Skin Treatments

Cannula ScarCission

Is there anything to help my acne or pockmark scars?

Many patients come in with the idea there is a single solution to a scar. Can a cream or laser erase my scar? We all wish there would be a magic eraser that can rub out or remake a defect in the skin that occurred over time and developed into a complex physiological complex. Unfortunately, there is no such magic eraser and no single or even simple formula to approach the repair of scars.

We believe, however, that certain scars can be improved and even erased over time and with a variety of synergistic treatments.

What Is Cannula ScarCision (CSC)?

We developed a technique for the treatment of acne called Cannula ScarCision (CSC). This process is a multi-focused approach.  We utilize a soft tipped cannula and an assortment of dermal fillers, PRP and bio stimulants.  The process treats scars locally as well as globally, creating a smoother, retextured look.  We also re-volumize formerly scarred areas providing an overall pleasing aesthetic result.

Is Cannula ScarCision effective on all scars?

No.  Not all scars are the same.  Some scars resemble an ice pick mark (pock mark) and be very deep, whereas other scars can resemble a shallow but long mark (rolling scar), whereas other scars can take up a large amount of space like a boxcar (a large chunk or depressed portion on the face).

Ice pick scars (pock marks) are very small and very difficult to treat with the Cannula ScarCision (CSC) method. For these scars, we typically use all of our other topical resurfacing methods, including ablative, non-ablative and micro needling and sublative – they all work in a vertical approach, which will help the most with these types of scars.

Cannula ScarCision (CSC) is most effective for scars that cover more surface area such as a rolling scar or a boxcar scar. For this process, we use a soft tipped cannula, which allows for more remodeling underneath the skin and reduces the trauma and potential bleeding that would occur when done with a needle.  We then re-add the missing volume to the affected area to make the face look more consistent and balanced.

Are there any risks associated with treating my acne scars?

As with any injection or medical procedure there is a possibility of risk and complication.  A possible risk of Cannula ScarCision is that the affected area could look worse or bumps and infection can occur. These risks are always minimized and are always our concern.  This is part of the reason why procedures are not a one and done phenomenon and the thorough after care and continued relationship is part of the medical procedural process. Additionally, with most treatments, the more aggressive the approach, the more downtime is involved.  However, sometimes a more aggressive approach will yield a better benefit. We try to minimize the trauma and maximize the benefits with ever treatment.  Unfortunately, there are limitations to creating structural changes and trying to initiate a physical change in the skin.

How long will it take to look scar-free? i.e. how many treatments

My approach is generally to take every treatment as a series of one or two at a time and re-evaluation upon follow-up. Sometimes a game plan and a realistic plan of approach can be determined after the patients and doctor see the response and development as it comes up.

How effective would you say is CSC?

There are a lot of factors involved in decided how aggressive the approach should be and what products are used. Its hard to predict an accurate percentage most of the time. However, CSC is perhaps the most effective treatment course we’ve found to date. The alternative which would guarantee 100% results would be surgical excision resulting in a new strategically place scar. We try to find an alternative approach to surgery.

How Does Combining a Laser Help with Scars?

Our Cannula ScarCision approach undermines the structural attachments from underneath. To get a more comprehensive approach as surface strategy is often combined or considered in lieu of injectable approach. We utilize fractional, ablative and non-ablative laser technology to resurface the skin. Another interesting surface approach with sub-dermal effects is known as sublative resurfacing using a radio frequency probe needle and may be used in addition with an attempt to target the underlying structure with a similar vertical surface approach. The easiest of the three which is routine in our office is using fraxel 1540, erbium-glass 1540 mm wavelength laser to create micro thermal zones of coagulated tissue.  These little pinpoint areas are essentially dehydrated and destroyed and treat a fraction of the skin which the body acts to replace with new tissue and thereby stimulating a general healing approach.

The procedure is effective because of the ability of the wavelength of this laser to penetrate deeper than any other laser. And the tiny size of the beam effecting a minority of the tissue allows for quick healing time and enough residual and intact tissue that there is no effective wound. The approach is deep, effective cellular disruptions with a quick healing response. The remodeling effect is minimal but sometimes has more dramatic effect in certain patients whereby every other technology is inappropriate.