Acne Scar Removal Treatments

There are instances when an acne breakout damages the skin deeply and severely, in that it not only affects the upper layers of the skin, but also the tissues beneath it. In response, the body produces collagen, which is a protein that is an important component of skin regeneration.

This is a critical process, because where there is very little or excess collagen formation, a scar can eventually form. What is more concerning is that acne scars become more noticeable as a person ages because of the decline in collagen levels.

To effectively treat acne scars, it is important to determine what type they are.

 

The type of acne scar depends on the extent of the damage done to the skin. These include the following:
a. Ice pick scars
This is the most common type of acne scarring, where deep pits are created on the skin. Also referred to as depressed acne scars, this happens when your body produces little collagen, resulting in depressions in the skin as it heals.
b. Box car scars
This type of scar is characterized by its angular form, and is usually found on the temples and cheeks. The depth can range from deep to superficial, and it is often compared to chickenpox scars.
c. Hypertrophic scars
These are protruding scars and are thickened in nature due to the body producing too much collagen during the healing process. They are also considered keloidal scars. These scars are more pronounced and are often a result of cystic acne. This type of acne scar is common among Asians, African-Americans and Hispanics.
d. Rolling scars
This type of scar is named as such because it creates a wave-like appearance on the skin.

There are several medical treatments that address acne and acne scars. Upon consultation, your doctor will thoroughly assess the type of scarring to create a personalized treatment plan.

Acne scars that result in skin depressions can be treated with:

i. Acne Scar Surgery

This is a minor surgical procedure that is usually done on noticeable scars. It is done as an outpatient procedure, as it only requires local anesthesia and is relatively quick to perform. It involves lifting the depressed scar to make it level with the surrounding skin. This makes the scar less visible, with traces simply fading over time.

ii. Skin Resurfacing Treatments (e.g. dermabrasion, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing)

These treatments are more suitable for people who suffer from acne scarring that takes on a more diffused pattern. It basically removes the outermost layer of the skin, while stimulating the production of new skin cells to achieve skin renewal. Although aggressive to some extent, these treatments are effective in treating acne scars that are nearly flat or those that are not too deep.

iii. Skin Needling (Collagen-induction therapy)

The needling process stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, so that any depressions become levelled. A roller that is studded with sterile needles is rolled across depressed acne scars to create puncture wounds on the skin. The healing process stimulates collagen production. Results take a considerable amount of time, usually taking as long as 9 months. However, changes may be seen in a few months’ time.

iv. Fillers

This treatment plumps up depressed areas of the skin by injecting collagen, the patient’s own fat or other synthetic substances. Fillers can have temporary results, while others may last longer. Some fillers even promote collagen renewal.

v. Skin Tightening

Radiofrequency energy used in treatments like Thermage is used for skin tightening to even out acne scar depressions. The effect is achieved as collagen production is stimulated. The entire procedure can take up to an hour at the most to perform. Several appointments are needed to make the scars less noticeable. This is appropriate for boxcar scarring and deep, icepick scars.

Acne scars that result in skin depressions can be treated with:

vi. Scar Creams, Gels and Special Dressings

You can buy these without a prescription, making this an easy and convenient option for treating acne scars. However, this option requires continued use and takes more time to achieve significant results.

vii. Laser/Light Therapy

Laser therapy and other light treatments are safe and effective procedures for raised acne scars (Pei et. al., 2016). Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a popular light therapy for people with lighter skin color. A pulsed dye laser, on the other hand, can help diminish pigmentation and effectively flatten raised scars.

viii. Acne Scar Surgery

This approach is taken to reduce the size of raised acne scars. This is usually done in conjunction with another treatment. For example, acne scar surgery may be followed by corticosteroid injections or radiation to prevent these scars from coming back.

Microdermabrasion eliminates and significantly reduces the appearance of light acne scarring (Lloyd 2001). This treatment helps to exfoliate the skin and clear up pores that have been clogged with oil and dirt. However, this is not appropriate for icepick scars, although deeper scars can respond effectively to this treatment, as well.

Chemical peels, on the other hand, is perfect on acne scars that result in dark spots and depressions (Rendon 2010). Since it comes in different strengths, it reaches different levels of the skin to promote skin renewal. Aside from removing dead skin layers on the surface, it can also promote collagen regeneration.

Chemical peels, on the other hand, is perfect for acne scars that result in dark spots and depressions. Since they come in different strengths, peels reach different levels of the skin to promote skin renewal. Aside from removing dead skin layers on the surface, they can also promote collagen regeneration.

Microdermabrasion uses crystals to slough off dead skin layers and revitalise the layer underneath by stimulating collagen renewal. This treatment is often indicated for acne scars that are on the skin surface.

Chemical peels come in different strengths to remove dead skin layers and stimulate collagen regeneration. Stronger peels that target the deeper skin layers can help improve severe forms of acne scarring.