Brief Answer:
Acne scar management

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you are looking for solutions to reduce acne scars.
I have seen your clinical pictures.
You seem to be having "rolling type" of scars covering a significant portion of your face.

These type of scars cannot be reduced by face washes or gels.
These are caused by fibrous bands which pull the skin down when pimples heal. Unless the fibrous bands are broken, the skin cannot regain its normal texture.

I agree with your doctor'd advice. The procedures which will help you to reduce your scars and make your skin texture better are Dermaroller ( Microneedling), Subcision, Fractional Erbium glass laser and Microdermabrasion.
You sometimes need multiple procedures to get the best result.
These procedures are safe and do not have long term side effects.

The earlier you do the treatments, the better. This is because it is easier to re-model the scar when it is still young/ fresh. The older it gets, the scars become more tethered to the undersurface of the skin and we may not be able to get the best results.

If you are looking only for topical management, I would suggest you to use a face wash containing 2 % salicylic acid ( e.g- Speelac face wash). This is a gel which has to be applied all over the face, left for 30 seconds to 1 minute and washed off. Use this twice a day.

You could also use a gel containing vitamin C and silicone ( e.g - Opexa gel) at bedtime for about 3 months.

The topical treatment will give very minimal results in your case.
The best treatment will still be the procedures which I have mentioned.

Hope this answers your query.
If you have any further doubts, I would be glad to answer them.

Take care,
Dr. Johny Chacko

---

Brief Answer:
Dermaroller for acne scars

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX

I am sorry I do not have many contacts in XXXXXXX But you could go to a dermatologist of a good repute. Dermarollers have become common procedures now and most dermatologists do a good job at it.

Here is a brief about the procedure.
Dermaroller is an instrument used for "Microneedling". It makes use of a hand held roller with many fine medical grade stainless steel micro-needles. This instrument is rolled in different directions over the affected skin and the needles cause micro wounds. This will release growth factors which stimulates skin to make new collagen and elastic fibres thereby thickening and strengthening skin, smoothening scars and erasing wrinkles.

In general, 4-6 sessions are required at 4-6 weeks interval.

The procedure is done after anaesthetising the skin adequately with a local anaesthetic cream. It may cause mild pricking and burning sensation.

There are no long term side effects. There will be redness and mild swelling lasting for 2-5 days after the procedure. There may be hyperpigmentation if adequate sun protection is not followed. Hence, it is important to follow our post procedure instructions to minimise the side effects.In my clinic, I usually plan the procedure on a weekend so that the patient will be ready to go back to work by monday.

In your case, I would probably finish 4-6 sessions if Dermaroller and follow it up with about 8 sessions of Microdermabrasion to get a better, smoother appearance.

Do remember that you can never expect completely smooth skin like what you have on the non-acne affected areas. The procedures will definitely help to reduce the appearance of scars and improve the texture, but will not completely erase them. I hope you understand that keeping a realistic expectation will help you get satisfactory results.

Hope this clears your doubts.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

---