A combination approach to treating acne scars in all skin types: carbolic CROSS, blunt bi-level cannula subcision, and microneedling

Acne is a common condition that often results in scarring. We propose a novel treatment of acne scarring using: 1- chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS), mainly with carbolic acid, 2- blunt bi-level cannula subcision, and 3- microneedling. A total of 139 patients were treated from 2017- 2018, of which 89 (64%) were Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI. This triple approach to treating acne scars resulted in consistent high satisfaction from patients and photographic evidence of improvement. A combination of CROSS (to stimulate neocollagenesis), subcision (to release dermal connective tissue tethering), and microneedling (to stimulate neocollagenesis) is effective for acne scar treatment.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Acne keloid; Cicatrix; Cosmetic techniques