Scars on the face and age of treatment.

Dr. Irwin
April 16, 2014
I love your site and I love getting your "tip of the week". I just received your tip on the Dermapen. Here is my question: When my daughter was born she was burned on her left cheek from forceps. She now has a scar shaped like a half moon or as we like to kid the Nike sign. My daughter is almost 17. She is now self conscious about the scar and wanted to see what could be done about it. Our Dermatologist offered to do microneedling on her scar for free and take pictures after each treatment. She has had 3 treatments on this area and we don't see much improvement. You mentioned in your blog possible complications? What is your opinion on this? I would not want her scar to get worse. Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for reading!  

On facial scars, in my opinion the microneedling doesn’t work even remotely as well as a fractionted CO2 laser or, in some cases the originial 1550nm Fraxel (the Fraxel Dual can be used only on this setting also).   There is now a large body of research showing and proving excellent to outstanding results with 2-6 treatments with these lasers.  Look for a laser expert dermatologist in your area who has a DEKA DOT, the Affirm or the Lumenis Active/Deep FX.

Interestingly and very exciting, is the reasearch being done by the Navy, especially in San Diego by Dr. Nathan Uebelhoer. His team works on extensive burn scars on our young men and women injured in battle or by mines.  They are getting quite amazing results and doing these extensive treatments under general anesthesia.

As for age, I really vote for waiting (like your did), until it bothers your child and they are old enough to understand everything – usually somewhere over the age of 13-14.  There are exceptions though clearly.

Hope this helps, Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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