I have acne scars on both of my cheeks and I want then to be cosmetically removed. What procedures are available and how effective are they? Also, please let me know about the post care of the skin as my work is primarily in the sun. I have had dermabrasion twice and the results were disappointing. My doctor advised me to inject some natural substance under each scar and we did that too but I'm not that satisfied with it either.
Hello,
Some options for scarring include laser treatment and scar revision surgery. As for the effectiveness of laser treatment it depends on how your skin reacts to the laser. As for scar revision surgery it would depend on how well you heal and the steps you and a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon take during your healing process post-surgery. I suggest scheduling a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. During the consultation you will be able to discuss the best options for you. Thank you for your question and have a great day.
It would be very important that you first understand clearly the "Scars Cannot Be Removed. They Can Only Be Improved."
Post procedure skin care is determined by which type of procedure you have performed. For dermabrasion avoidance of sun exposure is recommended for 6 to 8 weeks post procedure.
There are many different procedures that can be performed for acne scaring. Dermabrasion is one of the oldest. An examination would be required to determine how best to address your issues / concerns. Consider seeking out an ASAPS Member in your area for some options.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Once up a time, the answer would have been, there is no way to remove acne scars. Today, multiple options are available to greatly reduce, or dramatically removal acne scars. The result is multi-faceted and it is a process, but each procedure will minimize scars. PRF - platelet rich fibrin combined with microneedling is a wonderful treatment for a variety of skin care concerns. The V-beam laser is a pulse dye laser is wonderful for reducing scars and can also address red colored scarring more effectively than any other procedure. Laser skin tightening with a long pulsed nd yag laser can improve collagen production and smooth scars. Ask for many before and after images to be sure your plastic surgeon has experience with acne scars.