WHAT ARE ACNE SCARS?
Acne scars or lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots, or zits. Acne is most common during adolescence, for most people, it tends to disappear over time. However, some individuals will continue to suffer well into adulthood. Acne can leave red, raised or thickened patches of skin. It also can leave the skin with pits and depressions known as Ice Pick, Boxcar, Rolling or Hypertrophic acne scars.
As we age, acne scars often become more visible due to collagen loss in our skin. Scars, especially facial scars, cause self-consciousness and embarrassment for many people. While rare, severe acne scarring has been linked to depression and even suicide.
CAUSES OF ACNE SCARS
As any other type of scars, acne scars are a result of injury to the skin and a faulty healing process. Acne scars are most often found on the face, back, and chest. Scars most often occur in those with inflammatory acne. Usually, if the inflammation is intense (redness, pain, pus), the risk of scarring is higher.
Inflammation occurs when the skin’s pores or follicles become engorged with dead skin, bacteria, and excess oil. This causes the pore to swell and break the follicle wall. If the break is near the skin’s surface, the healing process is usually quick and effective (unless, of course, scabs are damaged). If, however, the rupture is deeper, the lesion will be more serious, as the infected substance will spill out into the dermis and damage the surrounding healthy tissue.
OTHER CAUSES OF ACNE SCARS INCLUDE:
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Non-Treatment - Ignoring even mild acne will increase the risks of inflammatory acne and, therefore, the risks of acne scarring.
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Genetics - Genes play a large role in the development of scars. Some people with severe inflammatory acne will not develop scars, while others with more moderate, or even mild acne, will.
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Picking and damaging scabs - Picking at scabs and acne causes further trauma to the skin and increases the chances of scarring.
ACNE SCARS
TYPES OF ACNE SCARS
Acne scars range in appearance from shallow, mottled depressions, sometimes called rolling scars, to deep and narrow depressions. Different types of trauma to the skin’s tissue will cause different types of scars. Determining the type of acne scars that are on your skin, will help determine the best way to treat them. There are several types of acne scars:
ATROPHIC SCARS - These are depressions or pits that form as the skin heals. Atrophic scars are caused by a lack of collagen during the healing process. As a result, the surface of the skin is left with a hole-like scar.
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Boxcar scars - Broad depressions with steep, defined edges. Boxcar scars are wide, and can be deep or shallow.
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Ice-pick scars - These are considered more severe than other atrophic scars as they are deep and narrow. They are also more visible to the naked-eye.
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Rolling scars - Caused by damage under the skin’s surface, these types of scars are wide and shallow. With rolling scars, the skin appears to be wavelike.
HYPERTROPHIC SCARS - Raised or hypertrophic scars are generally pink and thick raised lumps that occur when too much collagen is deposited by the body during the healing process. Raised scars are actually a result of over-healing.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Thanks to the rapid advancements in the world of aesthetics, acne cannot scar you for life anymore. Rejuvenus Clinic offers the best acne scar treatments, including:
MEDICAL-GRADE SKINCARE - This acne scar treatment route works best for superficial scars. It may also be implemented as a supplementary treatment to complement or maintain the results of laser-based therapies or chemical peels. They contain potent salicylic acid, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and lactic acid.
CHEMICAL PEELS - Clinical peels, are another viable option for acne scar treatment. The process involves applying an exfoliating solution to peel off the old layer of the skin and expose a fresh new layer that’s clearer and lighter. There are various kinds of peels. For light to moderate scarring, salicylic acid (SA), glycolic acid (GA), Jessner’s solution (JS), resorcinol, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical peels are the top choices. This acne scar treatment can fade Deeper acne scars may call for stronger chemical peels.
DERMAL FILLERS - Dermal fillers can be injected under the skin to help plump depressed scars, making them less noticeable. It’s a minimally invasive acne scar treatment option that can give you instant gratification because of the dramatic results. For long-term correction of acne scars, your doctor may prescribe Bellafill, Juvederm, Belotereo, Restylane, Radiesse, or Sculptra.
MICRONEEDLING - A remarkable scar treatment, whether it’s caused by trauma, surgery, or acne. It involves the use of microscopic, sterile needles that pricks the skin to stimulate the body to heal and produce more collagen. It can reduce the appearance of acne scars by smoothening the skin and brightening the complexion. As microneedling involves creating tiny “wounds” in the treatment area, it is only recommended for patients whose acne problem has entirely been resolved.
LASER TREATMENTS - Laser skin resurfacing is a more advanced acne scar treatment that has shown efficacy in minimizing the appearance and lightening the colour of darker and deeper acne scars. They can either be ablative or non-ablative and usually work by breaking down the scar tissue through the repetitive exposure of the laser beam with a handheld device. Laser-based therapies for acne scars include fractional lasers, CO2 lasers, Erbium laser, and pulsed dye lasers.
At Rejuvenus Clinic, we tackle this condition and other similar skin conditions using a comprehensive treatment approach. When you visit our center, we will take the time to examine your skin care needs and determine the best approach to treatment. To find-out which treatment could be right for you, book an appointment today.
SEVERE ACNE TREATMENT
F.A.Q.
At Rejuvenus Clinic, we are dedicated to delivering the best service to our patients.
Here is a list of our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any other questions or concerns, our experts will provide you will all the information you need.
Do Acne Scars Fade Over Time?
Acne scars happen when healthy tissue is damaged and replaced with fibrous tissue. Often the result of picking and squeezing spots, it can take some time for them to heal. For some, acne scars can become permanent.
How Long Will The Results Last?
Results vary on the type of treatment, as well as the patient’s skin type, lifestyle, and overall health.
Our Specialists are highly skilled and experienced in treating acne and acne scarring. Rejuvenus Clinic should be your first stop in learning everything you can about your acne and acne scarring treatment options.
Do Acne Scars Go Away On Their Own?
Much like stretch marks, acne scars will usually fade in colour over time, but the pitted indentations can remain. There are various treatment options available for acne scars, including laser treatment, skin surgery, chemical peels and fillers.
Are Treatments Safe?
At Rejuvenus Clinic, we aim to offer the most effective and innovative non-surgical cosmetic treatments . With our patients’ safety in mind, we ensure that our equipment is of the highest quality and our team is highly trained. Nevertheless, any treatment may still come with potential risks. We will provide you with complete information about possible treatment risks.
How Can I Prevent Acne Scars?
The best way to prevent scarring is keeping your acne under control. Treating acne will reduce the inflammation and potential risks of scarring. Avoid picking and touching your scabs, as well as squeezing your pimples, to reduce ruptures in the skin and further tissue injuries.
What Treatment Is Best For Me?
Treatment options depend on the patient’s condition, lifestyle and overall needs. Our specialized team will be able to recommend a personalized treatment program that will best suit you. Top priority is to identify the underlying causes of your acne, in order to find the best way of curing it.
