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Hey All!
I just discovered this forum about two days ago. I just started looking in to getting my scars treated because I recently got shingles on my face (4 weeks ago) and have some scarring left over from it. So, I booked an appt on Thursday with a dermotologist who has a cosmetic center with a whole bunch of lasers, microneedling, all of that. The first picture is of the shingles scar and the other pictures are old acne scars. At this point I'm just looking to get some type of results.
Also, any suggestions for topicals I can use to treat these shingles scars? I've been using retinol, mederma and vitamin C but i've seen little to no difference so far.
Is subscision helpful for new scars or is it mainly to treat older scars? Thanks in advance!!!
Shingles scars will not be helped by subcision unless there is pitting, I can't tell from pics.
You have new scars and look like they have PIE or wounding. You need vascular laser for the color. Emu oil also helps. These take a very long time to heal on their own. I see no pitting or textural issues. Perhaps the photos don't show your scars, ... scars make shadows. It's hard to tell what is going on with your facial hair. I would shave before any treatment. Subcision w/ filler if any pits, PRP with RF Microneedling would be helpful. Start with vascular laser.
Vitamin C will inflame.
See the below related to Shingles scars.
https://www.realself.com/question/london-gb-treatment-shingles-scar
https://www.realself.com/question/mountain-view-ca-options-shingles-scar-chin
"Hard one to call on one picture. My preference would be excision of the area .This will leave you a line- this line can be treated with laser. Second option is laser- fractional CO2 multiple sessions combined with subcision. Third option is filler- very complex in this location given the arteries. I suggest you see a Plastics or surgical dermatologist for an in depth consult. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim."
Thank you BA! Sorry for the picture quality. I tried to get close with my iphone and it just didn't want to focus. Anyway, the shingles scars have a little bit of indent to them.
So, I went to see the dermatologist today. I found out she actually does RF needling, subscision, all types of lasers, etc. She recommended starting with a fraxel laser on the shingles area first and see how that does. She then said we can do subscision on a few places that have heavier scarring but didn't think the shingles area needed it, and talked about bellafill. Would you suggest going with an HA filler first before doing bellafill? What would be the difference between bellafill and an HA filler? Would there not be as much collagen generated by not doing as many subscision treatments over the course of time?
Also, she recommended RF needling down the road. I bought some stuff called strataderm from her for a topical.
She seems pretty legit. She's been a derm for over 20 years in Jacksonville, FL. Her name is Dr. Mary Pentel. Ever heard of her?
I am also about two hours away from Dr. Sandove in Gainesville.
I would start with sub for any indentation
RF needling in my mind is better than fraxel which is overpriced (it's insulated). If you do go the fraxel route have her do it at full density to get any effects.
For the reds you need vascular laser.
Strataderm is good stuff.
HA filler, do not put permanent things in your body to star AKA Bella, see if you like naturally found in the bod HA filler first then consider.
BA
So I went ahead and got the Fraxel done yesterday to work on the PIE from the new scars since she recommended that first. She did both the 1550 and 1927 on my full face and it was $350. It seemed like a pretty good deal and she didn't try to push any mega sessions on me.
I also ordered the derminator and should have that in a few days. How long would it be wise to wait after having fraxel before using a derminator? I was thinking about a month but not sure if I should wait longer.
I also got quotes for RF microneedling. I can go for $700 for full face for once session or get three for $1800. I'd say that's a pretty good price as well. I know it's all about the person who handles the machine but yesterday she seemed like she did a great job on the fraxel and was very personable and made me feel comfortable with the whole thing.
If I have mainly shallow scars, would RF microneedling by itself be advised or should I always be looking to do subscision with filler first?
It may be the photo quality, but for what it is worth, I actually think your scars are very minor and I wouldn't worry too much about them. Most people wouldn't take notice.
Vascular laser can help with the redness. You stated you had some indents, but they look fairly shallow from what I have seen in the photo.
All the best with your skin.