Acne Scarring
Acne Scarring
Acne scars affect not only your physical appearance but also how you feel about yourself. Acne is the most common dermatologic condition in the United States, and a large majority of those with acne will develop some scarring. Genetics, the severity of acne, and delayed treatment are the main factors that influence scar formation. As we age, these acne scars can become more visible. Early acne treatment can help to prevent permanent scarring and discoloration known as hyperpigmentation. While prevention is the best avenue for dealing with acne scarring, there are numerous treatment options available once scarring has formed.
Type of Acne Scars
Rolling Scars: Pitted scars with sloped edges that merge with normal-appearing skin. They can be circular or linear. They can contain bands of scar tissue that cause the skin to adhere to the structures under the skin. They are the most common type of acne scarring.
Icepick Scars: Sharp, pointy scars that deeply penetrate the skin. They are more commonly seen on the cheeks. Treatment includes punch excision that removes the scar. This is a minor surgical procedure, and the wound is sutured closed. The resulting scar will then fade on its own. The procedure can be followed by a chemical peel or laser resurfacing for improved results if necessary.
Boxcar Scars: Wide, shallow depressions with sharply defined edges that look like cutouts. Shallow boxcar scars can often be addressed with resurfacing, whereas deeper ones are treated more aggressively.
Hypertrophic Scars: Raised and firm and remain within the borders of the original acne. They are most effectively treated with injections, surgery, laser resurfacing, and cryosurgery.
Acne Scarring Treatment Options
Surgical Procedures for Acne Scars: Acne scar surgery involves minor procedures designed to make scars less noticeable by lifting them or breaking up the scar tissue. One common technique, subscion, releases the scar tissue beneath the skin to stimulate new collagen formation and fill in lacking areas. It’s often paired with laser treatments for enhanced results and is ideal for treating a few pitted or raised scars. When treating raised scars, surgery may be followed by corticosteroid injections to flatten or soften the tissue.
Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars: For patients with more widespread shallow or raised scars, skin resurfacing options such as lasers, chemical peels, or dermabrasion can help smooth the skin’s texture and make scars less visible. Laser skin resurfacing uses fractional laser pulses to break down scar tissue and stimulate healthy new skin, improving tone and texture for all scar types. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can also be effective for hypertrophic (raised) scars, reducing redness, hardness, and height.
Treating Acne Scars with Microneedling: Microneedling is another popular choice for treating acne scars, as it encourages collagen production with a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Fractional radiofrequency microneedling and radiofrequency skin tightening both work by heating the deeper layers of the skin to encourage collagen remodeling with minimal downtown, helping reduce the appearance of mild to moderate scars.
Treating Acne Scars with Chemical Peels: Chemical peels help improve the appearance of acne scars by gently exfoliating the skin and removing damaged outer layers. This process stimulates new cell growth and collagen production, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin. Depending on the depth of the peel and the severity of scarring, treatments can be customized for subtle refinement or more dramatic resurfacing results.
Treating Acne Scars with Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers can effectively minimize the appearance of depressed acne scars by adding volume beneath the skin’s surface. These injectable treatments lift and smooth indented areas, creating a more even texture and natural-looking contour. Results are immediate, with minimal downtime, and can last several months to over a year depending on the type of filler used.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Acne Scarring Today
Do away with acne scarring with the help of the expert team at Bliss Dermatology + Wellness. Bliss Dermatology + Wellness specializes in treating acne and acne scars. Our team is proud to be regarded as one of the best dermatology practices on the Gulf Coast of Florida, with offices in Venice and Englewood. Schedule a consultation today.