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Crater scars on face

I have holes on my skin – small ones that were caused by acne, as well as darker acne scars. Will laser resurfacing be the right treatment to address these problems? Who shall I see for treatment? How long will the procedure and healing time take?
A.A.

Dear A.A.,
BeforeBeforeAfterAfterAs these holes are deep acne scars, the situation will not improve with laser resurfacing alone. These scars have to be surgically detached from the base prior to the laser treatment – the procedure is called subcision. Thereafter, the scars can be erased with either a laser or plasma procedure, or smoothened out with a laser such as the Fraxel laser. The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes to perform.

Laser or plasma resurfacing will leave the skin raw, red and peeling for a few days after treatment. Depending on the lasers used, the healing will take anywhere between four to seven days. These procedures are best performed by trained medical professionals.

Answered by Dr. Joyce Lim | Sat, 2007/06/30 - 5:37pm

Comments

by ip | Mon, 2009/07/06 - 3:15pm

What are the side effects or risks?

Dear Dr Joyce,
I just read your reply and was wondering what are the possible risks or effects when these procedures are carried out? Are there any post procedure treatments after to follow up?

Many thanks,
IP

by jinkyjinx | Wed, 2010/01/13 - 3:57pm

deep scars on my nose and face

which is effective for the treatment of deep scars: fractional laser or fraxel? what is the difference between the two?

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