Dermatology for Acne Scars

Unfortunately, there is no magic potion available to make acne scars disappear completely. Fortunately, however, there are safe and effective treatments which can help diminish and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

In order to discuss treatment options, it is helpful to first explain what an acne scar is. Acne breakouts do not always result in an acne scar. Deeply penetrated acne is required to damage the surrounding skin tissue. As the acne clears up, the body works to repair the damage to the skin through the production of extra collagen. Too much or too little collagen results in a visible scar.

There are two different types of acne scars. Depressed acne scars occur when the body produces an insufficient amount of collagen. This causes depressions or pits to appear as the skin heals. Raised acne scars occur when the body produces a surplus of collagen and a visible bump is formed. Our acne scars become more noticeable as we age because our skin loses its collagen.

Some people are more prone to see acne scars than others. The risk of acne scars increases in the following scenarios:

  • A person has inflammatory acne including acne cysts. This form of acne often penetrates deep into the skin, instead of forming on the surface as white pimples.
  • A person delays or avoids treating inflammatory acne. The longer you wait to get treatment for your acne, the more you increase your risk of scarring.
  • A person pokes, prods, squeezes or pops acne. When you pop a pimple, bacteria is pushed deeper into the pore. Avoid popping pimples as it can result in an unsightly scar.
  • People who have relatives who develop acne scars. Your genes play a big role in your predisposition and response to acne.

Treatments

As discussed, there is no magic solutions for instantly removing acne scars. However, there are treatments available that help minimize the appearance of scars. These solutions include

  • Acne scar surgery: this is ideal for a few depressed acne scars. Acne scar surgery is performed by the dermatologist lifting the scar and bringing it closer to the surface of the skin to make it less noticeable.
  • Resurfacing treatments: ideal for acne scars which are nearly flat. These treatments can include laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. The resurfacing process works by removing layers of the skin and prompts the body to produce new skin cells.
  • Dermal fillers: optimal for a few depressed acne scars. The dermatology raleigh uses fillers to safely and effectively plump the depressed acne scars. Fillers often only provide temporary results and last between 6 to 18 months.
  • Collagen-induction therapy: this is best for widespread depressed acne scars. The procedure is also known as needling or microneedling. It encourages your body to produce more collagen and raises the depressed scar. It can take up to nine months to see visible results from collagen-induction therapy.
  • Laser therapy: this treatment option is best for all types of acne scars. Lasers and other light treatments treat raised scars in a safe and effective manner. Treatment with a pulsed dye laser (PDL) can help minimize the itch, reduce pain, diminish color, and flatten a raised scar. For people who have lighter skin, intense pulsed light (IPL) may also be a treatment option.

Contact your dermatologist today to discuss how to treat your acne scarring. There are many solutions which can help to improve your skin.

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