tell you going in. I also want to add that the doctor did tell me he couldn't promise results, but as i said, his "go-between" lady that works for him kept talking him up, and promising results when he would walk out of the room. No doubt she gets a commission of some sort and that is why she did what she did. I just want everyone to know that even in the trained and skilled hand, it is not what it seems. It is not what the "before and afters" on the internet make it out to be at all. It changes your skin for a long time, and your scars will likely still be very present. I posted pictures of myself before the procedure, and my progress through the healing process as well. Acne scars are extremely debilitating. Anyone who has them knows, that they make you feel disfigured, and extremely self conscious. I have quit my job as a hair dresser, because its too depressing to see myself in the mirror all day everyday, and not be able to look clients in the eye because of the way i look. I know i am not the only one that goes through it, but it is a very personal and lonely feeling. I know i will never have that smooth beautiful skin that many other people flaunt, not even realizing how lucky they are. Good luck to you all out there.

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Replies (47)

March 28, 2016
may be the doctor did not go deep enough. Make sure you protect your face from the sun for 6 months to a year to prevent hyperpigmentation. Will you try subcision or fillers? I use the "Bye Bye Foundation Full coverage moisturerizer" from IT Cosmetics, and it covers the redness pretty well and it's has 50 SPF.
I had dermabrasion done about a month ago. The results is not bad but some areas were missed :(
April 3, 2016
I was thinking the same thing (that the dr. did not go deep enough). I think he did this because of my olive/darker skin tone. He was afraid of removing the pigmentation permanently if he went too deep. I wish it would have worked for me , i was so hopeful. I am happy for you that you were able to see some visible success from your procedure.
March 28, 2016
Just looking at your photos you're a beautiful woman and should not let this makes you feel the need to be housebound. I wish you didn't have to spend all this money to learn the hard way.

Start drinking liposomal vitamin c to help speed up skin healing. Also a good hyaluronic acid serum will help.

There are now PRP treatments (vampire facials) that may help the skin and help stimulate growth factors. But for now I would hold off any treatments and start internally. Take it from someone who is dealing with a horrible allergic reaction which had left me with almost black marks all over my forehead, neck and mouth. I feel like a monster some days. If I get the PRP treatments and see results on my own acne scarring I will let you know.

Keep your head up. You are beautiful and should get out there and live life.
April 3, 2016
Thank you for your response. I know i am not the only one dealing with skin that is flawed. It has been very hard for me to deal with internally. I have found myself feeling desperate lately given my situation, and finally broke down and started seeing a counselor to sort out the way i feel. I have never heard of prp treatments but i have to say i am intrigued. When do you plan to have these treatments done?
April 3, 2016
Hey doll, I feel for you. I too have acne scarring and "orange peel" skin so I feel like if I see success with the PRP it will greatly benefit you as well. I am planning to go to the clinic next Thursday for a consult so I will for sure keep you updated.

Also, try searching Retin-a on youtube and you'll see some women who've had great results. I just started the Retin-a (two weeks in) and so far my skin looks more refined. I look forward to the eventual "tightening" that will happen overtime. I've used glycolic acids for years but retin-a actually "remodels" the skin. So keeping my hopes up that this will make a more permanent change.

And yes i've upped my sunscreen game and apply it generously everywhere. I use Paula's Choice sunscreens currently. They are light weight and haven't broken me out so far.

Anyway, I'm happy to hear you have begun counselling. I hope it begins much need mental healing. Its so hard to explain to family and friends just how you're struggling because of the fear of sounding vain. So I'm glad you sought outside help.

I'll for sure keep you updated as I go to my appointments. As a backgrounder, im 34 years old, look young for my age but have extremely oily, textured skin prone to hyperpigmentation. My pitted scarring isn't as severe as yours but I know that what works for me may work for you. So don't lost hope. Talk soon x
April 18, 2016
So I had the first PRP treatment... and well.. I do see a difference. Is it mind blowing? No. Will it help with deep acne scarring? I think if you continued the treatments it would. I have to do two more treatments to apparently see a bigger difference.

What I noticed: Overall smoother skin. Lighter dark circles. Pitted scars looking slightly less indented. A healthier complexion. Of course, i've also begun using Retin-A religiously so that may be contributing to these results.

Seeing as your scars are quite deep I would think multiple treatments would be required. But that is a lot of money. So i'll for sure keep you updated with my results.

Again, liposomal vitamin c and Retin-A would benefit for collagen regeneration. I'm doing both.

Please don't lose hope. I'll keep you updated after second and third PRP treatment. I'm not trying to "push" anything. I'm just trying to fix my own skin (pitted scars, melasma/eczema scarring) in a non-invasive way.

Lastly... needling. There is a machine call the "Derminator" which i bought a while back. As long as you buy a lot of fresh needle heads and use a topical anesthetic you can get decent results at home. I stopped using it because I ran out of sharp needle heads. But i just found some cheaper ones on ebay and will be ordering soon.

Again, I just don't want anyone to lose hope. You can be in control of this situation. God bless.
April 18, 2016
Even if PRP is a waste of money i don't mind being the guinea pig. I'm getting a deal (two vials each time for price of one) because the lady felt bad for me after seeing my eczema scarring. Just a fyi. x
April 4, 2016
Dear Pandora,

I just gone through your review ..and let me tell you it just reminded me of all the possible feelings I had once. Let's me first by giving you hope...that Dermabrasion does work. But you have to find a doctor who knows how much deep that he needs to go..to yield result and also not put pigmentation at risk. I went through 4 dermabrasion..and for the first 3 it was so mild that..I did not got even slightest results. Even the last one made things worse and not to mention the texture and ton takes at least 6 months to match completely. But I did not loose hope. By this I came to know by researching that dermabrasion is the only treatment that can give me improvement. Then I found another doctor who said. .The previous one I did was very superficial and no doubt I did not receive much improvement..He would go deep..I was scared if he knows what he is doing...but again this doctor was specialist about dermabrasion and he sounded so casual about the process and somehow impulsively did the procedure bacause I was not happy with the current state of my face..and so fat after one month I think I have made a good decision..its still early to say though..But telling frankly previous session cud not even showed any improvement....After 2 week scars went back to original state leaving behind patchy redness. All n all..don't loose hope..I still not happy with my scars...probably I would do another next year to stop my hunt for improvement. But this one at least given me hope..and that is the biggest thing you want to have isn't it..Don't loose hope..scars can be improved ..may be slowly ...but the answer is yes..sorry for this long reply....take care...you can visit my profile for more details..Thank you ..
April 4, 2016
Sohamb, i didn't know you can do dermabrasion so many times, you don't have hyper pigmentation problems? Did you do other procedures in between dermabrasions that helped? Do you have latest pictures? thx
April 6, 2016
I know you understand the issues that go alone with acne scarring and now with dermabrasion. I am happy for you that you have finally seen some results. There is so much that goes into the recovery process. This has been a living hell for me. I wish i never did it, because i have not gotten even the slightest improvement either, and now have a whole new slew of problems on top of the scars. I really hate the way i look, and wish i was just normal. It helps to know that i am not the only one out there that is also going through this struggle. Best of luck to you, and thank you for your kind words.
April 6, 2016
Hello,

Yes my doc said he has seen dermabrasion done 10 times. Yes..I did punch floating in between..and it has helped a lot together with dermabrasion. I am sure..I would never get this much improvement if I had done dermabrasion alone...I will post some pics soon..Thanks. .
April 6, 2016
Hello Pandora,

I know it feels bad..But I can tell you that...The scar you have one dermabrasion is never going to be sufficient no matter what your doc suggests ...trust you need at least 3 settings to be happy with your scars...and as you know..people like me and you will never have flawless skin..but somehow we will turn our scars to be little good looking and acceptable....so key is to hold your patience ...and go for 2 more dermabrasion..Each time a little Deeper and then you can see the difference ...you can add some add on treatments like fat grafting or subcision to enhance the results. .but dermabrasion is the only way to be happy...as far as the texture and color changes are concerned ...things going to get better and also the your scars a little..no matter what you see your scars texture and shape has changed...may be not up to the mark that you can acknowledge..but it has...Our skin is just a wonderful organ...After dermabrasion it changes everyday...so I request you...not to be demoralised ...There is hope...by doctor said..you did not get this scars overnight..not over a month..We have got these over several years of acne..so it will take years to improve also..so the key is to start treatment early..like before marriage or other things..give yourself you 2 years of time...and get ready..you have to be resolute enough to deal with this thing..It's easy to be get lost...and loose hope..be strong...take care...bb
April 4, 2016
I don't have light skin either. I am Southeast Asian gal. I know I have hyper pigmentation risk but I hate my scars too much so I did it anyway. My doctor did the full cheeks close to my ears and went just under my jaw lines and temples, even on the areas I don't have scars. He did not do on my forehead because I don't really have scars there. Some scars that are closer to the corners of my mouth did not get done, not sure why :(, he said he can do those next time if I want.
About the shininess, it gets better with time for me. I am a little bit over a month post op, but I still put the Aquaphor on at night because my skin is still a title pink
April 4, 2016
By the way, my doctor is in NY so he is more expensive
April 5, 2016
Having done 2 spot dermabrasions only to my cheeks, I totally understand what you are going through right now. Dermbrasion is about the harshest thing you can do to your skin and it takes months and months for it to look "normal." I just did one 2 months ago, and I am still red and pink as well. Some days it gets so intense that makeup cannot hide it.
That said, topical steroids like Kenalog cream can suppress some of the redness, although only temporarily. I also know what you mean about texture change. I am experiencing a worsening of texture right now with larger pores and an orange-peely look to the dermabraded areas. If my skin behaves like it did last time, this will gradually normalize although I know there is a chance it can be permanent.

Here's the one thing I learned about dermabrasion or any resurfacing procedure for that matter - if you have deep scars, they need to be elevated as close as possible to the level of normal skin before resurfacing. This is because there is a limit to how deep you can go before you get complications. Dermabrasion is good for softening the sharp edges of scars, but is not effective as a standalone treatment for deep indentations. You have to do things like subcision, TCA Cross, or excisions first before resurfacing. Imagine paving a highway. You have to fill the pot holes before repaving it.

Over the next two months, things will more likely change. It sucks but it will get better.
April 6, 2016
Thank you for that, i do feel a little better knowing it will get a little better as far as the discoloration and texture issues.
UPDATED FROM pandoramarius2011
7 months post

7 Months Post Op

pandoramarius2011
So it has been seven months sense the dermabrasion. I am still dealing with pigmentation issues from it. The areas that were dermabrated are still lighter than the surrounding skin, and i refuse to go anywhere without makeup on. The scars have not improved at all, not in the slightest. I would show "after" pictures but there is no sense because i look exactly the same. I am beginning to feel the itch again to try and find something to treat my scars as i am still so very unhappy with my appearance. I have thought about possibly seeking out another surgeon to get a full face dermabrasion and see what they think about going deeper this time, sense the last doctor admitted to me he did not go deep at all because of my olive skin tone. I have previously had laser treatments done with another surgeon but got zero results. I do not think the laser they were using on me was for acne scarring but more for fine line and wrinkles. I am considering C02 laser...but just not sure. I have heard many people say on here that subcision is a good option, but i am just not sure. I have a consultation next week with a new surgeon to explore my options. I have spent so much money on my face and have had no results. But i still feel like i'm not ok with just letting it be, i am so unhappy with my appearance that i feel compelled to keep trying until i find something that works for me.

Replies (27)

October 6, 2016
Just like you I have spent sooo much money for acne scars. Like I'm up to almost 15k. And the thing that has hands down given the most improvement was the Infini laser. It took 4 treatments but down time is hardly anything bad it's very good for deep scaring. I know how frustrating it is to spend so much money and zero improvement so just wanted to give what worked for me. Best of luck.
October 9, 2016
Thank you for that tip! i have never heard of this laser before...Do you have acne scarring? Did it make a significant improvement? Thanks for your comment!
November 3, 2016
I wonder if you have tried Mico-needling?
I am 54 years old and have suffered from acne since the age of 8. Once upon a time
I would never have believed that someday I would receive compliments about my skin but I do because of Micro-needling. It worked so well on my face I had it done on my scars from breast reduction surgery and you can no longer tell I had breast reduction. It took awhile but it worked tremendously well. Also for me anyway there was very little down time and within 8 days I could see the very beginnings of skin renewal but it took 6 treatments 2 months apart and a good year and a half of waiting before I had the skin I had always dreamed of. I am fair and I have thin skin. I have my own personal derma rollers now for at home treatments but I still go once a year for a professional micro-needling as it helps keep me looking younger and fresher. Here in Ontario, Canada it costs me $350 dollars a treatment or I can buy a package of 3 for $900 dollars. You would definitely want a professional to do the treatment and you need to choose wisely.
Also as with all treatments prices are going to differ depending on where you live and where you go. Nothing works for everybody as everybody is different but do your research and see if maybe it is worth a try. You can also watch it being done on You Tube. This is what I pulled from a site. Good luck with your search you are very beautiful and I hope you find the right treatment for you. Micro-needling is suitable for all skin types and in all areas of the body. It is excellent for scar repairs, such as acne, surgical scars, and STRETCH MARKS as well as overall rejuvenation of the skin.
November 4, 2016
Can we see pictures please?
November 12, 2016
I actually recently had a consultation with a dr. and he offered micro needling. I did do some research on the topic after i left the office and the most information i found on it was that the results were modest compared to things such as lasers. I have had 6 rounds of laser and that gave me zero results. The idea behind the laser i used was that it was supposed to send heat deep into the skin to stimulate collagen growth to help plump the scars. With mirconeedling it is using the same idea of sending trauma down into the layers of skin and hoping that it will stimulate collagen growth. I am glad you were able to find something to help you with your scars from your breast reduction surgery, but i know that acne scarring is a lot different than the scars you were treated with this for. I am curious to see if it would work, but it is a lot of money to put into a treatment that very well may not give any results at all, AGAIN. Thank you so much for your comment and advice though.
January 21, 2017
micro needling and derma rolling is the same thing. Micro needling is usually preformed with a motorized needle pen and the derma roller is a roller full of needles. You have to buy the correct one and make sure you roll slowly. You have to be patient and do one treatment every 8 weeks. We all want dramatic results but that is not going to happen. I found I could see things getting better on a daily basis.. For me that was like seeing a miracle and knowing the changes were happening I was able to keep high hopes that were real and not a fantasy. You can spend hundreds to a couple thousand getting this done by a dr but it is definitely not needed. They go hardcore and for best results you don't want to rip apart your skin too much at once like the dermabrasion does. You want to create new beautiful skin not some weird new discolored texture that you never wanted to see and is worse than when you started. I will try to load before and after pictures of me. The transformation is awesome. Some wear make up to cover the scars I did not because I thought it only made them more noticeable. For the first time in 15 years I finally can wear some foundation and now it actually helps me look more flawless. I still can't and won't wear regular foundation. No matter what it is terrible for your skin and flaws. I recently purchased effaclur bb blur. It is now my best friend.
January 21, 2017
I am 45 and feel I look in my 30's for sure. People can't believe it when I tell them my age. I forgot to mention I also bought the tri polar for face and body at home device. Same idea as thermage. Thermage in Kelowna BC is $2500 for one treatment on the face. Thermage does do more at one shot but I paid $800 for the two (1 for face and 1 for body) at home devices that came with a two year warranty. I can use them as often or as little as I want. Not only do they make your skin look great but they melt away body fat at the same time. The first time I did the back of my leg and inner thigh, the next day I felt like I was wearing tight spandex shorts holding me up. One treatment I felt that much tighter. This has greatly helped with the wrinkles and scars on my face and definitely promotes new collagen as it states, or it just tightens what you already have, either way it's results immediately and each day for the next 8 weeks one treatment will keep giving you more results. All the treatments are an ongoing thing so why not do what you can at home on your time with no down time with little expense. $800 for tripollar, about $250 altogether for the derma rolling stuff, $50 for the derma wand totalling $1100. I can continue these treatments for at least 2-4 years more for that one price. Once you get to where you want you can get away with 2-4 treatments per year. Again on your own time as often or as little as you need.
January 21, 2017
I will get before and after pics for you and I will give you the websites I purchased my stuff from for you to check out. I'm off to work for the day. I will try to do this tonight for you
November 15, 2016
I understand your desire to fix your scars. I suffer every day with a bad scar few an accident on my face. It holds me back from things I love because I am too ashamed of it and this is ruining my life. People tell me I need therapy to accept it by why should I accept something that causes me so much grief? I've already spent over $7k on trying to treat it and so far zero improvement. But like you, I can't be happy and mentally healthy with a scarred face. I refuse to give up.
November 16, 2016
I completely understand and can empathize with what you go through. I think a lot of people don't understand and just expect us to "get over it, and move on". But they are usually the ones without problem skin. It's our face, its the first thing people see, it is the thing that people look at when they talk to you, and it is the main thing people make that first impression judgement about. Its not as if i can cover up my acne scars,they are always there for the world to see. I am always self conscious about how light is hitting my face and if it is accentuating the scars or keeping them in a shadow or what. I wish i didn't have to think about this type of thing and could just be normal like other people. After i realized i got zero results from my dermabrasion, i fell into a very deep depression. I even became suicidal, I know it sounds dramatic. Shortly after i became pregnant and my husband and i are expecting our son in 4 more weeks. I feel like it saved me, because i was so low and just didn't want to have to face this anymore. I, like you, am still not happy and will never give up until i see improvement. No amount of money can measure the happiness i would feel from just looking normal like everyone else, and honestly i don't think i will stop until i find something that works. Being pregnant, i can't do much for my face now. But after i have the baby i am considering using bellafil, which is a permanent filler that has been approved for acne scarring. Best of luck to you and if you find anything that works, please share!
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November 17, 2016
hey, I can relate to you since i have a skin issue that breaks my heart everyday.But i disagree with your attitude that you must have a normal skin to be happy in life!! you need to be more grateful that you still have good health, husband and children..understand that your life is not forever and your bad attitude won't help either.
If you believe in God then understand that you must live a joyous life despite what is wrong with your face. I know it's very hard. But try to stay busy, and please have joy in your heart by doing things that you enjoy. meditate that will help..our journey in this world is not just a physical one but also internal too..our challenges help us grow and mature..you may think people think low of you because of your face but that's in your mind!! if you are funny and look cheerful, your face doesn't matter to them...don't die before your death!! be joyous..i do hope something helps your scarring..i keep trying different things for my skin condition but i have promised myself that i won't allow this to hold be back..i will work hard, travel and be joyous while treating my skin condition. we need to fix our attitude and not be too demanding in our lives..you don't need lot to be happy!! sorry about the long msg and unsolicited advice.
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November 17, 2016
but jane, what if scarring just can't be reversed!! it may be similar to losing a limb!!

would you live your life in misery because of this? would you forget all your blessings due to this? why don't you try to be an amazing person and go out there and do what you want!! who's stopping you dear? make an attitude change..life is not forever....don't live in misery...live with gratitude for things you do have..not saying don't try to fix it..have hope but don't lose your joy and waste your today for future. All the best
November 17, 2016
I don't believe in God and would rather be dead than live with this disfigurement.
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November 18, 2016
that's okay..I have realised that faith is a great healer. I believe that I am more than body and mind. There is soul inside of me and my journey in the outer world isn't most important but growth and jounery inwards is!! Not to say i am not in pain due to my skin condition. i have been super depressed for over an year when it suddenly got worse. People knew me before ask me if i am sick due to the way i look. Yes, It's very difficult. I am treating with patience. Given myself about 2 years to see if I can resolve this!!

I think if you build internal faith and calm, and work on your goals in life whatever they may be..while treating your skin, you will feel more satisfied with your journey at the end!!

I do have plans to maybe not live any more after 2 years if all failed!! but who knows i may change my mind..but with this thought I have given myself two years of happiness..i feel relieved and able to focus on work and social life.

that's what i suggest you do too to get out of this stage of desperation..
have hope and have faith..God is absolutely capable of miracles..I believe we should do what we can and cast our worries to God. SOrry i know you don't believe in God!! maybe try to learn more on that!! I have never kept faith and believed in GOd either..but I do now..It curbs my anxiety and i realise that i don't have to control everything..try some motivational videos online..especially from people who have disabilities but achieved super success..

also, when my mind gets too foggy..i go on a holiday somewhere nice...put no makeup..wash my face and soak sun...it still feels great!! you may realise that you can enjoy everything despite this skin condition..you should just want to!!
November 18, 2016
You said...I u have plans to May be not live after 2 years if all things fail...please dont take any extreme step and think of your parents...
November 20, 2016
I'm giving myself one more year. If treatment doesn't work after one more year, it's game over for me.
December 15, 2016
Me, Too! I totally understand what you are going through...just glad I didn't go into debt only to be disappointed!
November 21, 2016
You should do at least a few (5 spaced 8-12 weeks apart) subcisions with saline to get those scars level, it is possibly the only thing that might help. You can use subcision and filler in case you feel like you're body won't produce enough collagen to build them up. Derma roller/ or single needling will help once you get those scars to level with your skin. You can do single needling yourself. Do your research! You can have at least 50% with paying a fraction of the money you have spent. I pay 200 for subcision and saline. I do it every other month. What I have noticed is that it is good if the physician is gentle with your skin, make sure they are careful. Not many are. Chose a really good nurse instead who has extensive knowledge of fillers. Call around. The doctors I have met doesn't care enough and end up making it worse. Good Luck!
December 1, 2016
Try the phenol chemical peel
But u must find a good doctor for that! Its more difficult than dermabrasion!!