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Many people are concerned about marks left after chickenpox that remain even into adulthood. The first question that usually comes to mind is one: "Can such old scars be treated now?" To conclude, even adult chickenpox scars that are very old can expect improvement with a staged approach.
Why Do Chickenpox Scars Form and Linger?
Chickenpox often appears during seasonal changes when immunity is low and frequently occurs in children and adolescents in group settings. It is a highly contagious disease that requires caution in close quarters.
For the first 2-3 weeks, there are no distinct symptoms, but then vesicular rashes gradually appear, accompanied by a slight fever and itching. If the affected areas, such as the chest, torso, and the glabella and forehead of the face, are severely scratched and injured at this time, those spots can remain as depressed scars even after adulthood.
What's Different Between Early Scars and Old Scars?
Even with the same chickenpox scar, the difficulty of treatment varies depending on when it occurred. Let's summarize this in the table below.
| Category | Early Chickenpox Scars | Old Adult Chickenpox Scars |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Condition | Immediately after scabs and oozing subside | Fibrous tissue firmly established |
| Treatment Method | Relatively simple, such as laser or injection | Requires staged combination treatment |
| Duration | Relatively short | Gradual improvement with repeated treatments |
In the early stages, when there are no scabs and oozing has stopped, a relatively simple approach can be taken. On the other hand, for old scars, the fibrous tissue pulling the skin inward is firmly established, so it is better to plan treatment with ample time.
Laser Abrasion Used in the Past, Revisited Now
In the past, laser abrasion was widely used for adult chickenpox scars. However, limitations such as worsening redness or even widening of the scar area after the procedure were reported, leaving something to be desired when the sole purpose was to fill in depressed scars.
In clinical practice, we often found that an approach that separates the process into lifting the depressed base and refining the edges, rather than simply shaving off the scar, led to more natural results.
Why Intrascision and Erbium YAG Laser Are Used Separately
At Yonsei Star Dermatology, we combine intrascision and erbium YAG laser to improve deeply depressed areas.
- Intrascision severs the fibrous scar tissue that pulls the skin inward, creating space for new skin to fill the depressed area.
- After about a month, the depressed base will have filled in to some extent.
- At this point, an erbium YAG laser is used to refine the edges, matching the height of the normal skin.
- Performing these two steps separately results in a more even surface than a single-pass shaving method.
This method was introduced by the Yonsei Star Dermatology research team in an SCI international journal in 2014. The principle of treating depressed scars is similar to Staged Treatment for Atrophic Acne Scars, and the approach to refining the scar's structure itself is also connected to Surgical Scar Revision.
For older scars, it is more realistic to expect gradual improvement through repeated treatments in stages rather than a single procedure. We always mention that individual differences may exist.
If you are curious whether your scar is suitable for intrascision or if another method is better, Inquire about Chickenpox Scar Treatment Direction via Chat Consultation.
Recovery and Duration After Treatment: What You Should Know in Advance
Immediately after the procedure, bruising or slight erythema may appear. Knowing the recovery process in advance makes scheduling much easier.
- Bruising or erythema may be visible immediately after the procedure, so it's best to allow about a week for important appointments.
- Rather than expecting a single session, plan for at least 5 sessions at one-month intervals.
- Although the treatment period may seem long, if chickenpox does not recur in the same spot, results are reported to be relatively long-lasting.
- During the recovery period, it helps to reduce irritation and friction and to be careful about sun exposure.
If you are concerned about similarly depressed or widely spread scars, referring to information on Burn Scars or Premium Customized Acne Scar Care may also help you determine the right direction.
You Don't Have to Give Up Just Because It's Old
Even if adult chickenpox scars are very old, gradual improvement can be expected through repeated treatments in stages. The important thing is to accurately examine the depth and condition of the scar and determine the appropriate sequence for you.
Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, which has focused on scar treatment for over 20 years, will continue to provide you with information you may be curious about, step by step.
Representative Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School; Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital; President of the Korean Society for Dermatology) Representative Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2024-12-16 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16
This article contains general information, and as scar conditions and treatment responses may vary individually, accurate diagnosis and treatment plans should be determined through consultation with medical staff.