What are the best methods to improve deep acne scars in dark ethnic skin? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 2

Hi,

All current treatment for acne scars will also work for dark ethnic skin although risk of PIH is higher if you opt for more aggressive/effective modalities which can give you greater clinical improvement.

Fractional CO2 laser can be considered as a good first line treatment option. Effectiveness may be enhanced with more aggressive treatment parameters albeit at the expense of higher risk and degree of PIH.

Alternatives to consider are fractional microneedle RF and fractional picosecond laser which are associated with lower risks of PIH.

Complementary treatments include subcision and TCA cross.

It is best you discuss with your preferred Aesthetic doctor your expectations and ability to accept downtime for him/her to help devise an individualized treatment plan for you.

Hope this helps!

Hi,

Thank you for your photos.

From the photos, you do have rolling and box scars.

I personally combine Subscision and a Fractional Laser (eCO2 etc) for such scars so as to treat each scar type optimally. Besides the machines/methods used, experience also plays an important part as there are hundreds of settings for each laser and different techniques for each treatment.

Downtime and redness is to be expected from a few days to a week on average.

Multiple treatments are required and spaced at least a month apart.

Hope that helps.

All the best!

Similar Questions

Is the fractional radiofrequency, CO2 laser or erbium laser more effective for deep acne scars?

With regards to your question: Fractional CO2 lasers generally penetrates deeper than Erbium lasers Fractional CO2 lasers also generally penetrates deeper than Fractional RF devices EXCEPT Microneedle RF machines that can reach a depth of 3. 5mm (only in some machines) which in this case will have a greater penetration depth as compared to Fractional CO2 machines.

Photo of Dr Rui Ming Ho

Answered By

Dr Rui Ming Ho

Aesthetic

For very deep acne scars, what are recommended treatment methods? (photo)

Hi there,You do have a combination of deep Box scars, Ice pick scars and some that are tethered down. Personally, I would recommend a combination of treatments involving Subscision, TCA CROSS and Skin Resurfacing modalities (Co2, Erbium, Microneedle RF) as these treatments are able to treat each scar type optimally. Multiple sessions will be required and treatment is to be done at least 4 weeks apart. Downtime / redness will be expected for a few days to a week on average. Do speak with your treating physician on the pros / cons of each treatment. Hope that helps. All the best!

Photo of Dr Rui Ming Ho

Answered By

Dr Rui Ming Ho

Aesthetic

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