This section of the forum is dedicated to discussions on managing, treating, and correcting acne scarring. (Of note, Dr. Lam is focused principally on acne scarring rather than on managing the ongoing condition of acne, which a dermatologist would be better equipped to address.)
I have deep and wide acne scaring... I have had dermabrasion,collegen, nothing seems to last very long I am currently 49 years old I have been searching for something that lasts and make a difference in the filling of the pockets caused by scarring.One of the problems with the collegen is the Dr has a hard time injecting the collegen and it seems to come out the scar?
my suggestion is silicone micro treatments if you would like. i don't have that problem. obviously, a consult is an important first step to even see if you are a candidate.
best,
sml
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
I read this question on another forum. Let's say silicone injection works very well for my acne scars and fills them up by 70 or 80 percent. However, since many of the scars have been there for many many years, the "imprints" would still be there due to the irregularity of the skin. Sometimes, they could be very unsightly as well. What kind of treatment do you offer to help with that?
Also, I noticed that you replied some posts at 6 am and 11 pm over the weekend. Do you ever sleep? I REALLY appreciate all the time you spent here. Thank you!!!
I am starting to try plasma resurfacing at the "acne settings" but do not have enough experience with acne scarring to tell you how effective it is. To be honest, you will NEVER be satisfied with acne scarring treatments because you can only get 60 to 70% results. As you see, I have an extensive gallery of photos of my results, which are very good, but they are far from perfect.
best,
sml
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
I agree with you on that there is simply no solution to eliminate acne scarring completely. Many of us have tried all kinds of treatments, spent thousands of dollars, but only seen very minimal improvement. That's the frustrating part.
In your practice, do you see scars of certain type or depth respond better than others? Some people claim silicone improved their shallow saucer-type scars by 90% while deeper ones got much less then that. Is that true?
actually, most types of deeper to medium depth acne scars respond well to silicone. really, shallow ones do not. silicone really has been a prize winner when it comes to nice (but realistic) improvements.
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery