dear dr naderi
i have a problem with unsightly acne scars. after careful consideration i believe the best aproach lies within combination of different procedures for different scars. at this point i am interested in combining permanent or semi-permanent filler and dermal grafting with possibly surgical revision later on. i live abroad but spent considerable time in states thus the question. there is brand new technology becomming available in uk utilising stem cells mixed with fat transfer for acne scars. i have my reserves with this as similar treatment isolagen fell out of favour soon after it emmerged that it wasnt acctualy that effective. my idea is combining dermal grafting and artefill. do you think this is possible or what would you suggest as in terms of available treatment?
thank you d
Answer:
Hi,
Treatment of acne scars depends on various factors:
1) sex of patient (males cannot use makeup after some treatments to cover areas while healing)
2) skin color of patient (darker skin colored patients have more limited choices due to risk of pigmentation changes after some treatments)
3) location of scar
4) nature of scar (depressed, wide, raised, atrophic, hypertrophic, ice pick, hyperpigmented, hypopigmented, etc)
5) flexability with downtime.
There is no great answer. In more severe cases, it usually does take a variety of treatments for the best result.
Fat injection with their potential for acting as stem cells has been studies in NYC and Washington DC. Promising results have been shown but not replicated.
I cannot tell you what the best treatment is for you without seeing you. It can involve surgery, lasers, dermabrasion, fillers, etc.
I would personally stay away from permanent fillers and stick with the safe soft Hyaluronic Acids like Juvederm or Restylane.
