Advise regarding scar treatment (again)

[Randy Clark]

Hello all,

I have extensive (but moderate) scarring due to acne on my face,
primarily on my cheeks. I am south asian and have a medium skin
colour (light brown). I have now been to 4 different doctors
regarding scar treatment. Here's what they each said:
1). Use laser only - Patch test required due to skin colour, but no
major risk anticipated. Said dermabrasion is a bad idea.
2). Use laser only - but recommended that I do not have procedure as
skin changes are hard to predict in people with darker than white
skin. Eventually agreed that test patch would be indicative of final
results.
3). Use dermabrasion - did not think skin patch test is required. He
said that as I already had scars, and no major pigment problems,
dermabrasion would not be risky.
4). Use dermabrasion and then laser - recommends patch test as well.
In addition, he will not perform any type of resurfacing activity
during the summer due to the potential for sun damage. He won't even
do the patch test in the summer.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I've gotten somewhat differing
answers from every plastic surgeon I've visited. Therefore, I have a
two part question:

1). Would do you guys recommend I do regarding the laser and/or
dermabrasion? Which of the four doctors seems the most realistic?

2). If I have to wait a while before getting serious treatment, what
type of procedure can I have in the meanwhile that will improve the
look of my facial skin. Is there any procedure that can also help
contribute to/imrprove the final outcome when I get derm and/or laser
done?

BTW - I've been on retin-a (.1%) and hydroquinone (7%) in preparation
for a procedure for about 3 weeks thus far. I guess I have thick
skin, as these products have done nothing positive for me.

Oh well, sorry for the long message, but I'm getting desparate and
depressed over this situation. I finally have enough money to get
something done, but can't get a consistent answer about the best
options. I don't want to look even worse after getting surgery done,
but can't wait forever either.

Thanks in advance!

[Andie]

Randy Clark wrote:

There is a substantial risk of permanent hypopigmentation occurring for
people with non-type I(fair) Skin for both dermabrasion and laser
resurfacing. The texture of the treated skin will be different from
non-treated skin, though it isn't very noticeable. Furthermore, one can
expect a line of demarcation between the treated and non-treated surface,
which will be obvious depending on the skin type - not obvious for
fair-skinned individuals but can be rather obvious for darker-skin types.

Retin-A is applied to the skin prior to surgery to aid skin healing after
surgery.
Hydroquinone is to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. It does nothing
to help hypopigmentation, which is the real problem for darker-skinned
individuals. Studies have shown that while hyperpigmentation may be
temporary, hypopigmentation is permanent.

Hope this helps.

[newlookdays...@gmail.com]

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