Hello, everyone. I’m Dr. Qazi, a skin restoration specialist based in Newport Beach, California. My practice focuses on treating acne, scars, pigmentation issues, and facial balancing. Over the years, I’ve helped countless patients restore their confidence by addressing stubborn skin concerns. Today, I want to walk you through how I approach one of the most common yet challenging skin concerns: temple scars. Along the way, I’ll also touch on dimple-like scars, volume loss, and other related topics that often come up in consultations. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Temple Scars and Why They’re Tricky
Temple scars are a unique challenge because they occur in an area where the skin is thinner and more delicate compared to other parts of the face. Many practitioners make the mistake of using overly aggressive treatments like high-energy lasers or microneedling in this region. While these treatments can be effective elsewhere, they often fall short when it comes to temple scars—and worse, they can cause complications like hyperpigmentation or worsening scarring.
In my experience, the key to treating temple scars lies in a combination of modalities tailored to the specific needs of the patient. For example, let’s take a look at a recent case. A patient came in with deep temple scars, and we treated him with a combination of TCA CROSS , Bellafill , and low-energy laser resurfacing. The results? After just one year, his scars showed significant improvement. This wasn’t a quick fix—it was a slow, steady process that delivered natural, long-lasting results.
So, what exactly did we do?
- TCA CROSS : This involves applying trichloroacetic acid (TCA) directly into the base of the scar. It helps break down the scar tissue and promotes collagen production.
- Bellafill : Unlike traditional fillers, Bellafill contains PMMA microspheres that stimulate your body to produce its own collagen over time. It’s a game-changer for scars, especially those accompanied by volume loss.
- Low-Energy Laser Resurfacing : We used a gentle laser to smooth out the edges of the scars without damaging the surrounding tissue.
This multi-pronged approach is far more effective than relying on a single treatment, which is why I always emphasize the importance of personalized care.
Treating Dimples in the Skin, Like on the Glutes
Now, let’s talk about another type of scarring: dimples in the skin, such as those found on the glutes. These are often caused by tethered scar tissue pulling the skin inward. To address this, I recommend a two-step process:
- Subcision : This involves breaking up the fibrous bands beneath the skin that are causing the dimpling. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that instantly releases the tension.
- Bio-Stimulatory Fillers : After subcision, I use products like Sculptra or Bellafill to restore lost volume and encourage collagen production. This ensures that the dimples stay smoothed out over time.
The combination of subcision and fillers works wonders, but patience is key. Like with temple scars, the results improve gradually as your body rebuilds its natural collagen.
Can You Regain Volume Naturally?
A question I hear often is whether it’s possible to regain volume naturally. The answer is yes—but with limitations. If you gain weight, your body may redistribute fat to some areas, including your face. However, this isn’t always predictable, especially in scarred areas where fat cells have been replaced by scar tissue. That’s why targeted treatments like Bellafill or Sculptra are so valuable—they help replace lost volume precisely where you need it.
Best Treatments for Temple Scars
As mentioned earlier, my go-to treatments for temple scars include TCA CROSS, Bellafill, and low-energy laser resurfacing. But why do I prefer these methods over others? Here’s why:
- TCA CROSS : Targets the root of the problem by breaking down scar tissue.
- Bellafill : Provides both immediate and long-term benefits by stimulating collagen production.
- Low-Energy Lasers : Smoothens the surface of the skin without causing excessive damage.
These treatments work synergistically to deliver results that look natural and last for years.
Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I receive from patients, along with my answers:
Question: How would you treat dimples in the skin like on the glutes?
Dr. Qazi: I would start with subcision to release the tethered scar tissue, followed by bio-stimulatory fillers like Sculptra or Bellafill to restore volume.
Question: Does microneedling fix this?
Dr. Qazi: Not really. Microneedling has limited effectiveness for deep scars, especially ice pick scars. You need something more targeted, like TCA CROSS.
Question: Can you regain volume naturally?
Dr. Qazi: Yes, but it depends. Gaining weight might help, but it won’t necessarily target scarred areas. That’s where fillers like Bellafill come in.
Question: What are the best treatments for temple scars?
Dr. Qazi: I recommend a combination of TCA CROSS, Bellafill, and low-energy laser resurfacing. This approach addresses both the depth and texture of the scars.
Question: Would a facelift achieve the same result for acne scars for someone in their late 40s?
Dr. Qazi: No, a facelift primarily addresses skin laxity. It won’t solve underlying scar tissue. You still need treatments like subcision or fillers.
Question: Is tretinoin helpful for acne scars?
Dr. Qazi: It can help reduce oil production and improve scar diameter, but it’s not enough for severe scars. Combining it with other treatments yields better results.
Question: Does derma stamping help?
Dr. Qazi: It’s slightly better than microneedling rollers, but it’s still not sufficient for deep scars. TCA CROSS is far more effective.
Question: Can I use tretinoin with a high-frequency wand?
Dr. Qazi: No, combining these increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Stick to one treatment at a time.
Question: What do you think of hypochlorous acid spray for redness?
Dr. Qazi: It helps reduce bacterial overgrowth and calms redness. We compound it in-house for our acne patients, and it works incredibly well.
Question: Do you recommend glycolic acid for melasma patches on the face?
Dr. Qazi: Not really. Melasma is complex and requires a combination of treatments, including lasers and oral medications.
Question: Antibiotics for acne—what’s your approach?
Dr. Qazi: I prefer topical antibiotics like clindamycin or dapsone. Oral antibiotics are only for severe cases and should be used sparingly.
Question: How much does TCA CROSS cost, and how many sessions does it take?
Dr. Qazi: Costs vary, but expect several sessions depending on the scar depth. Check my website, doctorqazi.com, for pricing details.
Question: What do you recommend for PIH in the middle of uneven texture from cystic acne rather than acne scar?
Dr. Qazi: Start with Eucerin Anti-Pigment Cream. It’s affordable, effective, and safe for long-term use.
Question: Is hydroquinone good for hyperpigmentation?
Dr. Qazi: For short periods, yes. But I prefer safer alternatives like Eucerin Anti-Pigment Cream.
Question: If I have acne, should I shave with a razor or foil shaver?
Dr. Qazi: Always use a razor. Electric shavers can cause hypertrophic scars. Pair it with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil for best results.
Final Thoughts
Treating scars and pigmentation issues is a journey, not a sprint. It requires patience, consistency, and the right combination of treatments. As a physician, my goal is to provide long-term solutions that allow my patients to feel confident in their skin for years to come.
If you’re struggling with scars, pigmentation, or any other skin concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can self-schedule a consultation directly on my website by clicking here and we’ll create a personalized plan tailored to your needs.
