A problem with microneedling and acne scars on the chest.

Dear Dr. Irwin, I have quite a few white acne scars on my chest and just had microneedling done on them and now they are red and raised. I had IPL treatment done on them a year and a half ago and wasn't satisfied with the results, but now I'm afraid I've done real damage to them and will even look worse if they stay raised. I'm hoping this is just temporary Please help. Shelly

I’m so sad that this happned to you.  This is exactly why I have problems with microneedling!  It is a largely unregulated procedure and the clinical data and experience with it, is very limited.  Generally, if a procedure causes something to become red and raised lasting longer than a week or so, you need to see call or your dermatologist!  I’m hoping that a dermatologist did the procedure not someone minimally trained and outside a medical setting.  Sorry all you very capable aestheticians out there, but in my opinion, microneedling should only be done in doctor’s offices.

 Sometimes a raised, red area especially on the chest means that the area is beginning to keloid. The chest area is particularly prone to keloids and keloids can often be effectively treated especially if treatment is obtained early in the process.

 More info on scars here and when this problem has been solved, you might want to consider fractionated CO2 or Fraxel but find an expert in your area to do it.  Please see the regional guide on this site.     I hope this helps.  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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