Hi, I'm Dr. Qazi, and I specialize in skin restoration in Newport Beach, California. My focus is primarily on acne, scars, pigmentation, facial balancing, and collagen stimulation. Today, I will talk about acne scar treatments, sun protection and want to share an incredible case with you—a patient who aimed for the best possible results and achieved near glass skin over the course of a year.Â
The Transformation Journey
This particular patient came to me in June of last year, traveling all the way from Arizona. His goal was to achieve the smoothest skin possible, aiming for what many refer to as "glass skin." Over the span of a year, we conducted several sessions, ultimately achieving remarkable results. His skin is now pretty close to scarless, with only tiny bits remaining. This case exemplifies what can be achieved with dedication and following through with every step of the treatment plan.
The Importance of Following Instructions
One of the key elements that contributed to this patient's success was his unwavering commitment to following my instructions. He trusted the process entirely, which involved multiple treatments such as subcision, TCA cross, Bellafill, and laser resurfacing. Each of these steps played a crucial role in achieving his desired outcome.
Treatment Breakdown
Subcision and Bio-stimulatory Fillers
Subcision is a procedure where we break up the fibrous bands that pull down the skin, causing scars. For this patient, we performed subcision once, combined with bio-stimulatory fillers like Bellafill. These fillers not only add volume but also stimulate your body's natural collagen production, leading to long-lasting results.
Laser Resurfacing
We utilized various lasers, including the erbium laser and CO2 laser. The erbium laser was primarily used for blending and polishing, while the CO2 laser targeted the edges of the scars. Each session brought us closer to the polished look he desired.
TCA Cross
TCA Cross involves applying trichloroacetic acid directly into the scars to promote healing and collagen production. We performed this treatment multiple times to ensure deep scars were adequately addressed.
Understanding Acne Scars and Treatment Options
Acne scars come in various forms—rolling, boxcar, and ice pick scars—each requiring a tailored approach. Rolling scars are broad depressions with sloping edges, whereas boxcar scars have sharp, defined edges. Ice pick scars are deep and narrow, often resembling large pores. Understanding the type of scars you have is essential for choosing the right treatment.
For rolling scars, subcision with fat transfer can be particularly effective. By releasing the tethered scar tissue and replacing lost volume with fat, we can significantly improve the skin's texture and appearance. This method not only addresses structural issues but also stimulates collagen production, providing both immediate and long-term benefits.
Maintaining Results and Long-Term Care
Achieving optimal results isn't just about the treatments; it's also about maintaining them. Post-treatment care is crucial for ensuring that your skin remains healthy and vibrant. This includes using high-quality skincare products, adhering to a consistent skincare routine, and protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
I recommend using gentle cleansers and sunscreens daily. Products containing retinoids can help maintain collagen production and keep the skin looking youthful. Regular follow-up appointments are also essential to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
The Importance of Sun Protection
Sun protection is paramount in maintaining the results of any skin treatment. Throughout the transcript, I emphasized the importance of sunblock and proper sun protection. One of my patients, who traveled from Arizona, followed my sun protection advice meticulously. He used sunblock religiously and avoided unnecessary sun exposure, which significantly contributed to his excellent results.
Even during summer, when sun exposure is higher, my patients adhere strictly to sun protection protocols. Many of them wear visors, which I personally use too. Visors help shield the face from direct sunlight, preventing hyperpigmentation and other sun-induced damages. I've noticed that younger patients, especially high school and college students, are quite diligent about sun protection, which is commendable.
For those concerned about pigmentation issues post-treatment, rest assured that with proper sun protection, complications are minimal. As one patient mentioned, even though they were initially worried about laser treatments during summer, their adherence to sun protection measures resulted in no pigmentation problems.
Questions Answered
- Question: Do you have an erbium laser?Dr. Qazi: Yes, I use the erbium laser extensively. It’s one of my favorites for blending and cleaning up the skin subtly.
- Question: What’s the recovery time of ND Yag laser?Dr. Qazi: I don’t typically use the ND Yag laser for resurfacing purposes. Instead, I prefer it for treating veins. For resurfacing, there are better options available.
- Question: What will be the recovery time for the combination treatment?Dr. Qazi: Generally, patients experience about 4 to 7 days of downtime for the majority of combination treatments.
- Question: Once Bellafill is administered, how often should it be reapplied?Dr. Qazi: Bellafill contains cow collagen, which diminishes after about a month. After that, your body starts building its own collagen around the PMMA microspheres. Typically, touch-ups are done gradually over time rather than all at once.
- Question: Have you ever had a patient where results were good after the first session but not good after the second?Dr. Qazi: Honestly, no. In my experience, results consistently improve with subsequent sessions.
- Question: What do you think of TCA paints?Dr. Qazi: I absolutely love TCA paints. They play a significant role in our daily treatments, especially for addressing specific types of scars effectively.
- Question: What’s the difference between Sculptra and Bellafill?Dr. Qazi: Both are bio-stimulatory fillers, but they differ significantly. Sculptra consists of PLLA, which breaks down into lactic acid over two years, whereas Bellafill contains PMMA and bovine collagen, lasting at least five years and being FDA-approved for scars.
- Question: Will tretinoin work for rolling scars?Dr. Qazi: Probably not much for rolling scars, though it can help shrink ice pick and boxcar scars slightly.
- Question: Do you think at-home dermapen will significantly improve rolling pitted acne scars?Dr. Qazi: No, I am not a fan of rolling devices for home use. Stamping devices like Banish are preferable if you must do something at home.
- Question: Do you have any realistic phenol peel results?Dr. Qazi: Yes, I have some amazing results on my page. Phenol peels can yield impressive outcomes, especially for severe scars.
Final Thoughts
Achieving flawless skin requires patience, dedication, and trust in the process. As demonstrated by this patient's journey, consistent adherence to a well-planned treatment regimen yields exceptional results as well as sun protection. Whether you're dealing with acne scars, pigmentation issues, or seeking overall skin rejuvenation, remember that personalized care tailored to your unique needs is paramount.
Thank you for joining me today. If you found this article helpful, please give it a like and follow for more insights. To schedule a consultation, click here or give us a call at 949-336-7293. We would be happy to help you!
