Hi, so in the last year I've had a fully ablative co2 laser twice and dermapen 7 times. However, it's been exactly one year and things appear worse(attaching photos). The scars on the lower left of my cheek have filled in the most but the rest of the cheek, where before I didn't really see scars now look like almost raised scars and just more scars in general. I don't even know what else to do. Has this happened to anyone?
Before
after
Hi,
I can relate to your situation. I had 3 Viva sessions a year and halfago. I have been doing TCA peels (30%) and Dermarolling (1.5mm) alternating once a month. The rolling scars appear worse, the icepick better. I attribute the improvement mostly to the TCA.
My experience leads me to believe that as the collagen remodeling takes place, the scars appear flatter and somewhat larger.Think ofthe cliche: It get worse before it gets better.Hopefully over time and continued treatment the scars elevate and cast less of a shadow.
When I think of the treatment downtime and the slow changes (some good , some bad ) it seems futile.
From your photos, I agree with your analysis. I don't see any really deep scars, therefore I wouldcontinue anotheryear of needling and suggest some peels before giving up.
I think your skin looks a lot better actually!