Should I see a plastic surgeon?

[questionmarkman96]

Hello Dr Rosenburg, if you remember I'm the guy who had the problem with the chemical peel, I posted a few days ago. Well I've gotten another doctors opinion on the matter and he says I suffered a reaction to the peel and that's why it didn't heal properly, whatever healing I've had is over and now I have to take the next step- going to see a plastic surgeon. There, I'll be informed on how bad my face is and what it will take to fix. He says he's seen my problem before with the procedure I had for acne scarring and this is my best option. So, being a cosmetic surgeon yourself do you think I should see a plastic surgeon to evaluate me or try and go to another dermatologists? Unfortunetly there's only two in the area I live in and I'm sort of tired of the "yes men" dermatologic attitude. My face as is now- (Copy and paste) http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u254/redwingsguy96/Picture013.jpg http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u254/redwingsguy96/Picture014.jpg http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u254/redwingsguy96/Picture015.jpg http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u254/redwingsguy96/Picture016.jpg

[questionmarkman96]

Thank you for your help, its been a rough year walking around like this lol, thank God for my cover-effects kit ;)

And yes walking into what I did a year ago I was nieve and didn't know what I was really doing to myself. I put myself in my dermatologists hands and he did this to me, I wouldn't even of bothered with anything if I knew this was going to be the result, I was just trying to do whatever I could at the time, I mean it looks even worse then it did before but I can't turn back the clock, I have to try and do what I can now to fix, that is why I'm seeking advice. I will probably end up seeing a plastic surgeon for an evaluation regardless then go from there. By the way, do you have any idea how much the laser theropy costs? I hear its 400 bucks per visit? Am I wrong to assume this much? Thank you.    

[seroma]

Dr. Rosenberg is saying there are a few different "modalities" to try  (trial) differet types of lasers etc. Try them out on different scars and whichever one works best go w that on the rest of the scars. It may take a process w the lasers over a period of time. I am sure it can be improved, will it ever be perfect flawless skin? Probably not but then who has that if your over age 5? Lol the lasers can help significantly. Make sure you go to a "laser" board certified specialist. They have their own board for Drs specializing in laser surgery.lasers can scar u too in the wrong hands. I personally would not have let a dermatologist do a chemical peel on me. Then again I don't think I'd let anyone do that. And I've had plenty of surgery but I've read a lot of similar experiences to yours w the peels. Try the IPL laser for getting the red out and evening the tone. Pixel laser for flattening scars and wrinkles. Good luck! It will get better. Luckily no ones perfect!
Seroma

[questionmarkman96]

So you're saying (based on the degree of the scarring) that nothing can really be done to correct it now? I get that from the "modality" comment. If not then (being a plastic surgeon yourself) what is your personal (honest) opinion on my current scars, do you think it's even possible to correct? Or is it just a waste of my time and money? Thank you.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

As a plastic surgeon, I would approach this problem from a surgeon's point of view.  The range of options run from the use of trial of a non-ablative laser, to an ablative laser to dermabrasion, to actual surgeon excision.  A trial would be considered for one or several of these alternatives over one of the scars.  Whatever modality, if any, works, would then be considered for the other scars.  It would be worthwhile to consult with a plastic surgeon.