Acne Scar Treatment
We understand that acne scar can be very distressing and also affect your self-confidence and wellbeing. Once your acne has cleared, you may find you have some pigmentation and scarring, which occurs in around one in five people. Please be assured as there are treatments available at Delight Clinic to help you regain your confidence and live life without worrying about your skin. Acne scarring can be treated effectively with a range of innovative treatments which drastically reduce or remove scars completely. Qualified doctor at Delight Clinic will give you best advice and support throughout your journey.
The most common types of acne scars include:
Atrophic Scars: These scars appear as depressions or indentations in the skin and are the most common type of acne scars. They are caused by a loss of tissue during the healing process of inflammatory acne. There are three subtypes of atrophic scars:
a. Ice Pick Scars: Deep and narrow scars that resemble small puncture marks on the skin. b. Boxcar Scars: Broad, depressed scars with well-defined edges. c. Rolling Scars: Wavy or undulating scars that give the skin a rolling, uneven appearance.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars: These scars occur when there is an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, resulting in raised and thickened areas of skin. Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original acne lesion, while keloid scars extend beyond the initial area.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is not a true scar but rather a temporary discoloration of the skin after acne lesions have healed. It appears as darkened patches or spots on the skin and can resolve over time.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE): Similar to PIH, PIE is not a scar but rather a temporary red or purplish discoloration of the skin following resolved acne lesions. It is caused by persistent dilated blood vessels and can fade over time.
Mixed-Type Scars: Some individuals may have a combination of different types of acne scars, making it challenging to classify them into a single category.
Treatments available at Delight Clinic for acne scars
- Peels: Retinol Peels, Lactic/Glycolic Peels, TCA/Retinol Peels.
- RF Micro needling
- Q-Switch N d Yag Laser
- Fractional Co2 Laser
- Skin Dermabrasion
- Derma roller
What causes acne scarring?
Acne scarring can develop as a complication of acne. Any type of acne spot can lead to scarring and scarring is more common when nodules and cysts are present. It is caused when the body works extremely hard to heal the wounds caused by acne which leads to an excess of collagen build-up in the skin. This collagen can stay in place permanently which causes acne scarring.
Will acne scars heal?
There are different types of scarring, ice pick scars (small deep holes), rolling scars (uneven skin) and boxcar scars (craters in the skin). Some scars may improve slightly on their own depending on the severity and some scarring will be more stubborn than others. Dark spots on the skin (usually red, brown or purple) are very common and aren’t true acne scars. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and will be much easier to treat than deeper scars and might heal over time. Other acne scars can be permanent if left untreated. Scarring can also be increased if spots are picked, so it is very important to avoid this.
Acne Scar Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions
Before we know the answer, it is important to determine the type of scar which we will do in your initial consultation. It is essential we wait until your skin is almost clear of acne to begin treatment. As an example, many of our clients see great results from RF Micro needling where a course of three to six sessions are required at four weeks of interval, so you may be looking at a minimum of two to three months to see any substantial results. With laser resurfacing, many clients experience amazing results after just one treatment.
Not really. In most laser or RF Micro needling treatments, there may be some mild discomfort but anesthetic cream can be used before the treatment if necessary.
In most cases the results will be permanent, however if you suffer from acne again after having acne scarring treatment, there is a risk that new scars will form and you will require further acne scarring treatment.