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Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. When breakouts become infected with bacteria, inflammatory acne occurs, and the risk of developing acne scarring following the outbreak increases. One type of acne scar that is particularly challenging to treat is the ice pick scar, which is characterized by a deep and narrow depression that can vary in depth depending on the severity of the infection preceding it. Many patients feel frustrated and self-conscious about the appearance of ice-pick scars, which are frequently on highly visible areas of the face, such as the cheeks and forehead, and are not easily covered by makeup. Unfortunately, without the help of a cosmetic procedure, these ice-pick scars are permanent, leaving evidence of severe acne lesions long after the initial breakout has been resolved. Luckily, there are many effective treatment options available at Dr. Michele Green’s New York City dermatology office to eliminate the appearance of ice-pick scars.

Ice-pick acne scars are often challenging to treat due to the depth of the scarring that occurs. However, Dr. Green has a wide range of treatment options available for all skin types to reduce the appearance of scars for smooth, clear-textured skin. To improve the skin texture, Dr. Green may turn to a combination approach of non-ablative laser treatments, – such as the VBeam laser for addressing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the Fraxel laser for skin resurfacing, and the eMatrix laser for increasing collagen production. Other acne scar treatment options include chemical peels, the TCA cross, and subcision with dermal fillers to replenish the lost volume of the depressed scars. For particularly deep scars, Dr. Green may turn to punch excision or punch grafting to remove the scar. With so many treatment options available, it can be difficult to know which is the right combination for your skin type, tone, and the types of acne scars present, which is why it is always best to begin treatment by consulting an experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive acne scar treatment options, including for icepick scars. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach to acne scar treatment, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to incorporate a combination of the procedures best suited to their skin type, skin tone, and the types of acne scars present. She specializes in treatment options such as laser resurfacing, traditional and radiofrequency microneedling, chemical peels, TCA cross, dermabrasion, subcision with dermal fillers, and more. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, the New York Times, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green for acne scar treatment at her private, boutique dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you so that you achieve and maintain a healthy, clear, smooth complexion that lasts so that you look and feel like the best version of yourself.

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What are ice-pick acne scars?

Ice-pick acne scars are characterized by narrow, deep, sharp craters found on the skin’s surface that can form following a deep infection in severe acne lesions. The name “ice-pick scar” derives from how the skin scars resemble indentations made by a narrow, sharp object, such as an ice pick. Ice-pick scars can range in depth and size. However, they often can extend deeper into the dermal layer of skin than the original acne cyst or nodule, depending on the body’s healing process and the amount of new collagen produced. As ice-pick scars are most commonly found in highly visible areas of the face, such as the cheeks and forehead, many patients feel self-conscious about the deep scars and uneven skin texture that are characteristic of atrophic acne scars. While ice-pick scars are very difficult to treat, many effective treatment options are available at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in New York City.

What are the different types of acne scars?

The different types of acne scars fall into one of two main categories: hypertrophic and atrophic acne scars. Atrophic acne scars are characterized by depressions or indents in the skin’s surface that result from insufficient collagen production during the wound-healing process and can be further broken down into three subtypes: ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling acne scars. Unlike ice pick scars, which are deep and narrow indentations, boxcar scars are wide, round holes that can vary in depth depending on the severity of the inflammatory acne breakout. Rolling scars create a wavy appearance on the skin’s surface, and while boxcar scars have sharp edges, rolling scars have sloping edges that further contribute to their wave-like appearance.

The second overarching type of acne scar is the hypertrophic acne scar, which forms raised scar tissue due to an overproduction of new collagen during the wound-healing process. Hypertrophic or keloid scars often look like lumpy skin growths and can grow bigger in surface area than the original lesion or wound. Whether an acne scar develops into an atrophic scar or a hypertrophic scar is difficult to predict. However, studies show that those with a genetic predisposition to developing keloid scars are more likely to develop hypertrophic acne scars following a severe breakout.

Acne scars can also result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or discoloration, on the skin’s surface, making the scar tissue appear red or dark in color. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the inflammatory acne infection triggers the melanocytes to produce an excess of melanin, the pigment in the skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not true acne scarring and does have the potential to resolve on its own eventually. However, it can take a significant amount of time to resolve independently. The healing process can be expedited with various non-invasive cosmetic treatment options. During the acne scar treatment process, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be targeted with such treatment options as the VBeam laser, chemical peels, microneedling, or microdermabrasion.

Why do ice-pick scars form?

Ice-pick scars are caused when the body’s natural healing process produces insufficient collagen following an inflammatory acne breakout, leading to indentations that can extend deep into the dermis. Acne is a common medical skin condition that occurs when the pores are clogged by debris, such as dead skin cells, sebum, and dirt. When the pores are clogged, bacteria can become trapped and multiply, leading to inflammatory acne, manifesting as painful pimples, nodules, or cysts. The inflammation in the pores leads to trauma in the surrounding skin, which can cause collagen and elastin to break down and trigger the body’s natural healing process. Often, due to the trauma in the affected area, the body cannot produce the right amount of collagen to fully heal the acne lesion, which leads to the formation of depressed acne scars, such as ice-pick scars. The deeper the infection in the acne lesion, the deeper the ice-pick scar will be, and deep scars are much more difficult to eliminate. That is why it is imperative to seek treatment for active acne outbreaks as early as possible to avoid deep infection and potential scarring. An experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, will work with you to develop a personalized acne treatment plan that caters to your particular skin condition, taking into consideration your skin type and medical and family history.

Will ice-pick acne scars go away on their own?

Ice-pick acne scars typically form after a deep infection in acne lesions, leading to narrow, deep facial scars. When severe acne is left untreated, the scarring that can develop during the wound-healing process can be deep and difficult to treat. In fact, without treatment for acne scars, they are usually permanent. Over-the-counter topical creams or at-home remedies may be able to reduce some of the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that’s left behind after inflammatory acne, but to eliminate the indentation in the skin left by ice pick scars, patients should turn first to an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green for professional, effective acne scar treatment options.

Can you get rid of ice-pick scars?

While ice-pick scars will not go away on their own, they can be treated at a dermatologist’s office with a range of effective treatment options. Most often, a combination approach is best when looking to eliminate the appearance of ice-pick scars, as both the indentation and the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation must be addressed to restore the skin’s clarity. To improve the skin’s texture and boost collagen production, Dr. Green may recommend using chemical peels, such as the trichloroacetic acid peel, traditional or radiofrequency microneedling, and eMatrix radiofrequency laser treatment, or the Fraxel fractional laser treatment. To reverse signs of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the VBeam pulsed dye laser is highly effective, as are chemical peels such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid peels. In some cases, when the scar is very deep, Dr. Green may turn to punch excision or punch grafting to remove the scar surgically. The first step in getting rid of ice-pick scars is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Green to determine which combination of acne scar treatment options is best for you.

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How to get rid of ice-pick acne scars with chemical peels

A chemical peel is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment option that improves skin tone, texture, and radiance by accelerating the rate of skin cell turnover to reveal healthy, new skin cells and stimulate new collagen production. A chemical peel entails the topical application of acid-based solutions at varying concentrations. It is frequently used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, clear up active breakouts, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and brighten dark spots on the skin. One of the best ways to prevent the formation of ice pick scars in the first place is to cure acne breakouts as soon as possible, and chemical peels, which work to exfoliate the skin and unclog the pores, are highly effective solutions. Typically, when addressing an active acne breakout, the chemical peels used are mild and can include 20-40% glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. When used to treat ice-pick scars, it is best to use a high-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel to promote skin cell turnover and boost collagen production for even-textured, healthy skin.

What is a TCA cross for ice pick scars?

The most effective type of chemical peel for treating ice pick scars is a method that involves using trichloroacetic acid, better known as the TCA cross. TCA cross uses a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid (70-100%) for the chemical reconstruction of skin scars, which is inserted directly into the indentations formed by ice-pick scars. Usually, the chemical solution is placed into the acne scars using a tool like a toothpick. Following the application of the solution, the TCA Cross forms a “frost” over the depression, triggering an inflammatory response and the subsequent production of new collagen in the treatment area. When new collagen is produced, the depth of the scarring is reduced, creating a more even skin texture. Dr. Green recommends repeating TCA Cross, with each treatment spaced 6-8 weeks apart, to achieve the best results. Patients with darker skin tones are at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation as a side effect of the treatment, and, as such, Dr. Green will either recommend a different treatment option or apply the TCA Cross at a much lower concentration. Following the TCA Cross treatment, patients should practice skincare in the form of strict sun avoidance by staying inside when the sun is at its most intense and wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 50 when going outside during those peak hours. When you have TCA cross with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, you will be provided with all of the pertinent aftercare required for achieving and maintaining optimal results.

Microneedling for ice-pick acne scars

Microneedling, also known as collagen-induction therapy, can be a highly effective treatment for rejuvenating the skin texture and tone to reduce the appearance of ice-pick acne scars. Microneedling involves using a handheld device containing tiny, surgical-grade needles to create micro-punctures in the epidermis. These controlled injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response, boosting the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. When collagen and elastin are produced, they help fill in the deep ice-pick scars to improve the skin’s texture. Platelet-rich plasma can be applied to the surface of the skin where the microneedling device has pierced the skin, allowing for better absorption of the PRP, which helps with the healing process. Platelet-rich plasma is a serum rich in epidermal growth factors, which enhance the skin rejuvenation results of the treatment. PRP is derived from a sample of the patient’s blood that is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The PRP is applied as a topical serum following the use of the microneedling device. Most patients require a series of microneedling treatments to obtain the best results, with each treatment session spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling for ice pick scars

Radiofrequency microneedling is a unique treatment option that combines the regenerative effects of traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy to maximize new collagen production. The microneedling aspect of the treatment involves creating micro-injuries in the epidermis with a handheld device containing ultra-fine needles. The radiofrequency energy delivers heat to the dermis, where it helps break up scar tissue and further stimulates collagen production. This combination treatment makes it effective for addressing a wide range of skin concerns, including various signs of aging, stretch marks, and acne scars. RF microneedling can help reduce the appearance of rolling scars, boxcar scars, and icepick scars. Most patients will require multiple treatment sessions to obtain their final desired results. The exact number of treatment sessions required will depend on the initial severity of one’s acne scars. The average number of radiofrequency microneedling treatments for icepick acne scars is 4-6, with each spaced approximately one month apart.

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How to get rid of ice pick scars with laser resurfacing

Laser treatment for acne scarring is a highly effective method of reducing the appearance of icepick acne scars. There are several different types of lasers that Dr. Green employs for the treatment of acne scars: the Fraxel laser for skin resurfacing, the eMatrix radiofrequency laser, and the VBeam laser for addressing hyperpigmentation.

Fraxel Laser: Dr. Green refers to the Fraxel laser as the ‘magic eraser. ‘It uses fractionated energy to target a specific area while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. This feature significantly reduces the amount of downtime required, with most patients experiencing mild side effects of redness and swelling in the treatment area for about two days. By delivering a targeted beam of energy into the dermal layer of skin, the Fraxel laser stimulates collagen production to improve the skin’s texture and fill in the ice-pick scar. For this type of scarring, Dr. Green recommends scheduling 5-6 treatment sessions, each taking about 15 minutes, to achieve the best results.

eMatrix Laser: The eMatrix sublative laser uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production for all skin types, including those with darker skin, who may be more susceptible to unwanted side effects like hyperpigmentation with other laser treatment options. The radiofrequency energy heats the inner layer of the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing response and boost collagen production. Dr. Green usually recommends five treatment sessions for ice pick scars, each spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

VBeam Laser: The VBeam laser is the gold standard for erasing signs of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Using pulsed dye energy, the VBeam laser targets pigmented areas of the skin, which absorb the light and destroy the pigmentation while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. As a result, the VBeam laser is best used on red or violaceous scars. The VBeam laser can also be used on active acne breakouts to reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. The VBeam is also equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device, which emits a burst of cool air before each laser pulse to enhance patient comfort during the treatment. Most patients need a short series of 4-6 VBeam laser treatments to achieve the best results.

How a dermatologist gets rid of icepick scars with punch excision

When ice pick scars are particularly deep, it may be best to turn to a mild surgical treatment such as punch excision to remove the scar. Punch excision works by incision and surgically removing the scar before healing the wound with stitches or a skin graft. A punch tool, which is regularly used for biopsy of skin cancer, is utilized to remove scar tissue. After removing the scar, the wound left behind is closed with fine sutures. Punch excision can not be used to treat raised acne scars, like keloids or hyperpigmented acne scars. Additionally, punch excision is unable to treat any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with an acne scar. As there is a risk of scarring associated with any surgical procedure, Dr. Green only recommends punch excision for very deep ice-pick scars that do not respond to other treatment options.

How does punch grafting work?

Punch grafting, similar to punch excision, is a surgical treatment that takes a skin graft – usually from behind the year – to close the icepick scar for smoother skin. The treatment works best for larger or deeper ice-pick scars that are found on parts of the face that are less mobile, such as the forehead. Again, due to the surgical nature of the procedure and the risk of further scarring that can develop due to surgery, Dr. Green only recommends punch grafting for deep ice-pick scars.

Why am I getting ice-pick scars?

Patients are at an increased risk for developing ice-pick scars when inflammatory acne is left untreated. When bacteria become trapped in pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells, inflammation and infection can occur, which causes trauma to the surrounding skin and inhibits the wound healing process. As a result, insufficient collagen is produced to adequately repair the skin, leading to an atrophic acne scar such as the ice pick scar. The deeper the infection, the deeper the acne scar may be, leading to narrow indentations that extend the dermis. Some patients are more susceptible to scarring than others. Still, the best way to avoid developing ice pick scars altogether is to treat active acne outbreaks as quickly as possible with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC. Dr. Green will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically evaluate your skin condition, and potentially order certain lab tests to determine the causes of your acne and develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Does picking acne cause scars?

Picking, squeezing, or popping acne lesions can deepen or spread infection, which puts patients at increased risk of developing permanent acne scars. When acne is picked, trauma to the surrounding skin increases, decreasing the body’s ability to heal the wound properly. Further, popping or squeezing pimples can force the infection down into the pores or spread the infection to other acne lesions, which can also increase the potential for scarring. Rather than picking or squeezing acne lesions, it is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, to treat an active breakout of any form of acne most effectively.

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How can I avoid ice-pick acne scars?

The best way to avoid acne scars is to treat and prevent acne breakouts as early as possible. Several effective methods are available for the prevention and treatment of acne at Dr. Green’s office. To treat an already active acne outbreak, Dr. Green may recommend the use of topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clindamycin, or benzoyl peroxide to reduce the bacteria found on the skin and trapped in the pores, Retinoids or chemical peels to help unclog the pores, exfoliate the skin, and increase skin cell turnover, or Azelaic acid, which acts as an anti-inflammatory. To prevent further breakouts, Dr. Green may prescribe an oral antibiotic, such as minocycline or doxycycline, birth control pills to regulate the hormonal fluctuations that can increase the risk of a breakout, or Accutane for acne that has not responded to other treatment options.

There are also several skincare recommendations for promoting healthy skin and decreasing the risk of developing acne scarring. To start, it is important to avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples, as this can spread infection, which increases the risk of scarring. Dr. Green also suggests that patients avoid rubbing their faces and using cleansers that are rough on the skin. Further, patients should refrain from touching their faces throughout the day lest the oils from their hands clog the pores on their faces. Patients should also be advised always to wear sunscreen when going outside. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green will help ensure that you develop a safe, effective, and appropriate treatment plan for your skin condition.

Are ice pick scars permanent?

Ice-pick scars form due to severe inflammatory acne, which leaves deep, narrow indentations on the skin’s surface. Without proper treatment, these scars can remain permanently, providing patients with an unfortunate reminder of past acne outbreaks. Due to the permanent nature of the scarring and the often highly visible placement, many patients opt to receive cosmetic treatment to reduce the appearance of ice-pick acne scars on the face. In order to guarantee safety, efficacy, and optimal results, it is always recommended to have acne scar treatments with an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green in New York. Dr. Green customizes each patient’s acne scar treatment plan depending on their skin type, tone, and the types of acne scars present to ensure they get the best outcome.

What are rolling acne scars?

Rolling acne scars are another type of atrophic acne scar that forms when an insufficient amount of collagen is produced during the wound-healing process, causing depressions on the skin’s surface. Rolling acne scars are characterized by a wavy appearance to the skin’s surface with sloping-edged indents and an uneven texture. Rolling acne scars may be bigger than the original acne lesion and often form on areas of the face where the skin is thicker, such as the jaw and lower cheeks. Rolling acne scars can be treated with many of the same treatment options as ice-pick scars, including laser resurfacing, chemical peels, traditional or radiofrequency microneedling, and VBeam laser therapy. For some cases of rolling acne scars, subcision is the best treatment to break up the fibrous bands under the skin that pull on the epidermis, causing the wavy appearance. Dr. Green often combines subcision with dermal fillers in order to replenish lost volume while stimulating new collagen production.

How to remove ice pick scars naturally

Unfortunately, ice-pick scars tend to be permanent when not treated by a dermatologist and, therefore, will not go away naturally or on their own. For patients who would prefer to reduce the appearance of acne scarring at home, topical ointments can be good for mild scarring, particularly scarring that has caused discoloration or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For icepick scars, which tend to be deep, narrow craters on the skin, brightening the skin is only part of the problem, and therefore, to fully get rid of icepick acne scars, it is best to consult with Dr. Green on the best treatment method, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing treatments, traditional or radiofrequency microneedling, or punch excision.

How long does it take for icepick scars to go away?

Acne scar treatment is a process that requires time. The exact amount of time it takes for ice-pick scars to go away can depend on the specific treatment options being used, the severity of the scars, and the patient’s response to treatment. Some treatments, such as Fraxel laser resurfacing, the eMatrix radiofrequency laser, chemical peels, and microneedling, reduce the appearance of ice-pick scars by boosting the body’s natural collagen and elastin production. As a result, the effects of the treatment become visible over time as the new collagen helps to fill in the indentations on the skin’s surface. Typically, these procedures require multiple sessions for the best results, and the full effects of the treatment will become visible in 3-6 months. Surgical procedures, such as punch excision and punch grafting, have more immediate results. However, the recovery time required is more significant than the non-surgical treatments. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to establish a timeline for your acne scar treatments that suits your needs.

24 year old male, eMatrix and Restylane

Get rid of ice-pick acne scars permanently

The hardest type of acne scar to treat is the icepick scar. Ice pick scars are a type of atrophic acne scar. Ice pick scars are deep, narrow, v-shaped scars that develop when the skin does not produce enough new collagen during the natural wound healing process following a breakout. Icepick scars are most likely to develop from cystic acne. The unique characteristics that define an icepick scar make it the most difficult type to treat. Successfully reducing the appearance of icepick scars typically requires a combination treatment approach and a series of sessions with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC.

Does microdermabrasion help with ice-pick scars?

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that uses a micro-crystal spray to exfoliate the uppermost layers of dead and damaged skin cells. This technique helps stimulate new collagen production and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. Microdermabrasion can be beneficial for treating mild textural acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Moderate to severe acne scars and ice-pick scars are better aided with treatment options that can target deeper layers of tissue, such as subcision with dermal fillers, TCA Cross, or laser skin resurfacing.

Does ice help blind pimples? Should I ice a popped pimple?

A blind pimple is another term for a cyst, a type of acne lesion that forms deep beneath the skin’s surface and doesn’t come to a traditional ‘head’ like other acne lesions. Applying ice to a cyst can help reduce inflammation, which may help shrink the cyst and minimize the discomfort associated with it. When ice is applied, the flow of blood supplying the acne cyst is restricted. Ice can also reduce redness as well as pain associated with some cystic pimples due to ice’s short-term numbing effects. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin, as this can cause damage to the tissue. While ice can diminish the size and appearance of a pimple, it is in no way an effective solution for breakouts. Cysts are the type of acne lesion most likely to cause scarring because of the severity of the inflammation associated with them. It should also never be attempted to pop cysts at home, as this can exacerbate irritation and worsen the breakout. A board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green can recommend a customized regimen of oral or topical medications that can clear your breakouts once and for all.

Should I pop a pimple before using a pimple patch?

No! Popping a pimple is never recommended because it can worsen the inflammation and irritation associated with the lesion, leading to permanent scarring. A pimple patch is a hydrocolloid bandage that can be used to cover an inflammatory acne lesion, drawing out the sebum and oil that’s clogged within the pores. Hydrocolloid bandages work to dry up any surface-level pimples and blemishes, and many pimple patches are even medicated with additional acne-fighting ingredients to help further minimize breakouts. The lesion should not be popped before applying a pimple patch. Unfortunately, spot treatments that are effective for treating whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and pustules do not work on cystic acne lesions. Most of your topical skincare products, no matter how targeted the ingredients are and how miraculous they may be for treating other forms of acne, are ineffective when it comes to addressing cysts. Cystic acne sits deep within the lower layers of the skin, making it especially difficult for topical spot treatments to penetrate the skin at the depth necessary to treat the cyst effectively. Cysts are also the type of acne most likely to leave a scar, which is why prompt treatment from a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green is so important.

What is derma rolling for icepick scars? Do derma pens work for icepick scars?

Dermarolling is an at-home version of microneedling that involves using a hand-held roller containing tiny needles to stimulate new collagen production. The derma roller is designed to be rolled across the surface of the skin to create micro-injuries in the epidermis, stimulating new collagen production. While, in theory, a derma roller is meant to induce the same controlled trauma to the skin as a traditional microneedling procedure at a dermatologist’s office, there is a significant risk of permanently damaging the skin. Dermarollers that are available for at-home use are not FDA-regulated, do not penetrate the skin at the same depth, and can easily be misused. Instead of risking damaging the skin with an at-home derma roller, schedule a consultation for acne scar treatment with an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive acne scar treatment options and will work with you to create a customized treatment protocol that works for your needs and goals.

Ice-pick acne scars on the nose

Icepick acne scars on the nose can often be mistaken for enlarged pores and, for many, may induce feelings of self-consciousness regarding their appearance. The narrow, sharp indentations on the nose can seem even more challenging to conceal and treat than acne scars on other areas of the face. Icepick acne scars on the nose can, however, be treated similarly to other acne scars. An experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in New York City will employ acne scar treatment options such as laser resurfacing, TCA cross, radiofrequency microneedling, or punch excision in reducing the appearance of ice pick acne scars on the nose. The treatment options that are selected for your plan will be determined by Dr. Green during your initial consultation, depending on your skin type, skin tone, and the severity of your acne scars. No matter the area of particular concern, Dr. Green will work with you to achieve a smooth, healthy, clear complexion that lasts.

What is the best treatment for ice-pick acne scars?

There are many effective treatment options for the treatment of acne scars, and because of that, the best first step is to consult with an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. No one treatment is inherently “better” than another; rather, the most important thing is to determine which treatment option will be best for each patient’s unique needs. An experienced board-certified dermatologist will factor in considerations such as the patient’s skin type, skin tone, and the severity of their acne scars. It must also be taken into account how much downtime a patient can or can not afford, as some treatment options require zero downtime, whereas others may have several days of downtime. For mild scarring, Dr. Green may use a chemical peel or microneedling to promote collagen production and skin cell turnover for smoother, even-textured skin. Dr. Green will often pair chemical peels with laser treatments, such as the Fraxel laser or eMatrix laser. To address any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with the scarring, Dr. Green will turn to the VBeam pulsed dye laser or chemical peels to target dark spots on the skin. When icepick scars are particularly deep, a mild surgical procedure, such as punch excision or punch grafting, is often the best choice. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will help you decide about the series of treatments that will be best for you.

How do I get started with icepick acne scar treatment options today?

Ice-pick acne scars are deep, narrow depressions that develop when inflammatory acne causes irreparable damage to the underlying skin tissue. Ice-pick acne scars can be particularly challenging to treat. Successfully and safely improving the appearance of ice pick acne scars requires the expertise of an experienced board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Many non-invasive acne scar treatment options are available at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, including laser resurfacing, TCA cross, chemical peels, traditional and radiofrequency microneedling, and punch excision.

Dr. Michele Green in NYC is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the most discerning individuals from around the world with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including for ice-pick acne scars. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times consistently identify Dr. Green as one of New York’s best dermatologists for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach to acne scar treatment, customizing each patient’s plan to suit their skin type, skin tone, the types of acne scars present, and their unique aesthetic goals. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to create a personalized acne scar treatment plan that leaves you with a smooth, clear, beautiful complexion that lasts. To get started with your acne scar treatment and schedule a consultation with Dr. Green, call the NYC office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online today.

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