DermTV - How to Remove Chickenpox Scars [DermTV.com Epi #382]

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Description

For those of us who grew up before a chickenpox vaccine, unless you already had your scars removed, you most likely still have some. So what's the best way to remove them? In this episode of DermTV, Dr. Schultz discusses how to remove chickenpox scars.

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[TRANSCRIPT]

Since time immemorial, generations have succumbed to chicken pox infections and their legacy of both crater form and vertical walled, punched out appearing scars. The permanence of these scars is testimony to the fierce assault this virus can wage on the skin. But what assault can we wage on these scars?

First, crater form, or softly sloping chicken pox scars are significantly improved and sometimes even completely corrected by a combination of subscision and filler. Subscision involves injecting local anesthesia around the scar and then using a pointed knife to painlessly separate the bottom of the scar from the underlying dermis which holds the indented scar down. That lets the surface of the scar float up either to the level of the surrounding skin or close to it. If not completely level, then filler injections push the bottom of the scar up until its completely flat. That's a win.

To fix the vertical walled, punched out appearing scars, the best solution is to actually cut them out and sew the skin closed, of course painlessly, with local anesthesia. This can leave a thin, short fine line scar whose length is about the same as the diameter of the scar, but it represents at least a 90% improvement.

So for those of us who weren't privileged to be able to get scar preventing chicken pox vaccines, and have the scars to prove it, there is something we can do about them. If you don't want to endure the appearance of chicken pox scars, see a cosmetic dermatologist, or plastic surgeon, for easy fixes for these unnecessary and undeserved marks.


[ABOUT DERMTV]

Everyone can have beautiful, healthy, and younger looking skin, and DermTV, the Internet's daily skincare video show, will demonstrate how by revealing expert tips and techniques and by providing real solutions for real skincare issues.

Skincare (whether cosmetic or medical) previously required a trip to your dermatologist or a shopping spree at the pharmacy. And that's if you have a trusted nearby dermatologist or a local informed pharmacy. But not anymore. We at DermTV are committed to making best-in-class dermatology and skincare guidance accessible to everyone, anytime, at your computer.

Every weekday, our host, Dr. Neal Schultz, one of New York's most trusted and respected dermatologists (see bio below), teaches skincare's most timely and timeless issues. Topics include: the best at home techniques and new technology for facial rejuvenation, preventing and fixing sun damage from wrinkles to skin cancer, breaking news in dermatology, general skincare topics, and more.