Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Qazi, a skin restoration specialist based in Newport Beach, California. My mission is to help people overcome challenges with acne, scars, pigmentation, and facial balancing. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of transforming countless lives through personalized treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Today, I want to share one remarkable journey—a patient from Minnesota who trusted me with his skin and experienced life-changing results. This patient had previously tried other treatments like fat transfer, phenol cross, lasers, and more but had no results. So we created a treatment plan that would work for him.
The Patient's Story: From Self-Consciousness to Confidence
This patient came to me after trying numerous treatments elsewhere, including lasers, phenol cross, fat transfer, and more. Despite these efforts, he wasn’t seeing significant improvements. His scars were deep, tethered, and resistant to previous attempts at treatment. What struck me most was how much his scars affected his confidence. He shared stories about feeling too self-conscious to talk to someone beautiful on a flight or being anxious at social events like anime conventions because of his appearance.
We embarked on a comprehensive plan that included subcision, laser resurfacing, TCA cross, bio-stimulatory fillers (like Bellafill), and pico laser for pigmentation. After one year, the transformation was incredible—not just physically but emotionally. He reported leveling up in every aspect of his life, from relationships to career opportunities. It’s moments like this that remind me why I do what I do.
Breaking Down the Treatment Process
To achieve such transformative results, we employed several advanced techniques:
- Subcision : This involves breaking up scar tissue using blunt cannulas, Taylor liberator tools, or Nokor needles. For patients with deep, tethered scars, subcision is often essential before other treatments like fat transfer can work effectively. Without it, injected materials may not settle properly into the desired layers of the skin.
- Laser Resurfacing : We used CO2 and erbium fractional lasers to remodel the surface texture of the skin. These lasers are highly effective for smoothing out uneven areas and addressing pigmentation issues.
- Bio-Stimulatory Fillers : Products like Bellafill stimulate collagen production while providing immediate volume replacement. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which dissolve over time, Bellafill offers long-lasting results by integrating with your natural tissue.
- TCA Cross : A powerful chemical peel technique targeting individual scars, especially ice pick scars. Depending on the Fitzpatrick skin type, I adjust the concentration of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to minimize risks like hyperpigmentation.
- Pico Laser : To address lingering pigmentation concerns, we incorporated pico lasers, which break down stubborn discoloration without harming surrounding tissues.
Why Comprehensive Care Matters
One critical lesson from this case is the importance of a holistic approach. Many practitioners focus solely on one modality—say, fat transfer—but fail to consider underlying factors like scar tissue. In this patient’s case, prior fat transfers hadn’t yielded satisfactory results because they skipped subcision. As a result, the fat migrated around the scars instead of filling them correctly.
Similarly, improper laser use can exacerbate pigmentation issues, particularly in darker skin tones. That’s why precision and customization are key components of my practice. Every step must complement the others to ensure safe, lasting outcomes.
Beyond Physical Transformation: Emotional Healing
What makes cases like this so rewarding isn’t just the visible improvement—it’s witnessing the emotional healing that follows. Patients often come to me burdened by years of insecurity and frustration. When their skin begins to heal, so does their confidence. They start pursuing dreams they once hesitated to chase, whether it’s asking someone out, attending conferences, or simply enjoying life without constantly worrying about their appearance.
The Importance of Support Systems
Support systems play a pivotal role in the healing process. One of my patients, a new mother, faced harsh criticism from her husband regarding her post-pregnancy scars. This external noise not only dampened her spirits but also hindered her willingness to continue treatment. Conversely, patients with supportive families tend to fare better emotionally and physically.
For instance, a patient from Texas, drove seven to eight hours with her husband for consultations. Her husband’s unwavering support significantly contributed to her successful outcomes. Stories like hers underscore the importance of having a strong, encouraging environment throughout the treatment journey.
Addressing Common Concerns About Treatments
Many potential patients express concerns about the invasiveness and cost of treatments. It’s essential to clarify that not all procedures are invasive or prohibitively expensive. Options like bio-stimulatory fillers offer minimally invasive solutions with long-lasting benefits. Retinoids, available over the counter, provide an affordable starting point for mild scarring and pigmentation issues.
Moreover, advancements in technology have introduced non-invasive devices like LED lights and high-frequency wands. While their efficacy varies, incorporating basic skincare routines—retinoids, sunblock, and moisturizers—can yield substantial improvements without hefty investments.
Questions Answered: Expert Insights on Skin Restoration
Here are answers to some of the questions I received during the live session:
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Question: What percentage of TCA for TCA cross do you use in Fitzpatrick four through five?
Dr. Qazi: I typically range between 30% and 80%, depending on the depth of the scar and the patient’s skin tone. For Fitzpatrick types four and above, I exercise caution to avoid prolonged hyperpigmentation. -
Question: What’s the least invasive procedure to improve youthfulness?
Dr. Qazi: Bio-stimulatory fillers like Bellafill are excellent options. They replace lost volume while stimulating natural collagen production, offering subtle yet impactful rejuvenation. -
Question: Does Bellafill migrate?
Dr. Qazi: Not when administered correctly. I inject tiny micro-droplets precisely where needed, ensuring stability and minimizing complications. -
Question: Is it true masseter Botox can lead to early sagging and jowling?
Dr. Qazi: It depends on the individual. If there’s existing laxity, reducing the masseter muscle might worsen sagging. However, combining jawline and chin fillers can counteract this effect. -
Question: Are there vegan fillers/injectables or treatments you recommend?
Dr. Qazi: While no product is strictly “vegan,” Radiesse—a calcium-based filler—is a close alternative. It’s naturally cleared from the body and doesn’t derive from animal sources. -
Question: What’s a quick way to help stubborn PIE at home?
Dr. Qazi: Start with 10% azelaic acid, an affordable and accessible option that reduces redness and inflammation. -
Question: What’s a cheap treatment for acne scars?
Dr. Qazi: Retinoids are cost-effective and widely available. Though results vary, they’re a great starting point for mild scarring. -
Question: What can I use as aftercare for CO2 laser?
Dr. Qazi: Moisturizers, sunblock, and sometimes silver creams or steroid ointments help protect and soothe the skin post-treatment. -
Question: Does at-home blue LED light help with inflammatory acne?
Dr. Qazi: Evidence is limited, but it’s likely safe and may provide mild benefits. Professional-grade devices offer better efficacy. -
Question: Why do scar results take longer for some people than others?
Dr. Qazi: Factors include adherence to protocols, severity of scarring, lifestyle influences, and emotional resilience. Success requires patience and commitment. -
Question: Any tips for matching IM?
Dr. Qazi: Hustle, build strong relationships with mentors, and prioritize understanding your patients deeply. Hard work always pays off. -
Question: How to fix dark elbows from leaning too much on the table?
Dr. Qazi: Treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with anti-pigment creams, hydroquinone, or silicone tape. -
Question: Hi Dr Qazi in your experience is there a noticeable difference in how fast you could get results in patients in their early 20s and early 30s?
Dr. Qazi: Generally, younger patients see faster results due to higher collagen production. However, age alone isn’t a limiting factor. -
Question: What is the average price for a treatment like this?
Dr. Qazi: Most patients spend $5,000–$7,000 on scar treatments. Those with extensive volume loss or deeper scarring may require $10,000–$20,000.
Final Thoughts: There’s Hope for Everyone
If you’re struggling with acne scars, pigmentation, or signs of aging, know that solutions exist. Whether it’s bio-stimulatory fillers, advanced laser therapies, or customized combinations of treatments, modern dermatology has evolved to address even the toughest cases. My goal is to empower you with knowledge, compassion, and expertise so you can reclaim your confidence and live life fully.
Feel free to reach out via doctorqazi.com for consultations or further questions. Together, let’s embark on your journey toward radiant, healthy skin.
