A: Ice-pick scars are among the most difficult to treat. The defect goes very deep into the dermis, and the edges of the scar are very defined and sharp. Scars that are shallow defects in the collagen can be improved with filler, many lasers and an old stand-by, dermabrasion. Deep ice pick scars require other treatments. One option is for each deep ice-pick scar to be excised and the defect sutured or replaced with a punch graft. Another method to shrink the pit is to use high concentration TCA which destroys the lining of the scar and results in retraction of the pitted scar. These methods are then followed by Fraxel Restore which can be used on all skin types. There is no quick fix, nor one method alone to eliminate this problem 100%, but these approaches can result in significant improvement.
Q: What is More Effective for Hypersensitive Skin: Fraxel Restore OR Fractional Erbium Pearl?
A: These are two very different procedures. Fraxel Restore is a fractional non-ablative system that preserves more of your skin. It must be done in a series of 3-6 sessions. Fractional Pearl is ablative, meaning skin is destroyed. Pearl is more aggressive and as such usually needs 1-3 sessions. There is more downtime with Pearl. Both Fraxel and Pearl can be done on ethnic skin (with adjustments to the settings). If by sensitive skin, you mean prone to redness, you might want to look into Intense Pulsed Light rather than either of these treatments.
Q: Fraxel While Breastfeeding: How Long After Should I Pump & Dump to Be Safe?
A: The laser energy from Fraxel poses no danger to your baby through the breast milk. The topical medication used for numbing might be absorbed into your blood stream, so I would not breast feed for 8 hours to allow all of the anesthetic to be cleared from your blood stream. The same goes for any relaxation medication you may be given if you are anxious about the procedure.
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