Why has Q-switch treatment been ineffective for my acne scars and hyperpigmentation? (photo)

Doctor's Answer

Sorry to hear that your Q-switched treatments have been ineffective for your acne scars and hyper pigmentation.

From your photo, you have Depressed Acne Scars like Ice pick scars. You also have Post-Acne Erythema (Redness).

Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond Lasers are good lasers for treating Brown spots/pigmentation due to their wavelengths of 532nm and 1064nm.

However, Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers cannot treat Depressed Acne Scars and Post-Acne Erythema.


For Depressed Acne Scars like Ice Pick Scars: I suggest more effective treatments like subcision, TCA cross, Fractional Lasers.

For Post-Acne Erythema: I suggest Vascular lasers like V beam, Yellow lasers, Spectra/Pico Plus Gold toning.

Check out this Guide to Acne Scar Treatments and Costs for more details.

You should speak to your doctor for more information!


Hope that this helps!

Warmest regards,

Dr Justin Boey

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