Acne Scar Treatment And Keloids

Hi Doctor,
I have a very noticeble single 'ice pick' acne scar on my cheek that resulted when I picked a large drying pimple on my cheek about a year ago. I would like to get it resurfaced however I am prone to keloid and hypertrophic scars.(I have an olive complexion). I understand laser and dermabrasion is out of the question because of the risk of keloid formation. My question is, what scar resurfacing treatments are there that are safe for me?
Regards,
Danish

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Danish:

Actually, laser resurfacing is not out of the question, because keloid formation is very rare oj the face, even in dark-skinned people who maye have developed keloids elsewhere.  This procedure isn't very effective, though, for ice-pick scars.  I would advise that you see a plastic surgeon to look inot both resurfacing as well as scar revision, which consists of cutting out the scar and stitching it back up.  That's a brief and effective procedure which works quite well in some cases.

Good luck.

Dr. R

[Al2008]

A related discussion, Keloids was started.