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I've had my first-ever consult with a plastic surgeon. Below are the key points that he told me during the visit. I'd like to know what others think, especially in terms of the efficiency/ permanence of the recommended treatment. (BTW, I have mostly rolling--not very deep--scars, though I've one deep area that I think would be considered a boxcar scar mixed with rolling scars.)
- Juvaderm injections--two rounds given 6-8 weeks apart--to lessen the depth of specific scars (cost: $450 for a single syringe, which is all that should be required for me).
- Fraxel CO2 laser (cost: $500-$950).
[*]I asked about subcision and was told that it can cause additional scarring and likely would require more treatments than would the Juvaderm. (The doctor didn't say outright that he doesn't perform subcision, but that's the feeling I got from him.)
I'm conflicted because I'd thought that subcision was a fairly safe--i.e., not-so-apt-to-scar--option that is permanent. I also thought that laser surgery costs $3K minimum, but I suppose that could be a price used by doctors located in larger areas. (The doctor I saw is in the 'burbs of a major metropolitan area.)
Thank you,
P.I.
- Fraxel CO2 laser (cost: $500-$950).
It is always wise to seek a second opinion, just be certain that subcision is your best option. I would question the doctor because he is pushing Re:store and not Re:pair. You can tell by the price.
So you're saying that Juvaderm is a 100% temporary solution? That's what I'd previously thought; the plastic surgeon I saw today told me that it can help regrow collagen, so that some people may not come back for more injections after the second round, if they're happy with their skin's level of improvement. In other words, he was alluding to Juvaderm being a form of permanent treatment, which just seems fishy to me.
I should also note that he initially acted as if he doesn't know what subcision is, and then told me that it can worsen scarring. I feel like he tried the "playing-dumb" tactic, then tried to scare me out of the idea of it, so that I'd opt for Juvaderm and laser. But my rolling scars aren't super-deep as to need laser, I don't think.
P.I.
It is always wise to seek a second opinion, just be certain that subcision is your best option. I would question the doctor because he is pushing Re:store and not Re:pair. You can tell by the price.So you're saying that Juvaderm is a 100% temporary solution? That's what I'd previously thought; the plastic surgeon I saw today told me that it can help regrow collagen, so that some people may not come back for more injections after the second round, if they're happy with their skin's level of improvement. In other words, he was alluding to Juvaderm being a form of permanent treatment, which just seems fishy to me.
I should also note that he initially acted as if he doesn't know what subcision is, and then told me that it can worsen scarring. I feel like he tried the "playing-dumb" tactic, then tried to scare me out of the idea of it, so that I'd opt for Juvaderm and laser. But my rolling scars aren't super-deep as to need laser, I don't think.
P.I.
I am neither an advocate nor a foe of subcision. I have not done it so I remain silent on the subject. This is very unlike the legion of anti-laser foes who have never done lasers. I advocate ablative fractionalized CO2 laser because that is what worked for me. If your scars are deep you need to be treated at high intensity i.e. 70mj with Fraxel Re:pair. You will also need multiple treatments. I am the oldest poster on the forum, and a lady that I used to work with, but now see infrequently, said today "how come you just keep getting younger". I am dating 2 girls more than half my age. You will hear a lot of negative talk from people just trying to keep you down in the hole they are in. I remain on the forum to dispell the nay sayers. You have to go on the attack, and be prepared for a long and expensive battle, but it will be worth it. You will have a lot of ups and downs, just remember you are worth it. There will be days and weeks where you want to quit, but do not give up. Except for education put everything else aside and dedicate your resources to the battle.
Have your doctor clarify what he meant when he said subcision causes additional scarring. If he meant additional scarring on the surface of your skin, then this is unlikely. If he meant additional scarring beneath your skin, then this is accurate.
Subcision basically causes scar tissue to grow under the scar to plump it up. The collagen that plumps up your scar after subcision is in fact scar tissue building up beneath the surface of your skin.
Another draw back of subcision, if improperly performed can cause over correction. Also if a doctor is not careful to stay within the boundaries of the scar, then they can damage healthy tissue.
Have your doctor clarify what he meant when he said subcision causes additional scarring. If he meant additional scarring on the surface of your skin, then this is unlikely. If he meant additional scarring beneath your skin, then this is accurate.
Subcision basically causes scar tissue to grow under the scar to plump it up. The collagen that plumps up your scar after subcision is in fact scar tissue building up beneath the surface of your skin.
Another draw back of subcision, if improperly performed can cause over correction. Also if a doctor is not careful to stay within the boundaries of the scar, then they can damage healthy tissue.
Yikes... I didn't realize it could get as tricky as all that. It feels like it's back to the drawing board for me. :/
P.I.