As a skin restoration specialist in Newport Beach, California, I’ve spent years perfecting treatments for acne scars, traumatic scars, pigmentation issues, and facial balancing through collagen stimulation. My passion lies in helping patients not only look better but feel more confident—especially when their skin has been affected by scarring from accidents, acne, or surgery.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with patients who feel held back by their appearance due to scars. Whether it’s a chickenpox scar, an acne pit, or a traumatic injury like a glass shard wound, there are solutions—and often, they go beyond what most people expect.
Let me walk you through how we tackle these challenges, using real-life patient cases, and explore the different treatments available. This article will dive deep into scar treatments , including subcision, TCA cross, CO2 laser, Bellafill, and more—all while keeping your questions (and concerns) in mind.
Real Patient Success Story: Treating a Traumatic Forehead Scar
One of my favorite success stories involved a patient who suffered a traumatic scar right between her brows—a spot that's incredibly difficult to treat. It looked similar to an acne or chickenpox scar, but this was caused by a serious accident where a glass shard hit her forehead. She was a content creator, so the visibility of the scar was affecting her confidence both on camera and off.
Over several months, we combined multiple techniques:
Subcision : To release the tethered scar tissue beneath the surface.
TCA Cross : A chemical technique used to stimulate collagen within the scar itself.
CO2 Laser : Used twice to smooth out the texture and promote new skin growth.
Bellafill Injections : To provide immediate volume and support for long-term results.
The result? A nearly invisible scar that continued to improve over time—even years later. Her transformation reminded me why I love this work. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about restoring self-esteem and giving people the freedom to show up as themselves without fear.
What Makes a Scar Hard to Treat?
Scars can be deceptive. Some appear mild in natural light but become glaring under harsh lighting. Others seem flat but have underlying tethering that pulls the skin down, making them worse with facial expressions like frowning.
During treatments for traumatic scars , timing matters—but it’s never too late. Even if a scar has been around since childhood (like one patient’s from age 2), we can still make significant improvements using modern dermatological tools.
Acne scars come in many forms too—ice pick, boxcar, and rolling types each require tailored approaches. And don’t forget stretch marks! These aren’t technically scars, but they respond well to erbium laser treatments , which gently resurface the skin and encourage collagen production.
Breaking Down the Most Effective Scar Treatments
1. Subcision
This is a minimally invasive procedure where a small needle is inserted under the skin to break up fibrous bands that tether the scar to deeper tissues. The goal is to lift the scar closer to the surface level of the surrounding skin.
We often combine subcision with other treatments for best results. For example, adding Bellafill afterward gives instant volume while your body builds its own collagen over time.
It doesn’t hurt much—thanks to deep numbing injections before the procedure. Most patients say it feels like pressure rather than pain.
2. TCA Cross (Trichloroacetic Acid)
TCA cross involves applying a high-concentration acid directly into the base of the scar. This causes a controlled inflammatory response, which triggers collagen remodeling. It’s especially effective for narrow, deep scars like ice pick pits.
We often use it in tandem with subcision and laser therapy for layered improvement.
3. CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Carbon dioxide lasers are among the most powerful tools for skin rejuvenation. They remove thin layers of damaged skin and stimulate collagen production. I often use it twice during a treatment plan to refine the edges and texture of a scar.
Laser treatments usually take 1–4 sessions depending on severity, but most patients see visible improvement after two.
4. Bellafill
Bellafill is a dermal filler made with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres suspended in bovine collagen. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Bellafill offers semi-permanent correction by providing a scaffold for your own collagen to grow around.
I recommend it for patients needing structural support, especially those with deep or tethered scars.
FAQs: Questions Answered About Scar Treatments
- Question: How much would it be to fix a scar like this?
- Dr. Qazi: Fixing a complex scar like this typically costs around $4,000. It requires multiple modalities such as subcision, TCA cross, laser, and possibly Bellafill. Fixing a complex scar like this typically costs around $4,000. It requires multiple modalities such as subcision, TCA cross, laser, and possibly Bellafill.
- Question: What is the starting price for subcision and filler? What is the starting price for subcision and filler?
- Dr. Qazi: Subcision starts at about $800 per session, and Bellafill filler is approximately $900 per syringe. These prices may vary depending on the number of areas treated. Subcision starts at about $800 per session, and Bellafill filler is approximately $900 per syringe. These prices may vary depending on the number of areas treated.
- Question: Was the treatment done with laser, and how many sessions did it take? Was the treatment done with laser, and how many sessions did it take?
- Dr. Qazi: Yes, we used CO2 laser resurfacing. Typically, I perform laser treatments twice for optimal smoothing and collagen stimulation.
- Question: What can I use for old stretch marks?
- Dr. Qazi: Erbium laser is excellent for stretch marks. It’s less aggressive than CO2 but still stimulates collagen effectively without excessive downtime.
- Question: Do you recommend Derma Rollers for acne?
- Dr. Qazi: No, I do not recommend derma rollers or any rolling devices for active acne. They can worsen inflammation and even lead to hypertrophic scarring in some cases.
- Question: Why didn't you do a punch excision?
- Dr. Qazi: Punch excision could have created more tension in that area, especially since the scar was near the brow and moved with facial expressions. Instead, we opted for subcision and laser to avoid pulling the skin further.
- Question: I had a mole removed and the scar became darker, any recommendations?
- Dr. Qazi: Darkened scars often respond well to prescription creams like hydroquinone or pico laser treatments. Over-the-counter options like Ucerin Pigmentation Cream may help, but stronger interventions are usually needed.
- Question: I lifted my scars with Subcision, how do I get rid of discoloration?
- Dr. Qazi: Discoloration post-subcision is common and temporary. You can try lasers, chemical peels, or topical agents like retinoids and hydroquinone to even out skin tone.
- Question: What would you recommend for a mild case of rolling scars?
- Dr. Qazi: If there isn’t significant fat loss, subcision alone might be enough. But if there’s volume loss, combining subcision with filler or laser can yield better results.
- Question: Do you know if a more polished look would be possible?
- Dr. Qazi: Absolutely, but it takes time—often 1.5 to 2 years. Focus on progress, trust the process, and remember that healing happens gradually.
- Question: I'm getting micro needling done once a month. Am I wasting money or is it worth it?
- Dr. Qazi: If you’re seeing improvement, keep going! However, some patients develop hypertrophic scars from aggressive micro needling. Always communicate with your provider and consider alternatives if needed.
- Question: What do you do for acne? Tretinoin is making me have more acne and creating ice pick scars.
- Dr. Qazi: Tretinoin helps reduce oil production but needs time. Pair it with clindamycin or sulfur-based washes to control bacterial load and prevent worsening acne.
- Question: Would you be able to do subcision on me while I'm on Accutane?
- Dr. Qazi: Yes, as long as your acne is under control and you're on a stable dose. We’ll assess your skin’s condition before proceeding.
- Question: I've done a combination of treatments and I still have scars. Should I try subcision?
- Dr. Qazi: Maybe. It depends on your specific scar type and structure. Schedule a consultation so I can evaluate whether subcision is right for you.
- Question: I got sublative laser and TCA cross. Do you think it will make some improvement?
- Dr. Qazi: TCA cross definitely helps stimulate collagen. Sublative laser can also help, though I prefer CO2 for deeper scars. It depends on your scar type.
- Question: Is subcision the best thing for acne scars?
- Dr. Qazi: Not always. Some scars respond better to excision, laser, or filler. Subcision is ideal for tethered or rolling scars.
- Question: Why are scars on some days more visible than other days?
- Dr. Qazi: Oil production affects how scars appear. More oil makes scars look wider or deeper. That’s why consistency in skincare matters.
- Question: Is it hard to treat an accident scar if I've had it since I was two and now I'm 30?
- Dr. Qazi: Scar age doesn’t limit our ability to treat it. While early intervention is ideal, we can still achieve meaningful improvement regardless of age.
- Question: Is subcision the best treatment for pitted scars?
- Dr. Qazi: Subcision works well for certain pitted scars, especially rolling ones. Excision or laser may be better for isolated or deep scars.
- Question: What do you mean by taking out the scar?
- Dr. Qazi: Excision means literally removing the scar and stitching the skin back together. This creates a narrower, flatter scar that heals better than the original.
- Question: How do you tell how bad a scar is if it looks fine in normal light but worse in bad light?
- Dr. Qazi: Scars should be evaluated in multiple lighting conditions. Depth, width, tethering, and volume loss all contribute to severity—not just visual appearance.
- Question: Will a splitting suture ever fully heal if mine was taken out over 6 months ago?
- Dr. Qazi: Raised sutures can flatten with time, but may benefit from laser or steroid injections to speed up the process.
- Question: Is this covered by insurance?
- Dr. Qazi: Unfortunately, scar revision procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance in the United States.
- Question: How to fade away deep scars on side of nose?
- Dr. Qazi: Deep scars on the nose can be challenging. Rhinoplasty-related scars may respond better than acne-related ice pick scars. Laser and excision are common solutions.
- Question: Does micro needling help a scar go away?
- Dr. Qazi: Micro needling may help very flat, superficial scars slightly, but deeper scars require more advanced interventions.
- Question: What to do for blood vessel scars on the forehead?
- Dr. Qazi: Red spots may be cherry angiomas or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). V-beam or Excel V lasers are highly effective for fading these vascular blemishes.
- Question: What makes you decide between subcision and unsure cases?
- Dr. Qazi: I assess depth, tethering, location, and how clustered the scars are. If they’re isolated and not deeply anchored, subcision may not be necessary.
- Question: Is there a procedure for an oil burn scar?
- Dr. Qazi: Yes! Lasers can address both texture and pigmentation from burn scars. We tailor treatments to the individual scar characteristics.
- Question: Can you explain why I see scar improvements sometimes and sometimes I don't?
- Dr. Qazi: Scar appearance fluctuates due to oil production and ongoing collagen remodeling. Early results can ebb and flow until the tissue stabilizes.
- Question: If I've gotten more scars from recent breakouts, do you think it'll be easier to resolve due to them being relatively young scars?
- Dr. Qazi: Yes, newer scars typically respond faster because the collagen matrix is still forming and more responsive to treatments.
- Question: What's the process of subcision, how bad does it hurt, and do they use numbing creams or anything?
- Dr. Qazi: Numbing cream isn’t enough. We inject a strong local anesthetic to completely block sensation. Patients report feeling pressure, not pain.
- Question: How many sessions does full removal usually take?
- Dr. Qazi: Full resolution typically takes 2–4 sessions, depending on scar complexity and patient response.
- Question: How to treat sebaceous hyperplasia?
- Dr. Qazi: Controlling oil production is key. Retinoids, low-dose isotretinoin, or CO2 laser ablation can effectively reduce sebaceous bumps.
- Question: What's difference between treating skin at 21 versus 30?
- Dr. Qazi: At 21, skin tends to bounce back faster. By 30, collagen turnover slows, so results take longer, but are still achievable with consistent care.
- Question: Can this be done on people 35 or older?
- Dr. Qazi: Absolutely! Age is not a barrier. I treat patients well into their 70s and 80s successfully.
- Question: How many subcisions can be done on a scar?
- Dr. Qazi: One session is usually sufficient. In rare cases, a second may be beneficial, but we avoid over-treating.
- Question: Will the fall season be busy scheduling-wise?
- Dr. Qazi: Yes, fall is one of our busiest times. I recommend booking early to secure preferred slots.
- Question: Is it okay to get PRP with poly-nucleotides and microneedling with growth factors a month after acne scar treatment to help with healing?
- Dr. Qazi: I’m okay with PRP and polynucleotide injections, but I advise against microneedling post-treatment as it can interfere with healing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're dealing with acne scars, traumatic injuries, or surgical marks, there’s hope—and there are proven treatments. Don’t let past trauma or skin damage define your future.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward clearer, smoother skin, I invite you to schedule a consultation today. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Remember: Healing takes time, but every step forward counts.
To learn more or book your consultation, visit DoctorQazi.com .
