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Hello!
I started getting acne when I was around 10 years old. It got pretty severe and then began to clear up when I turned 17. Now at age 25 I have clear skin but am plagued with acne scars.
I have been going to a dermatologist for a year now. I receive chemical peels and microdermabrasion every two weeks (alternating). The derm insists that I will see results if I stick with it long enough. My skin looks a lot better as far as my pore size and coloring, but the texture is still awful. The derm says my next step is micro needling.
Last month I went to a plastic surgeon for a consultation. I asked about subcision and filler but the assistant I saw (I didn't actually get to meet with the plastic surgeon) said that I would have better results with Fraxel on top of TCA. She also insisted that first I get on the Obagi system. The plastic surgeon works with Obagi in Los Angeles. She said with Obagi my skin will be in a better place to receive the best results from the Fraxel plus TCA. I was quoted $500 for the Obagi system and $4,200 for the Fraxel with TCA. She didn't even look closely at my skin or change the lighting around. My skin looks fine in some lighting, but in harsh lighting, it looks horrible.
I am tempted to go with the recommendations of the plastic surgeon's office, but at that high a price I want to hear some other opinions.
Thanks in advance. 
4 hours ago, marykay18 said:I have been going to a dermatologist for a year now. I receive chemical peels and microdermabrasion every two weeks (alternating). The derm insists that I will see results if I stick with it long enough. My skin looks a lot better as far as my pore size and coloring, but the texture is still awful. The derm says my next step is micro needling.
Sorry, but your derm is selling you Kool-Aid. 
4 hours ago, marykay18 said:Last month I went to a plastic surgeon for a consultation. I asked about subcision and filler but the assistant I saw (I didn't actually get to meet with the plastic surgeon) said that I would have better results with Fraxel on top of TCA.
The plan should always be to elevate the pit first and then treat the surface texture later. You were right about Subcision + Filler. What the PS suggested was all about texture. You will need TCA cross (not TCA peel) to fill the icepick and smaller boxcar scars. You will also likely need an ablative laser (not Fraxel) to fix the texture later.
Dr. Obagi is the real deal, but I understand the hesitancy, his skin care line is pricey. His book, The Art of Skin Health Restoration and Rejuvenation details his approach. He's got a section devoted to combining laser skin treatments with other techniques.
It's written for doctors, so highly technical but still informative. I think you can get it on Amazon.