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Thread: Acne Scars

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    Default Acne Scars

    I used to look like a fricking model, but ever since I used doxycycline, the left side of my face started getting cyst after cyst. My acne wasn't even that bad before, but I would always get the really big ones under the skin that would stay up to two months. I only used it for two weeks until I said forget it, it isn't worth it screwing up the rest of my face. So now all the acne is gone, but I am left with some moderate rolling scars on my left cheek. It's affecting my confidence, and my money. I don't want to leave the house anymore even with makeup on. No amount of concealer can cover dents in your face. I've been looking into TCA peels and was wondering if any of you ladies have had rolling scars or dents and what did you do to get rid of them??? Please help me!!! My husband tells me that I'm still a 9 to him, but when I look in the mirror I just want to cry. Men don't understand how hard it is for a woman who uses her beauty to make a living. I get so frustrated getting ready for work because it takes me so long. I swear it takes me about 40 minutes to get the concealer to cover the redness in all the scars. And I have alot of red ones, and about 10-15 dented ones. I have about 6-7 that really bother me and are noticeable and the rest are just red. It's already been about three months and it is taking forever for them to go away. I can't afford to do the ActiveFX fractional laser, because it costs like $3000. But, I can afford to do some chemical peels or TCA cross methods. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Once my confidence level is back up I can go work my ass off again and make lots of money and retire. But right now, I don't even want to go to work, because I feel like people are starring at my scars.

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    Veteran Member italianbeauty's Avatar
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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    I feel the same way! I have redness and scarring too... It's bad, but its mostly redness that I am concerned with. I have small pin hole scars to deal with, and it sucks. I made an appointment with a medi-spa near me (western NY), I'm not sure where you're located... I talked to a doctor about the redness and scars.

    She said, the redness would be cleared up by the laser, it shoots bright light to destroy the melanin. I am getting four treatments of the IPL laser (Intense Pulsed Light.) The scars will be affected somewhat, but not completely erased. In between the laster treatments, I am going to the spa for dual microderm and glycolic acid treatments. This coupled with the laser should refine the scars.

    Overall, I am getting the laser treatments (4) each four weeks apart. In between laser treatments (every 2 weeks) I go in for the dual treatment... all in all its costing me 1500. I think I'm going to invest in a higher quality acne system too. The spa has a new line in.

    I hope this helps! I'm not sure if its what you're looking to do, but its not too much money for a lot of treatments... I think I'm going to start a thread about my treatment and progress when I start on the 1st of September. Good Luck!

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    I had some acne scars from highschool. People would say, "Oh, they'll go away with time". Ugh, BS! I started using a night cream and a moisturizer (nothing special, just Oil of Olay). They started fading and were gone in a matter of months. Why this is, I dunno, maybe someone else can explain. BUt, that would probably be the cheapest for you. I think it will only help with the red scars and only minimally with any pockmarks... but it's a fix until you get something more severe done.

    I hope this helps.
    If you think school is hard, try being stupid.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    The dents of a rolling scar are damn hard to get rid of. I've spent thousands on mine and most of that money was wasted. I did the microderms, acid peels, and the smoothbeam laser, all of which were a waste of time. Those procedures had no effect at all.
    Only one thing ever helped, and that's collagen injections at the point of the scar. The derm would inject just a little collagen to fill up each scar, it would be lumpy for a day or two, and then the scar would be invisible for a couple months. Its only a temporary fix, and its pricey. About $400-600 per treatment.

    The other option that might work is a total laser resurfacing. Thats a big scary, laser off your whole face major surgery. I'm too chicken so far, but I hear it does work on rolling scars.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    what are rolling scars?

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    You know, I was afraid of that. All the research I've done on acne.org and makemeheal.com and I have yet to come across anyone who has had success treating these kind of scars. To inform those of you who don't know what a rolling scar is, it is a scar left behind from cysts or cystic acne. Cystic acne is the kind of acne that is deep under the skin and doesn't come to a head and takes a long time to go away. Even if you don't pick at it, it still leaves a scar because of how deep it is in your skin tissue. I appreciate all of your inputs. I guess I will have to look into getting permanent fillers. Seems like that would be my best bet for the money in the long run. I was hoping that maybe someone would have had some kind of success with the TCA peels or cross method approach. I had perfect skin until two years ago at the age of 25. For some reason my skin just started acting up and now it's just getting worse. Every fricken pimple I get leaves a scar. Talk about fucked up. For some reason I feel like God is punishing me for using my beauty to make money, and now it's like he's taking it away from me to punish me. Oh well I guess I'll have to get used to looking like a freak for a while. It's pretty bad when you realize just how superficial you are until you don't feel pretty anymore.

  7. #7
    justifymylove
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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    Research a place around you that does Russian Peels. I had very deep acne scars and went for a cycle of 5 treatments. It's cheaper than laser stuff but I don't know what it would be in the states... I paid about $350 Canadian for the 5 as a package deal. You also have to invest in some collagen and some vegetal scrubs to get the dead skin off.

    They hurt like HELL, I won't lie. You cannot touch your face the 24 hours following, and the next day your skin starts to peel right off. You use the scrub to get the dead cells off and the collagen to regenerate.

    But do they work? They did for me.... they do not get rid of acne (I have hormonal issues which means my acne has since returned) but for a glorious period, you would never have known I ever had acne. In between I used polysporin to help the process along.

    I don't recommend the regular glycolic peels/ microdermabrasion treatments... they're not strong enough.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    So, what is a Russian peel? Do you know what the ingredients are?? I've never heard of this before. Sounds alot like TCA peel. It's pretty much an acid burn, and peels off all the dead skin in a couple of days. The deeper the peel the longer it takes to heal. Wow, that price seems really cheap. I think it would probably cost alot more here. God, just a glycolic for one is $80 and even that's kind of cheap. So, how long did it take for the peel to completely heal? Did you have to do any prep such as using a strong retin-A or anything? Sorry to ask so many questions, but I am willing to try anything that will work. I really appreciate everyones's imput. Nobody knows what's it like until it happens to them, ya know. Especially since they say that scars are supposed to be there forever.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    I've had some light chemical peels and they have improved my skin greatly. I need to get another one actually, I always leave it too long. I'm too scared to get one of those peels where your whole face peels off. It just freaks me out. I also use Retin-A at night.

    If you are really serious about having the best skin you possibly can, make a few appointments at medical spas in your area for a consultation. A medical spa is a spa supervised by a dermatologist and I wouldn't go to anything less for my skin. A lot of people will get these peels at a regular spa where the esthetician is not trained by a dermatologist and it is risky. You want a derm on hand, plus you if you need any prescriptions you can get them there. So make some consultations (they should be willing to do them free), go to a few docs and see what they say, and choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

  10. #10
    justifymylove
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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    Yup, I would definitely echo LatinaRose's caution about a medical spa vs a plain old salon. Don't be afraid to question the spa about their qualifications and about if they have a dermatologist on site.

    The Russian peel is herbal, and I'm not sure if it goes by any other name. I don't have all the information in front of me but they can tell you more about the actual ingredients when you go for a consultation. They sting and they really scrub that stuff in there.

    The full recovery time is about three days from each peel, although for me it was a bit longer because I wasn't very aggressive in getting the dead skin off. You will be very red and raw for the 24 hours afterward- definitely DO NOT plan a date for that day. I remember my face being in pain to the touch for about 24-36 hours afterwards as well. You'll notice some blemishes will come to the surface and then heal quite quickly, and that any discolourations on your face are really well corrected. In terms of prep, I honestly can't remember doing anything special. Afterward, they'll probably try to tell you about a bunch of stuff you'll need. What you WILL need post-treatment is collagen and a good exfoliating scrub (a gel one, not a gritty one) and just a good moisturizer.

    I tried the peels based on a recommendation from someone else, and it worked for both of us who had cystic acne and the resultant scars. So that's my experience to share

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    I would never go to any old salon for such a serious procedure either, yikes! All my stuff was done at a dermatologists office. I think the peels may be helpful for light discoloration but not for rolling scars. I've had several peels at my temples. After each procedure it was red, a layer of skin peeled off the whole side of my face, no sun was allowed for 3 months after, etc, so I was getting the full strength peels. I even had several peels in a row (3-4wks apart) to try to get rid of the rolling scars, but it made no difference. My rolling scars are still there to this day.

    All the more reason that prevention is key if you are prone to cystic acne. I would only get one every few months, usually with my period, but damn those monster zits can do some damage. Accutane is the second best money I've ever spent on my self.(#1 is the boobs) I've not had a single cyst, or even a big pimple since my course of accutane.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    Actually, I have gone to a medical spa for a consultation. They insisted on either spending $3000.00 dollars and knock it out in one session with the new ActiveFX fractional laser or getting several Silk skin peels. The silk peel, is a diamond head microdermabrasion machine that diffuses some kind of chemical into the skin to help in healing and making new collagen. But it doesn't look powerful enough to help me. It costs about $550 for the complete package of six I think. Maybe I'll try it and see what happens. If not, I guess I could always try a couple of medium or light skin peels to see what the results are and then go from there. Believe it or not, since I have been cleansing my body and on a strict no gluten or dairy diet,my acne is very mild. That time of the month is when I get the monster zits mostly on my chin. But after completing my first liver flush, and doing a couple of deep enemas, my acne scars are actually improving slightly every day. At first, after the liver flush, my face broke out with like 8 pimples and it took about a week and a half for them to go away, but they didn't leave a scar, thank god. I'm going to do another liver flush tonight, I think. All those stones that came out, make me believe that the holistic approach is the way to go when treating acne. I'm cleaning myself from the inside out. It seems to be working so far. Now, if I can eliminate the damage, I would be sssoooo happy. Thank you all bunches. I'll keep you updated on the progress of my cleansing and flushing.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    Look up fraxel laser. Google (fraxel photos) to see before and after photos.

    -Its a laser resurfacing procedure.
    -It's about 3 treaments /2 weeks apart.
    -Each full face treatment seems to run 900-1000 varying in cities.
    -Get your face done /except for the forehead, the price should be cheaper.
    -they say your swollen and red for just two days after treatment, but you can apply makeup right after.

    My dermatologist offers it here in houston.

    Im going to ask how much she charges and hopefully schedule it on monday, when I swing by there for my routine botox.

    ...Im glad to be back! I have pleeeenty to add!

    BTW...Im a skin fannatic, please dont waste your money on peels. Tried them. The laser treatments offered at your dermatologists office are the way to go.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    I went to a facial surgeon specialist and he wouldn't do it because I still have active acne. He said it was pointless as I'd only accrue more scars over time.
    I only get a few a month using benzoyl peroxide (terribly drying), but he just sent me to a dermatologist who put me on more topical stuff that doesn't work for me.
    Best of luck! I hate my acne scars, but I try to tell myself it could be worse. I just hate that I seem to pick up more and more every year.
    I've had it since I was 12 and I'll be 27 in Nov. Ridiculous!!

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    hyzenthflay>........ask your dermatologist about putting you on an oral antibiotic, also yasmin birth control. It worked for me.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    Like I said, I tried everything. Benzoyl Peroxide works.
    One oral anti gave me vertigo so bad I couldn't function. I wasn't looking for advice, but thank you! I've been dealing with these for loads of years.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    If you truly want to eliminate your acne, the only to do that is by going from the inside out. I've done hours upon hours of research and finally, came across Curezone.com. That website is a godsend. So much valuable information. Go there and read, read, read. There's no amount of prescriptions or topicals that are going to rid you of acne forever. I have pretty much combatted my acne by going the holistic route of cleansing you body. Believe me, I am living proof. I have pictures to show you how bad my acne was when they put me on antibiotics. It only made it worse, and left me scarred. Now, I barely get pimples at all except if I eat alot of bread or drink alot milk. I found that for me dairy and gluten are a no no when it comes to getting cysts. I drink soy milk now, and try not to eat any bread. It's very difficult, but hell its so worth it. Once I can beat the overgrowth of candida in my system I should be able to eat grains again. But overall the progress is definitely coming along. Candida takes time to gain control of and so does cleansing. All I'm saying is give a shot. Even people who have done round after round of accutane have regained control of their acne by doing cleansing. You have to do it all in order though, to achieve the best results. So go to curezone.com and start researching.

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    i don't know how bad your scars are. but i had some moderate dents on my face. one of them was really bad. i googled topical treatments for acne scars and came across skinbio.com i thought a cream or lotion wouldn't work, but i'm impressed with the results. they're not completely gone, but i can only see them under bad lighting now. good luck.

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    Member xo_Amber_xoxo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    hey, i know this is an old thread but i was wondering how you gals are doing with these procedures?? or if you've got anything new to add? i have horrible deep scars on my forehead, and red scars on the rest of my face (never had a zit that didn't leave a scar) so any new input would be appreciated!

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    I did fraxel, mircoderm, and peels which did improve my skin however I have deep icepick and a few rolling scars and I still see them. Personally after all I have read on the subject the only possible solulations I see for my scars would be to punch excision/medical roll or focol peels of trichloroacetic acid all of which are costly and serious as they basically reopen the scar to get the skin to heal better(none of which are 100% granteed).

    I kinda gave up and maybe if I have that kind of money to add to what I have already spent to solve it then I'll try agian, but actaully I'm waiting for the next big thing that comes out when they actaully get better results on the kind of scars I have. Still mine are not as noticible as many or they were before, but it's not the point of others seeing them as many don't it's just I'm anal and I know they are still there soo it bugs the hell out of me as what I consider to be my worst flaw in my appearence.
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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    beauty is more than skin deep. this is really small compared to a missing limb . if that is your biggest "flaw" than you must be really beautiful. that money could be spent on your future for when it would be really unseemly of you to be geetin ass naked for money.

    your mental energy spent on loving yourself enough to be big enough to really benefit others.

    i really love the bright yellow unrefined shea butter for blemish scars. it think it makes them disappear . that and loving the beautiful humility my flaws give me. i think i'm hot shit though..

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    even if i can't spell "geetin" whoops (gettin')..better..

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    Quote Originally Posted by piepie View Post
    beauty is more than skin deep. this is really small compared to a missing limb . if that is your biggest "flaw" than you must be really beautiful. that money could be spent on your future for when it would be really unseemly of you to be geetin ass naked for money.

    your mental energy spent on loving yourself enough to be big enough to really benefit others.

    i really love the bright yellow unrefined shea butter for blemish scars. it think it makes them disappear . that and loving the beautiful humility my flaws give me. i think i'm hot shit though..
    Uhmmmm, I totally love you?

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    awww..

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    Default Re: Acne Scars

    Quote Originally Posted by piepie View Post
    beauty is more than skin deep. this is really small compared to a missing limb . if that is your biggest "flaw" than you must be really beautiful. that money could be spent on your future for when it would be really unseemly of you to be geetin ass naked for money.

    your mental energy spent on loving yourself enough to be big enough to really benefit others.

    i really love the bright yellow unrefined shea butter for blemish scars. it think it makes them disappear . that and loving the beautiful humility my flaws give me. i think i'm hot shit though..
    I find this offensive.

    I congratulate you on your hot-shit self esteem, I really do. But many of us have flaws that cause us great psychological distress that we would like to improve. Not begin an endless quest for personal perfection, just improve. Because it makes us feel better about ourselves. We are fortunate to live in an age where safe, non-invasive and relatively inexpensive treatments are available to us. Why shouldn't we take advantage of them?

    If you're not concerned with your outward appearance why do you use shea butter to fade your scars? Do you ever color your hair? Wear makeup? Have your ears pierced? Tattoos?

    I am really not trying to be snarky, just pointing out that we all have different ways of improving our appearance and that's ok. I don't judge yours. Please don't assume that I hate myself or lack priorities because I want a facial laser treatment.

    I see you use Diorshow, a pretty damn expensive mascara. Couldn't that money be better used, too? You can get mascara for 3 bucks.

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