Acne is a common occurrence among many teenagers and young adults. Those affected with acne find the condition very disturbing because acne contributes to an ugly appearance and even discomfort. But when the acne leaves behind scars on the skin, that’s even more bothersome and disappointing. Thankfully, dermatologists in Hyderabad at Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic have many treatments at their disposal to safely and effectively treat acne scars with minimal discomfort.
This blog focuses on acne scar types, treatment, and prevention.
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are unsightly, permanent, raised, or indented/irregular/dark marks on the skin that remind of a deep acne breakout/blemished skin in the past. They appear in the days following acne breakouts in response to insufficient or surplus production of collagen fibers as the inflamed/acne-damaged skin naturally heals. Many factors, including severe acne breakouts, popping/picking at the pimples, genetics, delayed acne treatment, and skin type/tone contribute to their appearance.
Mostly, acne scars appear on the face, mainly the cheeks, forehead, jawline, chin, and nose. But can even form in other areas with more sebaceous glands, like the back and the chest.
Types of Acne Scars
There are majorly three acne scar types, each varying in how they form and appear. Before knowing about ways to treat/remove acne scars, identifying acne scar type is important.
- Atrophic scars (most common)– These are shallow depressions on the skin surface of the face, resulting from a lack of collagen fibers at the time of healing of blemished skin. They are further of three types- Boxcar (U-shaped/wide scars with sharp edges), Icepick (V-shaped/narrow, deep scars), and Rolling (wide scars with rounded edges).
- Hypertrophic scars– These are elevated marks on the skin surface, resulting from excessive collagen growth at the time of healing of blemished skin, typically of the back, chest, and shoulders.
- Keloid scars– These are also raised scars caused by extra collagen formation. However, they are bigger than Hypertrophic scars, spreading beyond the boundaries of past acne breakouts.
Acne Scar Treatment Options
Acne scar removal depends on the type and extent of acne scarring; skin type; and general skin condition of an individual.
Some popular, scar removal methods/best acne scar treatments in Hyderabad include:
- Topical products– These include products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, retin-oids, or ingredients that boost skin cell turnover and collagen production.
- Steroid injections– They can help treat itchy, raised scars.
- Chemical peeling– In this treatment, an acid solution of suitable strength is applied to the acne scars to peel off the dead skin layers. It helps minimize the appearance of rolling scars.
- Microneedling– It is a minimally invasive, percutaneous collagen induction therapy. The treatment involves the use of sterile microneedles to create multiple micro-wounds in the skin for stimulating fresh collagen and elastin production as well as microchannels to allow better absorption of topical products.
- Soft tissue fillers– These are natural or synthetic substances like hyaluronic acid or Poly-L-Lactic acid that are injected into the dermis to boost collagen production and fade out the depressed acne scars.
- Laser treatment– There are non-ablative and ablative lasers available that generate immense heat for promoting collagen formation and increase skin cell turnover. Erbium laser resurfacing is best for mild to moderate acne scars whereas fractional CO2 laser is best for treating deep acne scars.
- Subcision– Also referred to as subcutaneous incisional surgery, subcision is a minimally invasive acne scar removal technique, excellent for depressed rolling and boxcar acne scars. The procedure involves the use of a sterile needle to create a small hole in the skin. The scar tissue beneath the dermis is scraped off to encourage new collagen formation.
Acne Scars on Face: Special Considerations
When looking for the best treatment of facial acne scars, key considerations include:
- The acne scar type
- The skin tone
- The extent of acne scarring
- The facial features (some parts of the face require delicate treatments)
- Gentle face-specific treatments that ensure natural results
Preventing Acne Scars
Prevention of acne scars is always better than spending money on treatment. Here are the tips to avoid acne scars:
- Control acne breakouts with early intervention before they cause skin damage and scarring.
- Avoid touching, picking, or popping pimples as there is deep inflammation and infection risk, resulting in more scars.
- Protect the skin from direct UV light exposure by wearing sunscreen.
- Practice dermatologist-recommended skincare. Use gentle skin cleansers and hydrating moisturizers and even undergo targeted treatments to keep skin healthy and prevent future acne breakouts/ scarring.
Get Acne Scar Treatment and Welcome A Clear Skin
Acne scars are frustrating reminders of acne breakouts, mostly stubborn. They are the result of unusual healing of the skin. Thankfully, there are treatments available to make them less noticeable. To find the right treatment option for acne scars and to receive personalized acne scar care, one can get in touch with a dermatologist at Celestee Skin, Hair, and Laser Clinic. They have lasers, peels, fillers, and advanced technology for acne scar management. However, the best way to treat acne scars is to prevent their occurrence in the first place.
FAQs on Acne Scar Treatment
What Are the Best Treatments for Acne Scars?
Acne scars are stubborn and no one treatment is fixed to be the best for every sufferer. A dermatologist provides the best treatment plan based on the individual’s skin type, scar type, and the extent of scarring.
Can Acne Scars Be Completely Removed?
No. Dermatologist-recommended treatments only help fade out acne scars. They only improve acne scars\’ appearance but do not get rid of acne scars.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Acne Scar Treatment?
The time taken to visualize the improved appearance of acne scar is generally a few weeks but it can even take several months. The factors affecting the acne scar treatment timeline include the acne scar type/severity, the chosen treatment method, and the individual’s skin healing rate/skin type.
Is Laser Treatment Effective for All Types of Acne Scars?
Lasers are effective in treating most types of acne scars but not all. The laser type employed for acne scar treatment in Hyderabad; the scar type; and the individual’s skin type determine the effectiveness of laser treatment for acne scars.
Are There Any Side Effects of Acne Scar Treatments?
Yes. The commonly reported side effects of acne scar treatments may include redness, pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
Active acne, if left untreated, can cause severe marks on the skin. Visit Celestee Skin, Hair, and Laser Clinic to get beautiful, scar- and spot-free skin!
