Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that most people experience at least once during their school years. The problem is the scars; if the skin is depressed in noticeable areas like the cheeks or glabella, it doesn't disappear over time and remains a bothersome mark for a long time. The first question we hear is almost always the same: "Can old chickenpox scars from childhood be treated now?"
To answer directly, yes, it is possible. However, the difficulty and number of treatments vary depending on the depth and age of the scar.
Why do chickenpox scars become depressed?
Chickenpox scars form when the skin is damaged after infection with the chickenpox virus. If the dermal tissue does not fill in normally during the process of blisters bursting and healing, an atrophic, sunken mark remains on the surface. The principle of occurrence is similar to depressed acne scars that appear after severe acne.
In the examination room, we observe that even among those who had chickenpox, the depth and area of the scars vary greatly from person to person. Scars tend to be more deeply depressed in areas where secondary infection occurred due to scratching or where healing was slower.
Earlier treatment is more advantageous
Like other scars, chickenpox scars benefit from earlier treatment. Treatment is possible from the time the scab falls off and the oozing stops, and preventive treatment with lasers or injections in the early scar stage immediately after the wound heals can minimize the scar from hardening.
It is reported that the scope of improvement is wider when intervening in the early stage of a scar before it hardens.
Of course, many adults also treat scars that formed in childhood. Old scars are more challenging and take longer than early scars, but treatment is not impossible. Through repeated treatments, improvement from the current state is possible.
Limitations of traditional laser resurfacing
In the past, laser resurfacing was mainly used to remove old chickenpox scars. While effective in filling depressed areas, it had the disadvantage of causing redness or slightly widening the scar area after the procedure.
To compensate for this limitation, a new approach was needed, and the Yonsei Star Dermatology research team introduced a method to improve chickenpox scars in an SCI international journal in 2014.
Combined treatment with Intracision and Er:YAG laser
The published method involves combining Intracision and Er:YAG laser. The steps are as follows:
- First, Intracision is used to cut the fibrous scar tissue that is pulling the skin inward.
- We wait for about a month for the tissue to fill in the severed area.
- After about a month, you can confirm that the depressed area has filled in.
- At this point, a 2940nm Er:YAG laser is used to finely ablate the edges of the scar.
- The depressed area is then leveled to a height similar to normal skin.
This approach does not simply ablate the surface, but rather involves two steps: releasing the tissue that was pulling the scar and leveling its height. This aligns with the principle of Acne Scar Triple Repair for deeply depressed atrophic scars.
If you are unsure which treatment is right for your chickenpox scars, you can get guidance on the appropriate direction for your condition by inquiring via chat about chickenpox scar treatment.
Treatment period and expected changes
This treatment is performed at monthly intervals, and usually requires a minimum of 5 sessions. When Intracision is combined, generally over 70% improvement is reported, and the degree of improvement may vary individually.
The effect of combined treatment is reported to be relatively long-lasting, as long as chickenpox scars do not reappear in the same spot. It is an approach that can also be applied to atrophic scars in general, such as acne scars.
| Category | Content |
|---|---|
| Possible treatment start | After scab falls off and oozing stops |
| Treatment interval | Approximately one month |
| Recommended sessions | Minimum 5 sessions or more |
| Reported improvement | Over 70% (individual differences may occur) |
Things to know before the procedure
Immediately after the procedure, bruising or slight erythema may appear. While it does not significantly interfere with daily life, it is good to consider the following for recovery:
- If you have an important schedule or meeting within a week after the procedure, adjust the timing.
- Bruising and erythema will subside over time, so do not over-stimulate the area.
- It is important to consistently adhere to the monthly treatment schedule.
- During the recovery period, combine UV protection and moisturizing care.
If you are concerned about depressed chickenpox scars remaining on your face, the starting point is to accurately assess your current condition. Consult about depressed facial scars to discuss treatment directions appropriate for the depth and age of your scars.
Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director (MD, PhD from Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, completed dermatology residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First published 2024-01-02 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16
This content is for general information purposes only, and as scar conditions and treatment responses can vary individually, please consult with medical staff for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.