Successful Treatment of Acne Scars in People of Asian Descent

When it comes to treating acne scars, the scaring and pigmentation issues faced by Asian Americans can be as troublesome as the original condition. This is because darkly pigmented skin is more vulnerable to dyspigmentation—an abnormality in the formation or distribution of pigment in the skin.

Non-ablative fractional resurfacing is one of several treatment options for acne scars in people of Asian descent (or anyone, for that matter). During this treatment, a laser delivers heat to targeted areas, while areas of healthy skin are left untreated. The fractional approach allows more rapid healing than if the entire area was treated.

Success following non-ablative fractional resurfacing

The results of two studies in people of Asian descent show that the number of treatments, the time between treatments, and use of the laser must be skillfully combined to get the best results.

For example, in a study of 27 Korean patients, with moderate-to-severe facial acne scars, the doctors assigned them to received 3 to 5 sessions of treatment, each spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. The patients compared their results 3 months after the final treatment to photographs taken before treatment. Eight patients (30%) said the results were excellent, 16 patients (59%) described the improvement as significant, while 3 patients (11%) concluded they had moderate improvement. Side effects were limited to short-lived pain, redness, and swelling.

In another study of 47 Asians with facial scaring, where the dose and the number of treatments (8 passes or 4 passes) were assigned based on each patient’s needs, both treatments resulted in significantly improved skin texture and acne scarring. There was also improvement in enlarged pores and overall pigmentation irregularity compared to their initial photos. In this study, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was less among those who received 4 treatments.

The bottom line.

Treatments used in both studies were successful and support the role of non-ablative fractional resurfacing as part of a comprehensive treatment of acne scars among people of Asian descent.

Smooth skin and a flawless complexion are highly desired. And the most successful outcomes result from treating the initial concern (facial acne scaring), as well as minimizing changes in pigmentation as shown in the photos. Achieving this balance is where consultation with an aesthetic professional is indispensable. This is because many treatment options, including non-ablative fractional resurfacing, are available.

Successful Treatment of Acne Scars in People of Asian Descent

Photos are courtesy of Solta—pretreatment (left) and post-treatment (right).

Learn more about treating acne and other scars. For a consultation and more information about our approach to correcting acne scars with Fraxel Restore, our non-ablative fractional laser system, contact Aesthetic Dermatology and Skin Cancer: Jeffrey H. Binstock, M.D. Drs. Binstock and Physician Assistant Cullinane will answer your questions. Call our office in Mill Valley (415) 383-5475.

HomeJeffrey H. Binstock, MD is a Fellow of:

Home Home Home

Are you sure you want to leave the site?

Yes No
footer-logo
  • Email cannot be considered confidential or secure; patients are particularly advised. No physician-patient relationship exists unless and until an appointment is underway.

    By checking the box on the contact form, you agree to the Terms of Use listed here: Communications through our website or via email are not encrypted and are not necessarily secure. Use of the internet or email is for your convenience only, and by using them, you assume the risk of unauthorized use.

    By checking this box you hereby agree to hold Aesthetic Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc., its doctors and affiliates, harmless from any hacking or any other unauthorized use of your personal information by outside parties.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Office Hours

Monday: 7:30AM – 4:30PM
Tuesday: 9AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 7:30AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 9AM – 6PM
Friday: 7:30AM – 4:30PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Call Us
Skip to content