Acne Scar Treatment
Acne can be devastating. Acne itself or the lingering scars can have a harsh impact on your self-confidence. While acne and acne scarring can impact the skin at any age, it is most prominently seen during puberty and menopause. It can have a major impact on both your physical appearance and your self-esteem. The underlying cause of acne is typically a combination of hormones and genetics. Treating the source of the acne as well as the visual lasting effects is what we do here at epiclinic everyday.
There are several types of scars that can result from acne. Some of them could include the following.
- Box-car scars — edge depressions
- Keloid scars — lumpy, thick scarring
- Ice-pick scars — deep, pitted thin scars
- Rolling scars — wide, sloped-edge depressions in the skin
- Atrophic scarring — flat, thin scars
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ACNE SCAR TREATMENT?
Treating acne scars is a multi-stage process. You will need to have an examination by our Doctor or clinician who will discuss your medical history relevant to your acne scarring. With an understanding of your needs, your treatment plan will be mapped and discussed to suit you.
Your treatment is dependent on the characteristic, type and depth of the scarring. This will enable us to determine the right acne scar treatment to treat your condition. Treatments can include laser, skin peels, and dermal filler. There may also be take-home skincare products that can help you to prepare and improve your skin post treatment.
TREATING ACNE WITH LASERS
Laser treatment is very effective at reducing the appearance of acne scars. The number of treatments that you will need to see results will be established during your initial consultation. The two premium gold standard lasers offered at epiclinic are Fraxel Dual Laser and Acupulse which we have performed well over 20,000 treatments over 16 years.
A topical numbing cream is applied to the skin for 45 minutes prior to treatment. Treatment with Fraxel typically takes 30 minutes for a full face, 15 for neck, decolletage and hands. Acupulse takes 45 minutes for a full face and 30 for a neck and decolletage.
Lasers activate the production of new collagen and elastin, while at the same time, reshaping the old collagen that exists in the treatment area. This process is consistent for most patients and the result will be smoother, firmer, clearer skin. Patients can expect 30%-70% improvement in most cases depending on the number of treatments.
BEFORE & AFTER
Baseline
6 month after 1 treatment
TREATING ACNE WITH DERMAL FILLERS
Occasionally the scars may require a treatment with dermal fillers. If you have deep scar pitting, dermal filler can be used as an option in some cases to reduce the appearance of the scar depression building strength and volume to the depression and smoothing out surface skin.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ACNE SCAR TREATMENT?
Any man or woman who has acne scarring will qualify for treatment. The type of treatment will depend on just how extensive the scarring is. You should be in good overall health, and be a non-smoker. If you currently smoke it’s best that you quit smoking when you are able, as smoking can impact the blood vessels and your body’s ability to heal.
In our experience, active acne responds very well to Fraxel Laser or Acupulse treatments, however, you should expect the pustules (active acne) to be slightly worse for the first few days after treatment before it clears.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Improvement is usually seen 1-2 weeks post first treatment but this will depend on your extent of scarring, treatment plan and type of laser used.
If you undergo laser treatments, you may require 3-5 treatments before you see the true results of your skin healing. The positive changes to your skin structure in the treated area are permanent changes. You should ensure that you are maintaining a healthy diet, staying well-hydrated and using recommended cosmeceuticals to maintain your results. These products can also help to encourage healing between laser therapy and chemical peels.
Are you ready to treat your acne scars? Smooth skin can be yours with the right treatment that targets your individual concerns. Call us to schedule your consultation and be on your way towards the beautiful healthy skin that you deserve.
What is the cost for a consultation?
An initial consultation with our Dr is $85 or complimentary with our qualified experienced Dermal Clinicians.