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Original poster

Indented Acne Scar

29 replies

Minnie11 · 09/03/2015 18:32

Hi,
Has anybody had any success with any treatment for acne scarring (indentations / atrophic)?
I have a single recent scar that I'd like to treat and wondering what has helped others?
Thanks

OP posts:
OneLittleLady · 09/03/2015 18:45

I haven't specifically treated my scarring as such but I have found that since I started using vitamin e based oil on my face, my scars have faded, you can barely see them at all now unless you are up close. I use the Superdrug Vit E oil from their skincare range of the same name and it's cheap enough that I can use plenty without worrying over the expense.

KatyPeary · 09/03/2015 19:22

Depends on the scar. Filler or Fraxel probably. I think you can expect up to 60% improvement with Fraxel. Filler um fills the indent. Works well but wears off, months/years depending.

Original poster
Minnie11 · 09/03/2015 19:23

That's useful to know. I've had dreadful acne for decades and interestingly I have no scarring except for this last one which has left an indentation. I'll look out for that cream, thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
Minnie11 · 09/03/2015 19:40

Yes, I was wondering if they can laser only a small area? The rest of my skin is pretty good so it's a tricky one.

OP posts:
KatyPeary · 09/03/2015 19:46

Yes they can Fraxel a small area. They probably won't just 'do' the scar but will do an area. Go to a dermatologist with a laser interest.

Original poster
Minnie11 · 09/03/2015 20:07

Thanks, I'll look into that, useful comments.

OP posts:
ClareBaldingsHair · 09/03/2015 22:58

Minnie please could you report back if you try any treatment as I am in a the same situation with just one big indentation on my nose

Original poster
Minnie11 · 10/03/2015 04:01

Yes I will do.

OP posts:
Original poster
Minnie11 · 12/03/2015 20:30

I went for a nurse consultation at a Sk:n clinic this evening. It was quite interesting as she recommended a full facial peel (which I may have to think about) or a Punch Biopsy (again, I'd need to think about that). I'm going back to see the doctor (it's amazing the trouble I'm going to for a fairly small scar). The nurse actually didn't think the scar was indented until I pointed it out and then she could see it was. It's more the indentation I don't like than the colour a I'm sure the colour will fade with time.
I've bought some Glycolic and Salicylic Acid which I'm going to try before deciding on anything else though. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to ask the nurse about Laser treatment! so will have to wait to see the doctor to ask.

OP posts:
ethelb · 12/03/2015 21:34

Microdermabrasion can help.

Original poster
Minnie11 · 12/03/2015 21:52

Thanks, I might give that a try as well.

OP posts:
ClareBaldingsHair · 12/03/2015 21:56

That's really interesting, thank you for updating. I am surprised they didn't mention the laser or derma rolling as I would have thought these would be the two main candidates.

I posted up thread about my indentation which I have had for 3 years. I have tried microdermabrasion which didn't really do anything much. Also tried a course of 30% glycolic peels at home which again didn't do much and I'm now doing a course of 20% salicylic (a stronger peel but no major results either). What strength acids are you using?

My pit may have shrunk slightly through all the above but is still very obvious so I do think we need bigger guns

ClareBaldingsHair · 12/03/2015 22:00

I'm quite tempted by the filler idea posted above, can they really fill such a small/deep hole?! (Not so keen on the idea of Laser treatment as when I've seen it on telly looks very harsh/scary!)

KatyPeary · 12/03/2015 23:55

Yes, they can really fill an indent. Probably the easiest solution.
I would have thought punch biopsy-ing would not have been the first line (would have expected Fraxel or filler) but I suppose you'd need to see the scar to judge that.
And I wonder what the nurse meant by 'full facial peel'. Glycolic? I would see what the doctor says and agree, take your time with your decision.

Original poster
Minnie11 · 14/03/2015 17:34

I'm going to start off with 10% Glycolic Acid as I've got quite sensitive skin and I'm not sure at what stage in time it's best to start treating a scar? Actually, if I got this scar in the past I may well have left it but because I think I got it by over exfoliating my face whilst being upset with my ex-husband, every time I look at it I'm reminded of that day! Ridiculous, I know. I've had dreadful spots for 20 years with no other scar (and been on prescription meds for years for it). I'm also using Vitamin C (orally), collagen (orally). Sorry, I can't remember which face peel the nurse recommended but I'm really not sure about or about a punch biopsy now as I'd be gutted if things got any worse because it's not actually so bad. Actually since I got this scar, I noticed that 3 people I see every day have them too (which I never noticed before).

I think this is going to be an interesting process.

OP posts:
CremeDeSudo · 14/03/2015 17:41

I don't mean to hijack but do you think the same would apply to piercing scars? I've got two holes on the bridge of my nose between my eyes that I would love to get rid of!

Original poster
Minnie11 · 14/03/2015 19:31

You're not hijacking at all, it's all similar.

OP posts:
NerdyBird · 14/03/2015 20:22

I've been thinking of a peel for my scarring - I've got a lot more indented scars recently because of a big acne flare up whilst ttc/pregnant/breastfeeding so it's interesting that the nurse recommended that. I've been to Sk:n for laser hair removal so I'd probably look at going to them again. Did the nurse mention a price, and was it a one off peel or several?

Original poster
Minnie11 · 14/03/2015 23:04

I I think it was a series of two for £400. The punch biopsy would be £280. It's a difficult decision. I have been reading up about Dermarollers. So difficult to distinguish what is good advice and genuine reviews.

OP posts:
Original poster
Minnie11 · 16/03/2015 20:02

Now I've done quite a bit more research, there's a whole range of products to try out there. Copper Peptides seem to have mixed reviews and I'm currently trying to find out the best one to buy in the UK.

OP posts:
CremeDeSudo · 17/03/2015 11:06

What sort of prices are fillers? does anyone know?

ClareBaldingsHair · 17/03/2015 21:30

I went to a clinic today for Botox and asked about my indented scar.

The first and only suggestion the Dr made was filler. I can't remember the price exactly now as we talked about a lot of stuff but I think it was £200 something. She said she could inject the rest of the syringe into my nose-mouth lines so as not to waste it(!!) If I recall correctly the effect would last about a year.

I am going to see how my Botox goes (first time!) before I decide on any filler.

CremeDeSudo · 18/03/2015 08:12

Hmm that's interesting. I really hoped it would be permanent though.

How deep are your acne scars out of interest?

lurkingaround · 18/03/2015 10:56

Unfortunately, it is very hard to completely rid a scar, particularly deep ones. Laser will improve it, and maybe if the scar is very superficial make it invisible.

I suppose a punch biopsy is permanent but then, the results would depend on how big, deep, position, etc of the scar. And there is always a scar (albeit maybe thin thin thin) when you make a wound. Scars are difficult!

NerdyBird · 18/03/2015 18:26

£400 seems ok for two peels, I think I'd be worried if they were really cheap! I may look into it a bit more soon, have to decide between peels or an ipad as a 'going back to work' bribe for me!

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