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Phone 512.401.2500 | Fax 512.401.2501
2745 Bee Caves Road, Suite 101
Austin,
Texas
78746
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Question:
Is Erbium laser resurfacing a good treatment for acne scars?
Answer:
As with most treatments, the tool is not as important as how you use it. Acne scars can be treated with Fraxel re:store which is an Erbium glass laser, with a traditional Erbium laser, with CO2 laser, with dermabrasion or with other resurfacing modalities. Erbium laser, whether in the form of Fraxel or another device, is a reasonable alternative for treating acne scars. A discussion should occur between the patient and surgeon to determine which procedure is best suited.
Please visit us or contact us by e-mail for more info about Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Can laser skin resurfacing get rid of acne scars?
Answer:
Nothing can remove acne scars completely. Laser skin resurfacing or dermabrasion can improve acne scars to some degree. Adjuvant treatments include subcutaneous filling of the scarred area with either Sculptra or autologous fat as well as surgical excision of the deeper scars.
Please visit us or contact us by e-mail for more info about Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I have acne scars that I would like resurfaced. There are a couple deeper creases but most of the scarring is diffuse and spread over my cheeks. How many laser treatments are needed to remove these scars?
Answer:
It is not possible to remove diffuse acne scarring completely. No matter what modality is chosen the scars can only be improved to a certain degree. Treatment of acne scarring is a multi-step process in most cases that combines surgical excision of deeper scars, filling of atrophied tissues and resurfacing of the skin. Filling is usually performed with either Sculptra or autologous fat. Information about those procedures is available on our website. Resurfacing can be performed with laser, chemicals or mechanical dermabrasion. Fraxel re:store laser is used most frequently for darker skin types as the other treatments have a higher risk of pigmentation abnormalities. Fraxel can take anywhere from 4-6 treatments, but incremental improvement can be obtained with additional treatments. Fractionated CO2 laser, Matrix, can also be performed. It is similar to Fraxel re:store, however, has a longer recovery, but fewer treatments may be needed. Significant ablative resurfacing can be obtained with the combined use of chemical peel and dermabrasion. This is the most aggressive treatment with the longest recovery time and risk, but perhaps the best improvement as well. A consultation will be necessary to determine which treatment is best for each patient.
Please visit us or contact us by e-mail for more info about Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Kelly,
Yes, we treat acne scarring. Each case is very different both from the degree of scarring as well as the patient’s tolerance for down-time. Treatment will begin by surgically excising any scars which are too deep for resurfacing. We then tailor resurfacing based upon severity and tolerance for surgical down-time. The Fraxel laser works moderately well for acne scarring with down-time limited to a few days with each treatment. For patients who are willing to have more down-time chemical peels and surgical dermabrasion are effective. In patients with a significant atrophic component to the scarring we utilize autologous fat transfer to plump the skin and reduce the pitting of the scarred skin.
I hope this helps to answer your question. Please feel free to call with any further questions. We would love to see you or contact us by e-mail for more info about Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX.
Ed Buckingham
