What is Acne Scarring
Living with acne is frustrating enough but the scars it leaves behind can have a lasting effect on your self-esteem. Fortunately, acne scars don’t need to be a permanent facial feature.
Acne scars occur when the walls of a follicle swell to the point of breaking. It’s when the infected cells spill out onto the rest of the skin that deeper lesions occur. As the skin tries to repair itself, it either produces too little or too much collagen, which causes an uneven surface.
In order to effectively treat acne scarring, any active breakouts first need to be eliminated. Treatment also requires a personalised approach and the expertise of a qualified medical professional.
Before treating acne scars, it’s important to identify what type of scarring is present.
Types of Acne Scarring
Acne scars can fall into one of two categories: Atrophic or hypertrophic.
Atrophic scars are depressed, meaning they sit below the surface of the skin. Atrophic scars are caused by a lack of collagen during the wound healing process. There are three types of atrophic scars:
- Boxcar. These scars can be shallow or deep and tend to have a u-shape and sharp edges.
- Ice Pick. Often the most difficult to treat, ice pick scars are narrow and form a V-shape. They can also look like chickenpox scars, which are small holes.
- Rolling. These scars are usually wide and have rounded edges that give them a rolling appearance.
Hypertrophic scars are raised and are more common in the case of back or chest acne. Raised scars are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
In order to effectively treat acne scars,
any active breakouts first
need to be eliminated
Acne Scarring Treatment Options
The following acne scar treatments are offered at Skin Confidence Clinic:
Fotona SP Dynamis Pro
At Skin Confidence, we have recently invested in the Fotona SP Dynamis Pro, an innovative laser system capable of treating a wide range of skin and body concerns. Treatments work by delivering laser energy into the damaged skin cells, which works to remodel collagen to improve the appearance of acne scars.
Fotona laser treatments combine Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser wavelengths to renew the skin’s appearance. During treatment, you may experience a subtle warming sensation, however this should not cause any major discomfort. Fotona laser treatments are highly customisable and produce effective results in just a matter of treatments. Plus, with no downtime required, you can return to your daily routine immediately after treatment.
Infini MRF
Infini RF treatments use radiofrequency technology to rejuvenate, resurface and tighten the skin. The system also incorporates microneedling to trigger the skin’s natural response to micro-injuries.
Once the device is applied to the face, micro-injuries are created by a series of fine needles and radiofrequency energy penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. Over time, the skin will heal and regenerate, which gradually creates a smoother skin surface.
An Infini RF session lasts about 45 minutes, whereafter, the skin will need to be kept clean and protected to avoid infection and a potential acne breakout. There may be some mild swelling for a few days and because the skin will also be sensitive, a high SPF sunscreen is essential.
To achieve the best outcome, at least three Infini RF sessions are recommended. However, this is dependent on the severity of the acne scarring.
LaseMD
LaseMD is a fractional non-ablative laser that creates micro-channels across the skin in order to boost collagen levels and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Three different levels can be used during a LaseMD session but Level III is usually the best option for acne scarring.
Since Level III works at a much deeper level, the skin will flake for about a week after your treatment. During treatment, patients can expect to feel the warmth and a tingling sensation. A topical numbing agent will need to be used at Level III to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your session.
Most patients will need at least three LaseMD sessions to reduce the appearance of acne scarring but this will be different for everyone.
Beauty Booster
Beauty Booster treatments involve a series of dermal filler injections that help reintroduce hyaluronic acid into the skin, which boosts collagen and elastin formation. The injections also contain a special blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and antioxidants, which hydrate the skin at a deep level. As the injections plump up the skin, they also reduce the appearance of depressed acne scars.
A Beauty Booster treatment only takes about 30 minutes and requires a topical numbing cream to alleviate any discomfort. Follow-up sessions will be required in order to maintain results.
Living with acne is frustrating enough but the scars it leaves behind can have a lasting effect on your self-esteem
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