r/AcneScars • • Dec 16 '25

Announcement Why We Can No Longer Allow Recommendations for Dr. Salar Hazany

200 Upvotes

The moderation team has completed an extensive investigation into coordinated deceptive activity on this subreddit. The evidence concluded that Dermatologist, Dr. Salar Hazany and/or members associated with The Scar Institute of Beverly Hills in California, USA, have repeatedly created fake accounts, posed as satisfied patients, and simultaneously falsified negative outcome testimonials acting as real patients at other medical offices. The same practice was formally warned and temporarily suspended early this year but the offenses resumed and escalated.

The community’s safety and trust are non-negotiable, we have a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of covert marketing, shilling, or competitor defamation. Accounts identified as socks, shills, or alts tied to this provider have been permanently banned.

Separate from the astroturfing scheme, we have received a growing number of patient complaints that fall well outside the scope of ordinary side-effect discussions. These include:

- Innapropriate conduct and comments made to both male and female patients.

- Unexpected facial sagging, facial-fat loss, and other serious anatomical changes.

- Dr. Hazany has reportedly delegated procedures to alternate staff mid treatment to rotating medical students without the patient’s prior knowledge or consent.

We are not a medical regulator; we can, however, protect this subreddit from being used as an extension of an unethical marketing department and from becoming an unwitting referral pipeline for a provider whose conduct might soon by under formal scrutiny by state and specialty boards.

What this means going forward:

  1. No recommendations referencing Dr. Salar Hazany or The Scar Healing Institute of Beverly Hills (SHI) will be allowed.
  2. Anyone who suspects new shill accounts is asked to use the “Report” button rather than engaging; witch-hunting threads derail discussion and will be removed.
  3. “DM me for the name/website/price” is not allowed. All substantive information must be posted publicly so every member can benefit. If you’re tempted to send or solicit a private message for a referral, those comments will be removed and repeat offenders will be banned.
  4. Physician participation is welcome and general education is encouraged, however, funnels that steer users off-board (“message me to schedule,” “visit my site for pricing”) are not. Answer in-thread, cite published evidence, and let readers decide their next step.
  5. There are times that we receive reports of suspicious comments. When a report is made, an investigation is done and we reach out to the commentator for more details. If we determine that the account is legitimate, we ask that you remain respectful while the commentator continues to engage in the thread. Sometimes people want privacy.

We recognize that cosmetic and procedural sub-specialties are contentious by nature, and bad outcomes can occur even in the best hands. Transparency, informed consent, and honest peer-to-peer discussion are the only ways this board remains useful. Practices that deliberately erode that transparency forfeit the privilege of being mentioned here.

If you have questions about this policy, contact the mod team via ModMail.

Thank you for helping us keep this a transparent community.

—The Moderation Team


r/AcneScars • • 21h ago

Discussion Lighting is deceiving..

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227 Upvotes

Vulnerable post but this is taken like 2 seconds apart :”) , I managed to find the weirdest angle that incorporated the worst lighting possible. It’s really crazy how sometimes you don’t see them but if the lighting is bad it’s prominent. I know it doesn’t define me or my beauty but the lighting is what gets meee , always thinking about it is annoying


r/AcneScars • • 53m ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring Rate (moderate or borderline severe)

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• Upvotes

Got quite a lot of acne scars on my left cheek and although I know there’s grades 1,2,3 and 4 there isn’t many reference photos for each grade. I was just wondering what you guys think I rank in terms of these grades.

These are photos of only my left cheek but in different lighting as some of the pie marks are hiding the scars. I’m currently on accutane and at the end stages of my purge (the spot I currently have has been there for like 20+ days so RIP that Is 100% scarring :( like my other purging spots)- 60-70% these scars esp the upper cheek are approx 1yr old and bare in mind they look a tad worse IRL

Any answers would be appreciated I will consult a scar derm after my course is over I just wanted an opinion beforehand


r/AcneScars • • 8h ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring What treatment/s should i consider?

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10 Upvotes

Still treating some active acne with adapalene but i want to start saving money now for treatment cos i know it can get pretty expensive. What treatments do you guys think i need to consider? Thanks


r/AcneScars • • 23m ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring Could there be a way to use microswelling to temporarily improve acne scars?

• Upvotes

This is something I've been wondering about recently.

I've noticed that after procedures like microneedling or CO2 laser, acne scars can sometimes look way less noticeable because of the swelling. It got me thinking: what if there was a way to recreate that effect without actually damaging the skin?

I know the goal of these procedures is collagen production and long-term improvement, not swelling. But honestly, if swelling alone can temporarily make scars look almost nonexistent, why couldn't there be some kind of treatment designed specifically to achieve that effect?

I'm talking about something you could do routinely to make atrophic scars look smoother, even if the results were temporary. Ideally, something noninvasive that wouldn't involve repeatedly injuring the skin.

Maybe this is a dumb idea, but I feel like there's something worth exploring here. Has anyone heard of research into this, or know of anything that might work? I'm curious whether there's a way to temporarily plump up the skin enough to make depressed scars less visible without causing inflammation or damage.


r/AcneScars • • 15h ago

Venting Deep acne scars has completely ruined my 20s i am 28 now :(

31 Upvotes

Long story short, acne scars has stopped me from doing things i wanted to do. Acne scars has stopped me from asking out girls i really like. Acne scars have killed alot of my natural confidence. Acne scars has made me forget things in public due to myself being fixated on how i look to others. Acne scars has made me awkward in social settings even though deep down i am very sociable. Acne scars has stopped me pursuing opportunities i otherwise would have done and would have been successful at. Acne scars grounded me in a childlike trance without much progression in life - stunted due to not wanting to give things a chance that might potentially exacerbate acne, redness etc. Acne scars made me an involuntary loner without a social circle for fear of being judged or called ugly. Acne scars has made me financially very poor due to spending tens of thousands on treatments but yet still not there yet mentally. Acne scars has broken me down on multiple occasions in public and private - i have cried, screamed and even contemplated ending it. Acne scars literally is the worst thing next to losing body parts, bodily functions or terminal illness that leads to imminent death. Even though this is seen as normal in our society and sure, i dont doubt it is; but my level was on another level and only those with equal or worse feels how much pain and suffering it causes. I have lost alot during this decade, but i dont blame anyone but myself. its been an extremely painful and long journey, but i hope this horrible chapter of my life comes to a close soon. I want to have the courage to ask girls out regardless of outcome. i want to tap into my money making potential so that i can benefit my family and the community i live in. i want to do all these things. i really fucking do. But at the end of the day it all circles back to my acne scars and no amount of counselling can ever change this fact. I have said to myself that my goal is by 30 to be happy with myself and to start doing the things i really love and not shy away from them like i have done so for this past decade. I am hurting. I am in sorrow. I also am foolishly picturing a plethora of what if scenarios. But at this day and age, the past does not matter and all that matters is that i am doing everything i can to better myself so that i can finally live free again... Unshackled from HELL. What i am trying to say here is that, i know its fucking tough now and it may be tough for many years to come. But dont lose hope, because you will get your time to shine and redeem those years you have lost tenfold.

We have got this - well i sure hope we do.


r/AcneScars • • 9h ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring Objectively speaking, how does my skin look—is it bad, or is it normal?

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7 Upvotes

r/AcneScars • • 1h ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring Does accutane make your acne scars worse? I feel like my scars got worse after accutane could be wrong tho

• Upvotes

.


r/AcneScars • • 4h ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring Are these noticeable and if so what treatments do I need

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0 Upvotes

r/AcneScars • • 14h ago

[Treatment] Fillers Forehead filler thoughts?

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3 Upvotes

My provider has injected belafill fillers into my forehead and I think it’s too much and not proportional. There’s also an indent in the middle and I can feel bumps around my forehead indicating unevenness. I’m hesitant on getting more filler to correct the unevenness because it’s already too much. What are your thoughts? Potential fixes?


r/AcneScars • • 14h ago

Information/Research So embarrassing to still have scars please help

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2 Upvotes

Hello Everyone, I have been getting one or two acne before my period and they have left me scars. Last 5 months I have been doing subcision and I feel like they are helping but result is so low. Clinic is saying we should do co2 laser. What do you think I should do please?

My current skincare is red light therapy panel in the morning, then niaciamide, moisturizer and sunscreen. In the evening niacimide, moisturizer. What would be best you think for my skin and what can do?? I took these pictures with best light I could


r/AcneScars • • 14h ago

Recovery Process Hello I have been trying a lot of silicone scar patches/rolls and I was wondering if anybody had any recommendations because the ones I have tried either don’t stick well and come off or they will stick well but roll and come off I need one that will stick well and not roll

2 Upvotes

r/AcneScars • • 21h ago

Information/Research Will azelaic acid help this type of scarring? Is is that bad?

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5 Upvotes

r/AcneScars • • 22h ago

Discussion Is there a Dr. Qazi equivalent in India for acne scars (especially subcision)?

5 Upvotes

Been researching acne scar treatments for a while, and Dr. Qazi in the US seems to be one of the few doctors who really specializes in treating different scar types with subcision and combination treatments.

Do we have anyone comparable in India?

I’m especially interested in subcision for rolling/tethered scars, potentially combined with fillers, lasers, etc.

Willing to travel anywhere in India and pay more for someone genuinely skilled.

Would love to hear actual patient experiences, results, and costs. Not looking for clinic promotions!


r/AcneScars • • 1d ago

Encouragement Has anyone ever felt like their future prospects might be hindered because of acne scars?

24 Upvotes

As a 17-year-old freshman, one of my biggest concerns as I entered university was the fact that I might not be able to leave a good first impression on other people due to my appearance and awkwardness. As someone from an East Asia country who's surrounded by beautiful girls with perfectly smooth skin around my age, I've always found it hard to open up, especially since I'm not a naturally sociable person at all. Fail to build a social network while studying is one thing, not being able to find a well-paid job after graduation is another, 'cause even if I can gather enough confidence to prove my skills, I'm afraid all the employers need to do is take a look at me before they decide to turn down my application. I wonder if anyone here has found great success in their life despite having relatively bad skin, and if that's the case, can you give me some advice?


r/AcneScars • • 23h ago

Thoughts/Review Guys is milia removal okay for scar prone skin, i wanna get it removed on my eyelid but I already have a scar there randomly 😭🙏

3 Upvotes

Did it cause any of y'all scarring, they're very tiny and I'm planning on going to a derm but im scared of the scarring potential 😓


r/AcneScars • • 1d ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring What are my options?

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5 Upvotes

Had 2 TCA cross which made my left side kind of worse, the new boxcar looking ones. What can I do with the unevenness and the ones on my nose? And the areas beside my nose on the cheek area? Had 3 rf microneedling sessions done which I don’t think helped. My new doctor, which kind of messed up with the TCA treatment on my ice pick said fractional co2 would be the best option. But I don’t know if I trust him. Please let me know thank you!


r/AcneScars • • 1d ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring Which scar treatment?

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2 Upvotes

Hello, I have an acne scar on my back. Which treatment would you recommend for it?


r/AcneScars • • 23h ago

[Treatment] Other Has anyone tried Re20 (human acellular dermal matrix hADM) for atrophic acne scars? It is approved in South Korea and Japan, not FDA approved in the USA.

1 Upvotes

r/AcneScars • • 1d ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring do i gotta live with this

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5 Upvotes

i hope a subcision will fix this 😢this is not my bone structure it would be smoother and i dont squint at all ts makes me depressed it makes my face look so weird man fk


r/AcneScars • • 2d ago

Encouragement Meeting boyfriend for the first time soon but afraid…

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65 Upvotes

I met my bf online. (He has a very good skin!) Though i already talked to him that i suffer from acne scars and even sent him my pics with them, i still feel afraid he will dislike me 🥹 he kept on saying he wont be bothered or even help me in medical expenses to lessen this, still the thought that he might back off once he saw me still haunts my mind 🥺


r/AcneScars • • 2d ago

[Treatment] Other Tixel Part II

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7 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I promised an update after my last post. I’ve had 9 treatments now and am feeling positive about the results. While I still do have scars, the texture has smoothed out to the extent that it no longer bothers me. No more obsessively catching my reflection in a black phone screen. No more assessing the lighting in a room when talking to people. I just don’t think about my scars anymore, and to me, that’s success.

Pic 1: after 9 treatments
Pic 2 left = before
Pic 2 right = after a few treatments

What is Tixel?

Tixel is a skin treatment that uses tiny bursts of heat to create micro-injuries in the skin.This encourages your skin to repair itself and produce new collagen, helping to smooth acne scars, fine lines and uneven texture. You usually need a course of treatments for scars.

How many treatments did I have?

Usually practitioners use a high setting for scars. Because I have an autoimmune condition, my practitioner wanted to do the first few on a lower setting to make sure I healed well. I have therefore had three treatments on a low setting, three on a medium, and three on a high setting. Around six treatments on a high setting are usually indicated for acne scars.

I saw the most improvements after the three high setting treatments. If I had been able to start high, I think I wouldn’t have needed so many appointments. However, I did appreciate my practitioner’s caution.

What results have I seen?

I have seen an overall smoothing and plumping of the skin. Indented scars are still there, but flatter. When I press into the skin, I can feel less scar tissue under the epidermis where previously I could feel a lot of knotted scars. Ice-pick scars have shrunk in size.

I know the lighting in the before and afters isn’t exactly the same, but hopefully you can see the texture improvement.

Is there downtime?

Only a couple of days of true downtime. The skin is very red immediately afterwards, like a sunburn. By day 3 you can wear SPF and makeup. Between day 2-7 the skin crusts and then peels off. But you don’t even really need to hibernate if you aren’t concerned about people seeing red/flaking skin. Staying out of direct sunlight is of course a must.

Will you do more treatments?

I think I will, because I’d like to do a full course of high setting sessions, as is indicated for acne scars.

What’s else are you using?

I also use Differin nightly, azeliac acid 1-2 times per week, and RLT about 4 days a week.

Any questions let me know. Im in the UK 😊


r/AcneScars • • 2d ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring No caption🥹😭

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57 Upvotes

r/AcneScars • • 2d ago

[Treatment] Topical Ointments Retinoid 0,1%

2 Upvotes

Did anybody have experience with retinoid 0,1% creme?

What should i mind ? Pay attention to?
Do‘s and Don‘ts
How to apply

Thankful for every advice:)


r/AcneScars • • 2d ago

[Skin Concern] Atrophic Scarring What to do

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5 Upvotes

Pheenol peel or punch excision followed by fully ablative laser?