Removal of acne scars on face. Acne Scar Removal: Effective Treatments for Smoother Skin
How do different types of acne lead to scarring. What are the most effective treatments for mild and severe acne scars. Can over-the-counter products help fade acne marks. How long does it typically take for acne scars to fade naturally.
Understanding Acne and Its Scarring Potential
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, resulting in various forms of acne lesions. Understanding the different types of acne is crucial in determining the likelihood of scarring and appropriate treatment options.
Types of Acne and Their Scarring Potential
- Mild acne: Whiteheads and blackheads (least likely to scar)
- Moderate acne: Papules and pustules (moderate scarring potential)
- Severe acne: Nodules and cysts (highest risk of permanent scarring)
Do certain types of acne lead to more severe scarring? Generally, the more severe forms of acne, particularly nodular and cystic acne, are more likely to result in permanent scars. This is due to the depth of inflammation and damage to the skin’s structure.
Identifying Different Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars come in various forms, each requiring specific treatment approaches. Recognizing the type of scar is essential in determining the most effective removal method.
Common Types of Acne Scars
- Rolling scars: Shallow depressions with sloping edges
- Boxcar scars: Round or oval depressions with steep, defined edges
- Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow, pitted scars
- Hypertrophic scars: Raised scars due to excess collagen production
Is there a difference between acne marks and acne scars? Indeed, there is. Acne marks are typically red or brown discolorations that fade over time, while acne scars involve textural changes in the skin that may require more intensive treatment.
Non-Invasive Treatments for Mild Acne Scars
For those with mild acne scarring, several non-invasive treatments can significantly improve skin texture and appearance without the need for more aggressive interventions.
Topical Treatments and Chemical Peels
Are over-the-counter products effective for treating mild acne scars? While not as potent as professional treatments, certain over-the-counter products containing ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha-hydroxy acids can help improve the appearance of mild acne scars over time.
Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that causes controlled exfoliation, promoting cell turnover and collagen production. This can help reduce the appearance of superficial acne scars and improve overall skin texture.
Microdermabrasion and Microneedling
Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. It’s particularly effective for mild, superficial scars.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This can help improve the appearance of shallow acne scars and overall skin texture.
Advanced Treatments for Moderate to Severe Acne Scars
For individuals with more pronounced or deep acne scars, advanced treatments may be necessary to achieve significant improvement in skin texture and appearance.
Laser Resurfacing Techniques
How does laser resurfacing work to improve acne scars? Laser resurfacing uses focused light energy to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production. This process can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, particularly for those with lighter skin tones.
- Ablative lasers: Remove the top layer of skin for more dramatic results
- Non-ablative lasers: Target deeper skin layers without damaging the surface
- Fractional lasers: Treat small areas of skin at a time for faster healing
Dermabrasion and Subcision
Dermabrasion is a more aggressive form of exfoliation that uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin. This treatment is particularly effective for raised scars and can significantly improve skin texture.
Subcision is a minor surgical procedure that involves breaking up scar tissue beneath the skin’s surface. This treatment is particularly effective for rolling and tethered scars, as it releases the fibrous bands that pull down on the skin’s surface.
Innovative Procedures for Stubborn Acne Scars
For those with particularly resistant or deep acne scars, innovative procedures can offer hope for significant improvement in skin texture and appearance.
Punch Techniques and Dermal Fillers
Punch techniques are surgical procedures used to treat deep, pitted acne scars. These include:
- Punch excision: Removing the scar and closing the wound with stitches
- Punch elevation: Lifting the base of the scar to be level with surrounding skin
- Punch grafting: Replacing the scar tissue with a skin graft
Can dermal fillers help with acne scars? Yes, dermal fillers can be an effective temporary solution for depressed acne scars. They work by filling in the depressed areas, creating a smoother skin surface. However, results are temporary and may require periodic touch-ups.
Combining Treatments for Optimal Results
In many cases, a combination of treatments may yield the best results for acne scar removal. For example, a treatment plan might include subcision followed by laser resurfacing, or dermal fillers combined with chemical peels. The specific combination will depend on the individual’s scar types and skin condition.
Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Acne Scar Prevention
While professional treatments can be highly effective, incorporating natural remedies and lifestyle changes can support the healing process and help prevent future scarring.
Dietary Considerations and Supplements
Can diet influence acne scarring? While diet doesn’t directly cause or cure acne scars, certain nutrients can support skin health and healing. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, may help promote skin health and reduce inflammation.
Supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, and zinc may also support skin healing, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Skincare Habits and Sun Protection
Developing a consistent skincare routine is crucial for managing acne and preventing further scarring. This should include gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing with non-comedogenic products.
Sun protection is particularly important for those with acne scars, as UV exposure can darken existing scars and slow the healing process. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily can help protect the skin and support the healing process.
Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies
The psychological impact of acne scars can be significant, affecting self-esteem and social interactions. It’s important to address these emotional aspects alongside physical treatments.
Building Self-Confidence and Seeking Support
How can individuals cope with the emotional impact of acne scars? Building self-confidence can involve focusing on personal strengths, practicing self-care, and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. Some individuals may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy or other forms of counseling to address self-image concerns.
Makeup Techniques for Concealing Scars
While treating acne scars, many individuals find that makeup can help boost confidence. Color-correcting concealers can neutralize redness or discoloration, while full-coverage foundations can help even out skin texture. Setting powders and primers can also help create a smoother appearance.
It’s important to choose non-comedogenic makeup products to avoid exacerbating acne or irritating sensitive skin.
Future Developments in Acne Scar Treatment
The field of dermatology continues to evolve, with ongoing research into new and improved treatments for acne scars.
Emerging Technologies and Research
What new treatments are on the horizon for acne scar removal? Researchers are exploring several promising avenues, including:
- Stem cell therapy for skin regeneration
- Advanced growth factor serums to stimulate collagen production
- Nanotechnology for more targeted and effective treatments
- Gene therapy to address underlying factors contributing to scarring
These emerging technologies hold the potential to revolutionize acne scar treatment, offering hope for even more effective and less invasive options in the future.
Personalized Treatment Approaches
The future of acne scar treatment is likely to involve more personalized approaches, taking into account an individual’s specific skin type, scar characteristics, and genetic factors. This may include customized combination therapies and tailored maintenance plans to optimize results and prevent future scarring.
As our understanding of skin biology and wound healing continues to advance, we can expect more targeted and effective treatments for acne scars, offering hope to those seeking smoother, clearer skin.
Can Acne Scars Be Removed? (for Teens)
Different Types of Acne
Scars from acne can seem like double punishment — first you had to deal with the pimples, now you have marks as a reminder.
Acne lesions (pimples) happen when the hair follicles (or “pores”) on the skin become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. A plugged follicle is the perfect place for bacteria to grow and create the red bumps and pus-filled red bumps known as pimples.
Acne comes in different forms:
- mild acne: this causes the whiteheads or blackheads that most of us get at some point
- moderate acne: this can cause red, inflamed pimples (called papules) and red pimples with white centers (called pustules)
- severe acne: this causes painful, pus-filled cysts or lumps (called nodules) under the skin
Most serious scarring is caused by the more severe forms of acne, with nodules more likely to leave permanent scars than other types of acne.
The best approach is to get treatment for acne soon after it appears to prevent further severe acne and more scarring. If you have nodules, see your doctor or dermatologist for treatment.
Treating Acne Scars
Most of the time, those reddish or brownish acne marks that are left behind after pimples clear up will fade with no need for treatment. Picking or squeezing acne can increase the risk for scarring, though.
Acne scars take two forms:
- scars with a gradual dip or depression (sometimes called “rolling” scars)
- scars that are deep and narrow
A person’s acne needs to be under control before scars can be treated.
Mild vs. Severe Scarring
Treatments depend on how severe the scars are. In some cases, a doctor or dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help improve the appearance of scarred areas. These milder treatments can be done right in the office.
For serious scarring from previous bouts with acne, several types of treatment can help:
- Laser resurfacing. This procedure can be done in the doctor’s or dermatologist’s office. The laser removes the damaged top layer of skin and tightens the middle layer, leaving skin smoother. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The doctor will try to lessen any pain by first numbing the skin with local anesthesia. It usually takes between 3 and 10 days for the skin to heal completely.
- Dermabrasion. This treatment uses a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to wear down the surface of the skin. As the skin heals, a new, smoother layer replaces the abraded skin. It may take a bit longer for skin to heal using dermabrasion — usually between 10 days and 3 weeks.
- Fractional laser therapy. This type of treatment works at a deeper level than laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, Because fractional laser therapy doesn’t wound the top layer of tissue, healing time is shorter. Someone who has had this type of treatment may just look a bit sunburned for a couple of days.
For “rolling” scars, doctors sometimes inject material under the scar to raise it to the level of normal skin. Finally, in some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove deeply indented scars.
One thing you shouldn’t do to deal with acne scars is load up your face with masks or fancy lotions — these won’t help and may irritate your skin further, making the scars red and even more noticeable.
If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer. If you’re upset about acne marks, talk to your doctor, who might have advice on what you can do.
What Are Your Removal Options?
Pimple scars are a nuisance left behind by acne. They aren’t painful, but these scars can harm your self-esteem.
There’s a variety of treatment options to reduce the appearance of your stubborn pimple scars. They depend on your type of scarring and skin. You’ll need specific treatments determined by you and your doctor.
Subcision for Pimple Scars
This procedure is also called a subcutaneous incision. Subcision involves using a surgical probe or needle to separate skin and pimple scar tissue. This treatment causes your skin to raise. It flattens depressed (sunken) scars.
The results of this treatment are almost immediate with slight bruising for 1 to 2 weeks. Follow-ups such as laser treatments can be used to relieve any leftover discoloration from scars.
Laser Resurfacing
This treatment option is good for pimple scars that aren’t very deep. Laser resurfacing removes the uppermost layer of your skin. Your body then produces new skin cells. This diminishes the appearance of widespread pimple scars.
Laser resurfacing is a popular follow-up treatment. It can be helpful for people with darker skin or who have a history of scar-like lesions called keloids.
Punch Techniques
There’s a variety of punch techniques including excision, elevation, and replacement grafting. The type of punch technique you need depends on the type of scar. A punch treatment removes the entire scar from your skin.
Punch techniques are the go-to pimple scar surgery. They are commonly paired with other surface-level treatments to reduce the appearance of large scars.
Injections for Acne Scars
Injections are used for a variety of cosmetic treatments. Steroid injections are the most common and are used for raised pimple scars.
Steroid injections soften and flatten swollen scars. Injection treatments often require multiple visits. More intensive treatment may be required if your scars don’t respond to the injections.
Pimple Scar Fillers
Filler injections involve plumping up depressed pimple scars using collagen, your own body fat, or another filler substance. Results are often temporary. They usually only last 6 to 18 months. There are other permanent options available.
Collagen injections may be recommended if your body has lost its natural collagen. Fillers are also used to treat wrinkles and face lines.
Skin Tightening
This procedure involves using radiofrequency or other energy-based therapy to smooth out pimple scars and tighten your skin. The changes from radiofrequency are subtle. This means you need repeated treatments for long-term effects.
Your skin is more sensitive after skin tightening treatments and requires at-home care. But this type of treatment is affordable, safe for any skin color, and effective on deep pimple scars.
Dermabrasion for Pimple Scars
Dermabrasion is similar to laser resurfacing. Your doctor uses a mechanical instrument to slowly remove the top layer of skin. A smooth layer of new skin replaces the scarred layer as you heal. This procedure is effective against surface pimple scars and typically requires a week of recovery.
There is another treatment called microdermabrasion. It involves a series of treatments with shorter recovery times.
Acne Scar Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are like other resurfacing methods but not as precise as laser or dermabrasion. Chemical peels utilize a chemical solution that causes your skin to blister and peel off. This allows the skin to regrow smoother than before.
Chemical peels are primarily used for surface-level pimple scars. They also help treat sun-damaged skin or even out irregular skin pigments.
Needling for Pimple Scars
Needling is also known as skin needling, microneedling, or collagen induction. This process uses a small instrument to create pin-pricks on the surface of your skin. The needles stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Most people require multiple needling treatments. Laser treatments may be recommended alongside needling for severe pimple scars.
Fractional Laser Therapy
This type of laser treatment works deeper than laser resurfacing. It targets the blood vessels beneath the pimple scar to lighten its color and flatten it if necessary.
Fractional laser therapy doesn’t target your skin’s surface. This means the top layer isn’t damaged. That allows for a shorter healing time with minimal side effects.
Cryosurgery for Acne Scars
This treatment involves freezing your pimple scar tissue. The extreme cold causes the tissue to die and fall off. Cryosurgery may be supplemented with steroid injections to improve treatment results.
Cryosurgery is riskier for people with darker skin. The treatment will often lighten the skin tone of the treated area.
At-Home Pimple Scar Removal
You can’t entirely remove pimple scars at home. But you can make them less noticeable. Medicated creams that contain azelaic acid and hydroxyl acids will make your scars less pronounced. Wearing sunscreen when outside will help reduce the color contrast between your skin and the scars.
Treating Acne Scars: What’s New?
Consensus from the Experts
Typesof Acne Scars
The nomenclature for categorizing types of acne scars has not been entirely settled in the literature. For our purposes, it is useful to recognize three main categories of depressed acne scars—icepick scars (deeper than wide), boxcar scars (wider than deep with distinct edges), and rolling atrophic scars (these can be smoothed out if stretched).4 Atrophic acne scars are the most common and are likely caused by inflammatory processes leading to the enzymatic degradation of the collagen fibers and subcutaneous fat.5 There may be an inflammatory component to some acne scars. Clinicians may also encounter scars with more than one physical characteristic, such as pigmentation or erythema, in addition to being atrophic or hypertrophic. These may be termed “hybrid” scars. Some acne scars are elevated above the surface of the surrounding skin and may be hypertrophic, but not quite keloidal. Other characteristics that can help define acne scars include textural irregularities, depression, aberrant pigmentation, erythema, vascular dilatation, unclear or irregular borders, and papules.
There are several ways to classify acne scars. In one method, acne scars may be graded on a four-point scale with grade 1 describing macular (flat) scars (erythematous hyper- or hypopigmented marks) and 4 being severe disease including scarring that is not flattened when the skin is manually stretched.6 The treatment of acne scars must be customized to meet the needs of the patient (age, skin type, extent, type, and nature of scars), the patient’s goals, and the patient’s lifestyle (downtime). See for a short summary of main types of acne scars and treatment considerations.
TABLE 1
Main types of acne scars and considerations by the dermatologist in treatment
DESCRIPTION | THERAPY | CONSIDERATIONS | COMMENT |
---|---|---|---|
ROLLING ATROPHIC SCARS | |||
Rolling atrophic scar | Filler and/or ablative resurfacing | Resurfacing will smooth out the scar but a dermal filler is necessary to help support it after the energy device treatment. | The initial appearance following resurfacing will be good, but as undulations start to reform, their smoothness will diminish over time. |
BOXCAR SCARS | |||
Boxcar scar | CO2 laser or erbium-YAG laser, treat individual scars to efface edges and then use a fractional ablative or nonablative technology for global improvement | Isolate the boxcar scars and treat them individually. Treat the edges to create more of a saucer shape. Turn a crevasse into an undulation. Remove the edge (shadow effect) | Test behind ear or in inconspicuous place first for darker skin types. Asian and Spanish patients may experience transient hyperpigmentation and should be told in advance. There may be a need for volume (filler) underneath the scar to help support it after treatment |
ICEPICK SCARS | |||
Icepick acne scar where lesion runs up and down | Surgical or punch excision | Inject numbing medicine to trace, excise, use 5-0 or 6-0 absorbable sutures (two stitches) | Stitches can be left in 8 to 10 days; if a surgical scar is left, it can be ablated |
Icepick acne scar where lesion does not run up and down but may fan out | Trace the path of the pores and follow that path |
Treatment Considerations
The size, type, and severity of the scar will be primary considerations in treatment. The anatomic location of the scar and the patient’s skin type may also be important considerations. The scar’s etiology and prior treatments should be assessed at the patient’s initial evaluation. Patient education should be provided to manage expectations and design a treatment program that does not exceed the patient’s comfort level for risk.
There have been concerns that patients taking oral isotretinoin for acne are at risk for delayed healing after invasive scar treatments. Current clinical practice recommendations recommend that patients wait 6 to 12 months after completing isotretinoin therapy for any aggressive scar revision. However, those recommendations are being challenged by recent studies. In a retrospective study (n=110), patients taking oral isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day) for acne scars or hirsutism were compared to those receiving only topical acne medications. Both groups underwent invasive treatment for acne scars and/or laser hair removal.7 Isotretinoin did not appear to delay wound healing nor was it associated with any adverse effects. There were no cases of atypical scarring, delayed wound healing, keloids, or hypertrophic scars in patients in this study. In another study, 35 patients who had taken low-dose oral isotretinoin (10mg/day) for at least one month were treated with a 1550nm erbium-doped fiber laser to reduce acne scars. In this study, 80 percent of patients exhibited better than “fair” improvement and no aggravated acne scars, hypertrophic scars, or keloids were observed.8
Current Treatment Options
Multimodal approaches can often be effective in treating acne scars.9 These procedures, such as resurfacing, lifting, excisions, and filling,2 may be performed at the same time in a single procedure or in sequence. Dermatologists should individualize the best treatment options for each patient.
Resurfacing. Resurfacing procedures are perhaps the most common interventions for treating acne scars and include chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing (ablative and nonablative laser resurfacing, plus fractional laser resurfacing). Resurfacing involves removing skin layers from the top down. Originally, dermabrasion was the main approach to treating acne scars. Dermabrasion and other resurfacing techniques help to blend acne scars into the surrounding skin by modifying the contours of the scar.3 As a mechanical procedure, the goal is to reduce the crateriform appearance of scars by smoothing sharp edges. Dermabrasion is particularly useful for treating rolling and superficial boxcar scars. While effective, to achieve excellent results, traditional dermabrasion requires a great deal of experience and the number of physicians skilled in dermabrasion is vanishing, as newer energy-based technologies have evolved over the past 20 years. Microneedling with and without various topical applications may help smooth skin contours and blend pigmentation.
Energy devices. Another frequently employed acne scar treatment involves energy devices, such as the CO2 laser and erbium YAG lasers, with and without a scanner. The goal of treatment with any energy device is to efface the edges of the scar first and then conclude with a more global treatment and tightening. Today, laser skin resurfacing may involve traditional ablative systems or fractional nonablative and ablative resurfacing techniques.10 Fractional laser resurfacing balances the effectiveness of traditional ablative resurfacing with the greater tolerability of fractional approaches.10 A novel fractional ablative CO2 laser therapy offers fractional photothermolysis and may be effective in treating acne scars less invasively than nonfractional ablative laser therapy.11–13 Patients undergoing fractional laser therapy should be advised that it may cause an acne flare during the healing process. A picosecond pulse duration laser treatment with a diffractive lens represents an innovation in fractional lasers for acne scar treatment.14
Pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) may be used to flatten and reduce the volume of hypertrophic scars and may result in improved skin texture and pliability as well as decreased erythema.3 PDLs work by selectively targeting hemoglobin with minimal damage to other epidermal or dermal structures. Hypertrophic facial scars may require several treatments.3 PDLs should be used at the lowest fluence that produces mild purpura. They are sometimes employed to treat acne scars, persistent erythema, telangiectasia in both adult and pediatric patients, or in patients with active acne. As a general rule, however, the authors believe it is better to treat active acne first and then address scarring in order to avoid “fighting a war on two fronts.”
Subcision. In subcision, a specialized needle, usually 18 gauge, with the lumen or core stamped shut, is inserted percutaneously to release fibrotic scar bands in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, similar to a “mini-scalpel”. This approach results in a tethered scar being “released” and allows neocollagenesis to take place beneath the scar, helping to lift and smooth the surface contour.15 Subcision is useful for any depressed scars on the face, especially those classified as rolling.3
Microsubcision (MSUBx™, Suneva Medical, Inc., San Diego, California). This technique utilizes a standard hypodermic needle instead of a true subcision needle. Essentially, the needle is “passed back and forth” underneath a depressed scar to create a potential space, or pocket. This space may fill naturally with a fibrin clot, or more commonly an injectable dermal filler is placed in the pocket.
Excision. Some acne scars respond well to surgical excision, which may include punch excision, elliptical excision, or punch grafting. The advantage of surgical excision is complete removal of the scar. Punch excision with a small stitch may produce good results and is likewise a straightforward procedure. For deeper scars, particularly those around the ear, a demi-lift with tightening can be helpful following excision of tissue with acne scars. Excision may leave surgical scars, but it has been the observation of the authors that many patients accept small, flat, surgical scars more readily than acne scars. Additionally, monomorphic surgical scars are typically more predictable to repair procedures than polymorphic irregular acne scars.
Punch grafting may be more cumbersome for acne scar treatment, in that it requires donor/recipient matching of color, tone, and texture, and excises tissue from a donor site as well as the scar site. Punch excisions may work well for treating acne scars and any residual rough edges can be smoothed with laser or energy device treatment that same day or subsequently. Punch grafting should be used with caution on icepick scars to assure a full-thickness dermal excision of the scar base prior to placement of the graft.
Chemical peeling. Icepick scars may respond well to high-concentration trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for chemical reconstruction. In a study of 53 adult patients with atrophic acne scars, 70% TCA applied focally every two weeks using a chemical reconstruction of skin scars therapy (CROSS therapy) resulted in good or excellent improvement (defined as >50%) in 66 percent of patients based on patient and physician assessments. In that study, 81 percent of patients said they were satisfied or very satisfied with TCA treatment.16 In a study of 16 patients treated with 100% TCA, 69 percent reported excellent results (>75%), and the remainder reported good results.17 High-strength TCA is thought to cause remodeling of the dermal collagen. TCA treatment is relatively inexpensive and seems well-tolerated by patients. However, TCA should be done as a stand-alone therapy or, if in multimodal approaches, be done before laser treatments and allowed to “set.” Moisture induced/generated by ablative and fractional laser treatments can dilute or spread the effect of the TCA beyond the desired boundaries and the penetration of TCA into freshly lasered skin may be unpredictable.
Fillers. Fillers offer an important nonsurgical technique to correct acne scars and improve skin texture. Since many types of filler treatments are available, clinicians should discuss with patients their various treatment options and associated risks and benefits. Many fillers are injected using the so-called linear threading method. The length of the needle is inserted into the middle of the scar or depression and the product is slowly injected as the needle is advanced or retracted, allowing product to be distributed in small amounts along the length of the scar. Fanning is a similar technique, in which the needle is inserted as for linear threading, but before the needle is removed, it is drawn back and the direction changes, enabling another line of injection.
Fillers may be used to treat deep, rolling acne scars. The staging of the procedure depends on the patient and types of scars. For example, a deep rolling scar may be first treated with an energy device, then filler applied in specific regions. For a severely atrophied scar with wasting, fillers may be used first and then an energy device. In some instances, fillers might be used in the same procedure or staged for a separate procedure.
Subcision, punch elevation, and dermal fillers may all be considered “lifting procedures.” Lifting procedures try to draw the base of a deep scar toward the surface and, in so doing, smooth out the skin.
Fat transplantation. Autologous fat transplantation may be suitable for the treatment of severely depressed scars or scars with abnormal contours in which there is a loss of subcutaneous fat.3
Hyaluronic acid. Non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) in a low-viscosity liquid can be injected into the mid-to-superficial dermis as a dermal filler.18 This treatment may be particularly useful to the correction of individual, depressed acne scars. Hyaluronic acid may be described as a consumable filler and will be resorbed by the body over a relatively brief (6-12 months) time. Additionally, when most hyaluronic acid fillers are placed superficially into the dermis in fair-skinned (Fitzpatrick 1 and 2) individuals, a bluish discoloration termed the Tyndall or Rayleigh effect may occur. This may not be the case for a unique hyaluronic acid, which is produced using a specialized production process termed “cohesive polydensified matrix,” which allows for greater dermal tissue integration of the HA. Thus, even successful treatment with hyaluronic acid will only provide temporary rather than durable results.
A New Treatment Option
Nonconsumable dermal filler. The ideal filler should be free of adverse side effects, well-tolerated, safe, effective, and offer durable results. Bellafill™ (Suneva Medical, Inc., San Diego, California), originally introduced to the United States market as Artefill™, is a filler originally US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for correction of nasolabial folds (smile lines) and has recently been approved as the first dermal filler in the United States for treatment of acne scars. This new product is indicated for the correction of moderate-to-severe atrophic distensible facial acne scars on the cheeks in adults.19 Bellafill, a dermal filler, is bovine collagen solution (80%) with nonresorbable polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres (20%) and 0.3% lidocaine. The collagen portion of the product initially acts as a volumizer and supports collagen production. This nonconsumable dermal filler can be used on distensible scars. It provides support/scaffolding and may help normalize reflective optics (reflection/refraction) of the skin surface by reducing shadowing of the base of the scar.
Treating physicians have in the past expressed concerns about the use of a nonconsumable filler because it represents a permanent treatment and theoretically a risk of permanent complications. Clinical trial safety data from a five-year safety study as well as the pivotal acne scar study and nasolabial fold study confirm the low adverse event occurrence of Bellafill across 1,542 subjects, as well as the clinical manageability of the minor adverse events.
The authors shared some of their pearls and pitfalls in . Note that when filler is injected into the skin, it will travel along the path of least resistance, so it may not go precisely where expected.
TABLE 2
Pearls and pitfalls in the use of nonconsumable dermal fillers
Treat filler injection as a surgical procedure; prep the skin as you would for a surgical procedure. |
Avoid filler injections when the patient has any active inflammatory process in the treatment area, such as sunburn, active acne, inflammatory seborrhea, herpes simplex virus eruption, etc. |
Photograph, mark treatment areas and consider lidocaine injections prior to placement of filling agent for patient comfort. |
Recognize that acne scarring can distort the anatomy of tissue planes (dermis, fat, muscle). For instance, the dermis may atrophy and sit on the subcutis in some patients, but in other patients, the dermis may be thick and heavily fibrosed. Be aware of nerves and vasculature in the treatment area. |
The risk of granulomas and nodules is very small. Granulomas are a distinct histological event. Not every bump or nodule is a granuloma. |
Correct to optimal surface contour or slightly under-correct; it is easy to use a secondary injection later, if needed. |
Swelling may occur within the treatment area. If clinical evaluation is obscured, consider a “time out” from injection for 10 to 15 minutes, use cold packs to reduce edema and if unsuccessful, consider rescheduling injections at a later date. |
Ask patients to gently massage the injection sites for two minutes each morning and night for one to two weeks to help maintain even distribution of the microspheres within the treatment area(s). |
Only very small amounts of nonresorbable dermal filler are needed, typically one- to two-tenths (0.1–0.2) of a milliliter per scar per treatment session. These small amounts make it difficult to overfill a scar, but even if that happens, it may be possible to squeeze or “milk out” excess filler or, if need be, use a punch excision to extract it. Note that too much filler may result in a palpable lesion before it is visible.
Dermal filler can be applied using microsubcision for depressed acne scars and can be evenly dispersed since the filler is formulated as suspended microspheres. Having the patient massage the injection sites following injection can further aid in even distribution (see ).
Note that Bellafill’s product labeling recommends intradermal skin testing and observation for 28 days to assure there is no sensitivity to bovine collagen or lidocaine. This pretest may not always be practical or feasible particularly for patients who find a visit to the dermatology clinic to be a hardship or have time or travel issues. However, remember that this pre-treatment skin testing is part of the FDA labeling for Bellafill, and is for patient safety. Some patients may “cool off” in 28 days and decide they no longer want to undergo treatment. An innovative strategy to deal with this issue is to consider skin testing at the time of consultation, plus selective mapping, photography, and perhaps microsubcision or subcision in an attempt to demonstrate to the patient what the procedure will be like upon their return in 28 days.
Clinical Trials of Bellafill
In a single-center, open-label, pilot study (n=14 patients, 57 scars), atrophic acne scars were subjected to subcision and then Bellafill was injected into the scar. At eight months, investigators rated 96 percent of atrophic acne scars had improved.20 No adverse events were reported.
In a double-blind study of 147 patients with ≥4 moderate-to-severe atrophic facial acne scars, patients were randomized for an injection of Bellafill or saline, with a second injection four weeks later, if needed. The majority of patients in the active-treatment group and some in the control group (64% vs. 33%, respectively; p=0.0005) achieved the primary endpoint, a two-point improvement on the four-point validated acne scar rating scale in ≥50 percent of scars at six months. There were no significant differences in results between sexes, lighter versus darker skins, or younger versus older patients.21
Filler Complications
Visible papules may occur with the use of any filler, particularly poly-L-lactic acid and may occur if the injection is too superficial or the volume of dilution is too low.22 Tissue necrosis is rare, but may occur with the intravascular injection of filler into a vessel or if the injection compresses the local vasculature.23 This may initially be evident to the clinician with blanching during injection or mottled pigmentation of the skin post-injection. As a final reminder, when Bellafill is injected on label into the dermis for the treatment of depressed acne scars, there is not typically larger (>0.5mm) vessels present.
Combination Therapy for Acne Scars
Patients may require a multimodal approach for treating their scars; for example, the use of a vascular laser for red scars, fillers for depressed, distensible scars, punch excision of icepick, scars and ablative and nonablative fractional lasers for boxcar scars. Dermal fillers can often work even with scars with discrete edges and should be considered a first-line approach for atrophied and/or rolling scars. Reinflation of the underlying tissue may put the skin more “on stretch,” allowing for better treatment of superficial scars and possibly enhancing results.
Staging combination therapy must be customized to meet the patient’s individual needs, such as budget, timeline, risk tolerance, and psychological impact. If there is significant atrophy, fillers may be the first approach followed by an energy-based therapy. For patients without significant atrophy, energy therapy might be performed first, with fillers following. Acne scars located on the temple often require filler for appropriate treatment. Many factors should be considered when staging combination therapy including the type(s) of scars, the patient’s age, type of skin, the patient’s tolerance for risk and discomfort, and treatment goals. When selecting the types and order of therapies, the following clinical outcomes must be considered: correction of color, tone, texture, tightness, and volume.
While treating acne scars can be challenging for any skin type, darker skin may be at elevated risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.24 Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI compose an increasingly large proportion of American dermatology patients, but there are relatively few studies of acne scar treatments in these specific populations. Moreover, acne is prevalent in Asian patients, and these patients (Fitzpatrick skin types III to V) are known to be at increased risk for hypertrophic and keloid scarring.25
In many cases for all skin types, dermal filler plus resurfacing will provide better results than dermal filler or resurfacing alone. Patients should be educated that the loss of volume makes the scar appear more prominent, thus volume restoration is essential to complete treatment success in almost all cases.
Incorporating Dermal Fillers to Treat Acne Scars into a Dermatology Practice
The typical dermatology practice sees many acne patients and has the opportunity to help patients with acne scars. Acne scars tend to become more visible over time and may be detrimental to the patient’s self-esteem and quality of life. Since most dermatology patients prefer to stay at a single practice rather than travel to see a variety of specialists, acne scar treatment has the potential to become an important offering for virtually all dermatology practices.
The learning curve for adding nonconsumable dermal filler to a dermatology practice is relatively short (even for dermatologists with minimal injection experience), and the procedure is straightforward, simple, and will likely produce high success rates. Costs for this type of injection can be kept reasonable and it is not difficult to educate patients about the role, risks, and benefits of these innovative dermal fillers as part of their acne scar treatment.
Dermatologists wishing to train using a non-consumable dermal filler should seek out hands-on training with an experienced colleague. The authors recommend the following multiphase training regimen:
Online video to get an overview of technique and to use for subsequent review
A series of observational cases with a physician-trainer
In-clinic cases with physician-trainer observing and exposure to advanced techniques
Peer-group forum or conferences, possibly industry supported, in which experts can discuss their experiences, insights, and optimized techniques.
Some patients with troublesome acne scars are unaware that their scars can be minimized. For that reason, an advertising or social media campaign may be helpful to inform patients about acne scar treatment options. For example, a patient-advocate willing to talk about their acne scars and subsequent treatment might help encourage more individuals to seek treatment.
In today’s increasingly cost-conscious healthcare market, the costs of dermal filler might pose a substantial obstacle. For reimbursement-based practices, even asking for payment can be a difficult patient discussion. Patients who learn about acne scar treatments may expect them to be covered by their insurance and will express disappointment and frustration when they learn they are not. Even when patients are prepared to pay out-of-pocket for dermal filler treatment of acne scars, they may think the cost of dermal filler is prohibitively high. With misplaced concern, some dermatologists may be overly sympathetic to their patients’ financial reluctance and reduce prices for acne scar treatments in order to accommodate their patients’ pricing sensitivities. Instead, an alternate approach is to re-affirm the value in this kind of treatment. Nonconsumable dermal fillers offer durability and longevity that can be amortized over the long term. This is not a treatment that will be consumed over time and need to be repeated. For instance, the dermatologist may position a nonconsumable dermal filler as a treatment you “buy” outright rather than “rent.” The goal is to encourage patients to see nonconsumable dermal fillers as a permanent solution to a difficult problem for them, rather than as just one more expense.
Conclusion
Dermatologists today can find great professional satisfaction in being able to effectively treat acne scars that were previously considered untreatable. Most patients are extremely grateful for successful treatment and may even report marked improvements in their mood, outlook, and quality of life. Many treatment options exist, including the innovative new nonconsumable dermal filler Bellafill. This is important, as many patients will require combination therapy to achieve optimal results.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
We’ve all given into the temptation. You know what I’m talking about: popped a zit, picked at our skin, and maybe even gone so far as left a scab on our face. But what comes next can be a major stressor for some. I’m talking about the dark red and blue marks or uneven texture of scars that remain after the acne disappears.
“Much of the ‘scars’ leftover from acne are really skin color changes of hyperpigmentation and redness,” shares New York-based dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose. “While the true scars from acne can be treated with in-office laser procedures, those pigmentation changes can be worked on effectively at home and to some degree and textural changes can be improved.”
Working that magic at home can be as simple as having the right products in your routine. We polled our favorite derms from around the country to see what they actually recommend to their patients who are hoping to fix acne scarring.
Murphy also adds an important tip: “Always protect old acne marks from the sun with a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.” You can find options for both acne scar treatments and SPFs you’ll fall in love with here.
1
Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment
“The ingredients to look for in at-home products are exfoliators to encourage skin cell turnover thereby shedding off the hyperpigmentation, and skin brighteners like those ingredients that prevent pigmentation. Murad Invisiscar Resurfacing Treatment contains both! The beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, exfoliates to help clear old marks as well as preventing future breakouts. Centella asiatica (cica) decreases inflammation. Hydroxytyrosol and Vitamin C are antioxidants that lighten dark spots by directly and indirectly inhibiting tyrosinase activity which reduces the production of melanin. This serum also contains light diffusers and a “blurring powder” to improve the appearance of skin immediately. Use twice daily to improve the appearance of acne scars.” – Blair Murphy, MD
2
Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
“True acne scarring is like a bad boyfriend—it needs attention from lots of different products and just when something seems to be working it can stop being as effective. I find that acne scarring does the best with a combination of procedures and skincare products,but two easily available products that can help are Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads and Differin Gel. These glycolic and salicylic acid containing two-step peel pads are portable and help to exfoliate the skin. They can prevent future breakouts and can help to lighten the dark spots that are often left over even after you’ve kicked your acne. These are great for patients with active acne, dark spots and dullness. Both of these can be irritating so starting slow and building up to 2-4 times a week (for the pads) or every other day/every day for Differin is what I would recommend.” – Papri Sarkar, MD
3
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum – 1 fl oz
“I consider vitamin C to be the gold standard when it comes to brightening and alleviating dark mark acne scars. Bliss Bright Idea Serum is an amazing formula with clinical-grade vitamin C (most effective and non-irritating form of vitamin C) along with tri-peptide to fade dark marks, brighten and firm skin.” Dendy Engelman, MD
4
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
“I also love SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, which is rich in vitamin C and designed specifically for acne-prone skin.” Dr. Engelman
5
BioRenew EGF Drops
“Texture acne scars: EGF (epidermal growth factor) is a game-changer for treating acne scars — both texture scars and dark marks. EGF triggers your cell’s receptors to produce more collagen (a function that naturally declines as we age) which helps fill in texture scars, making them disappear from the inside out. It also strengthens the skin barrier and evens out skin tone for healthier, better-looking skin overall. I recommend Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Drops, which contain 100 percent vegan EGF and a multi-peptide complex.” Dr. Engelman
6
Gold Roll-CIT Microneedling Face Roller
“At-home microneedling treatments can also help eliminate texture scars by creating micro-wounds that trigger controlled skin injury and healing. I recommend Environ Cosmetic Gold Roll-CIT.” Dr. Engelman
7
Acne Treatment Gel
“Differin Gel is an OTC retinoid, containing adapalene, is a great option as not only does it work to prevent breakouts, but it also treats acne and helps to improve scarring. It can help discoloration and textural changes that go along with acne scars by evening out the skin tone and boosting collagen production. It can be used once daily and it is often best to start just a few times per week and increase the frequency as tolerated. It can be used by all skin types and can be used while getting active breakouts and should continue to be used after breakouts subside to help reduce scarring and prevent new breakouts from forming.” Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD
8
C E Ferulic
“I like skin brightening agents like glycolic acid cleanser, vitamin C, and skin agents like retinoid and retinols that help target cellular turnover. For a cleanser, I like Glytone and for a serum try Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. This combination helps to lighten pigmented scars and help smooth the skin texture. This combination is safe in all skin types.” Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand MD
9
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment
“La Roche-Posay Effaclar is an OTC retinoid, which works better than a retinols at speeding up skin cell turnover and building new collagen and slowly remodeling scars. There was a split face study done with micro-needling and tazorac [editor’s note: this is another OTC retinoid similar to Effaclar] showing that both improved the appearance of acne scars.” Caren Campbell, MD
10
UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF46 Facial Sunscreen
“Sunscreen is a must especially for the red acne scars as this will help them fade more quickly. Elta MD Clear is mineral sunscreen, meaning it’s a physical blocker and reflects light off the skin. The particles are also nanoparticles meaning smaller than usual so they rub in clear rather than looking white on the skin like some other physical/mineral sunscreens.” Caren Campbell, MD
11
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
“The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% product targets the brown spots and redness left behind from healing acne spots while also helping to clear whiteheads and blackheads. It works best for those who already have an acne regimen as an add on treatment. It helps post inflammatory redness and hyperpigmentation resolve more quickly.” Cindy Wassef MD
12
La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Face Sunscreen SPF 60
“Wearing an SPF like La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid every day will not only help prevent new discoloration, but keep your current scars from worsening over time,” Anne Chapas, MD
13
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
“Scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can darken with sun exposure and linger on the skin longer than needed. Therefore, a broad spectrum sunscreen, most preferably a physical blocker like CeraVe Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Lotion, is strongly advised.” Shereene Idriss, MD
14
Advanced Correcting Serum with IlluminotexTM
“The Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum, which I formulated, contains retinol, vitamin c, vitamin e, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and Illuminotex- a patented natural lightening agent tested to work equivalent to hydroquinone 4% – a prescription level dose. It works best for hyperpigmentation in all skin types and genders, and those that are still currently breaking out.” Purvisha Patel, MD
15
Purifying Cleanser
“SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser encourages cell turnover without drying out the skin. The glycolic acid washes away dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin, leaving a very clean feel and improving acne blemishing.” Y. Claire Chang, MD
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Acne Scar Removal Scottsdale | Laser Acne Scar Repair
Acne is the most common skin disease in the United States today, with teenagers and adults alike suffering from this unwanted condition. Acne is formed when hair follicles under your skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The majority of acne or pimples are formed on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.
The exact cause of acne is unknown, however hormone changes, such as those during puberty and pregnancy, may play a role in some patients. Unfortunately, often times, scars are left behind long after the acne has healed and gone away. The good news is that with modern advancements in laser technology, patients can greatly reduce acne scarring all together.
With a combined 40 years of experience in the skin care field, the staff at Scottsdale Skin Institute, have delivered some of the best laser acne scar removal Scottsdale has to offer. At our state of the art medspa we are able to treat and correct acne scars in any patient whether a teenager or mature adult.
Types Of Acne Scarring:
Many patients suffer from acne, but not all acne scars are the same nor does it call for the same treatment or procedures. The following types of acne scars can be effectively treated at our top medical spa:
- Mild acne scars
- Jagged or “wave-length” like scars
- Widespread depressed acne scars
- Keloid scars
- Ice pick acne Scars
- Discolored marks
Photo Gallery
View our before and afters gallery of patients at the Scottsdale Skin Institute. See the wonders of BOTOX injections, Coolsculpting, laser skin resurfacing and more.
View Gallery
Treatment
Laser scar removal has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for acne scar treatment available today. There are a few different types of lasers that can be used depending on the type of scars being addressed.
CO2 Laser:
The CO2 laser is the highest intensity laser available today. This treatment can diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles, scars, uneven pigment and even birthmarks. As the skin is perforated, there is about 1-2 weeks of downtime, while your skin heals. The skin may look red, swollen and irritated for the first week, but the results are quick and significant, making this a popular treatment for those patients looking for a more dramatic result.
Erbium Laser
The erbium laser is a very precise laser used to remove thinner layers of skin. They are often the more optimum choice for those patients with darker skin, as there is less chance of permanent changes to skin pigmentation. As the erbium laser uses a cool light to treat the skin, there is less burning of the skin, resulting in a shorter recovery.
Fraxel® Laser
The Fraxel laser is distinct from other laser rejuvenation treatments as it is non-invasive and there is virtually no down time. It should be noted, however, that this is not a single session treatment. Improvements to the skin’s appearance will appear gradually over the course of weeks or months. This procedure is very popular for patients who need to work and do not have the time for a recovery process. The Fraxel laser has proven to be very effective on those patients with mild to moderate acne scars.
Consultation
With many years of experience in transforming faces and having delivered some of the best laser acne scar removal Scottsdale has available, the staff of the Scottsdale Skin Institute, look forward to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals. If you are unhappy with acne scars and are looking for an effective cosmetic treatment, Scottsdale Skin Institute is your answer. Dr. Repta and his caring staff are here to help you answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please call today for a private consultation.
NYC Acne Scar Removal | Greenwich Village Acne Scar Treatments
Everyone has experienced acne at some level. Most people have acne in their teen years, and some have it throughout adulthood. Severe acne can leave behind scars, discoloring or create pockmarked skin. Our medical team at LM Medical NYC includes a board certified dermatologist and a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who can offer advanced options in acne removal.
Scarring occurs when acne lesions are deep in the skin. Usually, scarred acne cannot be controlled by diet or topical medications alone. Deep acne scars do not typically resolve on their own. Acne scars can impact the texture, tone and overall aesthetics of the skin. Even after acne is controlled, the scars left behind can last a lifetime. Fortunately, there are effective methods to fade discoloration and smooth pockmarks left behind by acne. Both Dr. Lesley, our skilled facial surgeon, and Dr. Morgan, our expert dermatologist, can recommend treatments for acne scar removal to improve the beauty of your skin.
What Is the Best Treatment for Acne Scars?
Dr. Morgan is a board certified dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of acne, pigmentation from acne and acne scars. She is a medical expert on all skin related trends.
There are a variety of procedures for treating acne scars. First and foremost, the correct skin care routine is of the utmost importance. We maximize your routine to get your skin as healthy as possible, and reduce pores, thereby reducing future breakouts.
Here are a few more tricks for getting rid of acne scars:
Chemical Peels: We use peels tailored to your skin type to stimulate collagen and help reduce discoloration from scarring and pore size as well as future outbreaks.
Microneedling: This is a needle studded device to stimulate underlying tissue for collagen and elastin rejuvenation. We use a Dermapen that is specific to a doctor’s office and cannot be purchased online or at a spa. We recommend a series of treatments spaced a month apart for the treatment of acne scars.
Botox injections: When the skin “puckers” around an acne scar, injecting Botox® can relax the surrounding area and improve skin appearance. Similar to soft tissue fillers, this treatment is not permanent and will require repeated injections 3-4 times a year.
Soft tissue fillers: We use a variety of hyaluronic acid-based fillers that can fill indented scars and make them less noticeable. This treatment option is not permanent, meaning that you may need to repeat injections every year. We also use Bellafill®, which is bovine collagen and the only filler FDA-approved for the treatment of acne scars. Bellafill lasts in acne scars up to five years and is an amazing option for patients.
Surgery: A punch excision can be performed, in which the acne scar is cut out and filled in with stitches. Subcission is another procedure involving the insertion of needles under the skin to loosen any fibrous scar tissue that occurs with acne scarring.
C02 laser: The CO2 laser resurfaces the skin and induces collagen stimulation.
If you have acne scarring and want to explore treatment options, contact us at LM Medical NYC. We can schedule a skin consultation with one of our specialists at our clinic in Greenwich Village.
Acne scarring | DermNet NZ
Author: Reviewed and updated by Dr Amanda Oakley Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand; Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer; Clare Morrison, Copy Editor, June 2014.
What is acne scarring?
The term “scarring” refers to a fibrous process in which new collagen is laid down to heal a full-thickness injury. It affects 30% of those with moderate or severe acne vulgaris. It is particularly common in nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata and acne fulminans. It may also be a long-term consequence of infantile acne.
To reduce the chance of scarring, seek treatment for your acne early. Severe acne can often be cured.
Acne scarring
What are postinflammatory colour changes?
Postinflammatory colour changes are seen after inflammatory acne lesions have recently healed.
- Postinflammatory erythema – pink or purple flat patches
- Postinflammatory pigmentation – brown marks (pigmentation), seen in people who can tan easily
- Postinflammatory hypopigmentation – white marks
Postinflammatory colour changes improve with time, but it can take many months for them to completely resolve.
Postinflammatory colour changes in acne
What is the treatment for postinflammatory pigmentation?
Treatments for postinflammatory pigmentation include:
- Careful sun protection – even though inflammatory acne lesions may improve, brown marks darken with sun exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum oil-free sunscreen and wear a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors
- Azelaic acid cream – this reduces pigmentation as well as effectively treating mild to moderate acne
- Hydroquinone bleaching creams – these inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase that causes tanning (see melasma)
- Superficial chemical peels containing glycolic acid or Jessner solution.
What are the features of persistent scarring?
Unfortunately, true acne scars never completely disappear, although their appearance usually improves with time. They can be disguised with make-up (cosmetic camouflage).
The following types of scar occur in acne:
- Ice-pick scars – these are deep, narrow, pitted scars
- Rolling scars – broad depressions with a sloping edge
- Boxcar scars – broad depressions with sharply defined edges
- Atrophic scars – flat, thin scars or depressed scars (anetoderma)
- Hypertrophic or keloid scars – thick lumpy scars.
Acne scarring
How do you treat acne scars?
Ice pick and boxcar scars
- Dermabrasion
- Laser resurfacing
- Punch grafting for deep scars
- TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction Of Skin Scarring) uses precisely placed 50–100% trichloracetic acid
- Subcision®: a surgical technique in which the fibrous band under the scar is divided, allowing the skin to return to its normal position
- Larger scars can be excised (cut out) and the defect closed to form a scar in a thin line
Atrophic and rolling scars
Hypertrophic scars
Unfortunately, hypertrophic or keloid scars are particularly prone to recur even after apparently successful treatment.
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90,000 Treatment of acne, pimples and blackheads at Es Class Clinics Tula
The S Class Clinic Center for Cosmetic Medicine provides services related to the treatment of acne and acne in Tula. We take an integrated approach to the treatment of these diseases. Patients are examined and treated by highly qualified cosmetologists of our center.
People with problematic, unhealthy skin with acne, inflammation or pimples experience a lot of inconveniences – from unaesthetic appearance to unpleasant sensations in the form of itching, tingling and pulling pains.Some people mistakenly think that acne is just a small skin defect. In fact, this is a painful condition of the body caused by various internal problems. Acne can become chronic, leaving acne on the skin for many years.
Causes of acne
- hormonal changes in the body, during which an excessive amount of sex hormones enters the epidermis.
- long-term use of certain medicines;
- inflammatory processes inside the sebaceous glands caused by the active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms that have entered them;
- endocrine dysfunctions;
- hereditary predisposition.
Factors such as a general decrease in immunity, an unhealthy lifestyle, the use of junk food, intestinal dysbiosis, and the adverse effect of the environment can also play a certain role in the development of this disease.
Mechanism of acne development
There are a large number of microscopic pores on the skin of the face. Through them, the fatty secretion produced by the body to protect the skin from the negative effects of the external environment is excreted outside.At the initial stage of this disease, comedones are formed. To their formation leads to an overly intense secretion of the sebaceous glands and clogging of the ducts of the follicles. Propionbacteria acne penetrate inside comedones – microorganisms that are on the surface of the skin and acquire pathogenic activity as a result of various disorders occurring in the body. This leads to reddening of the eel, the appearance of pus in its cavity, the occurrence of pain when pressed.
Our advantages
If you seek help from our medical center, you will be examined by an experienced specialist who will determine the type and degree of development of your disease, and will prescribe the necessary treatment for you.For the treatment of skin problems, we use the capabilities of modern hardware cosmetology, drug treatment, ultrasonic and mechanical cleaning. In the course of treatment, we use the latest, regularly updated equipment and innovative therapeutic techniques. Treatment in our center takes place without pain or other discomfort. An integrated approach to the treatment of acne allows the specialists of the S Class Clinic to not only quickly relieve our patients of skin problems, but also to prevent their recurrence in the future.You can see the result of our treatment after the very first visit to our medical center.
90,000 Skin after acne, how to treat, symptoms, indications
Prolonged and severe course of acne, its improper treatment is fraught with negative consequences
Acne marks – scars, enlarged pores, skin dyschromia – are called post-acne.
Acne marks in the form of age spots and redness are due to an increase in the production of melanin, which is associated with inflammatory processes in the skin. As a rule, this phenomenon is temporary and disappears within a year after the elimination of the rash. The color of the spots depends on the depth of the skin lesion. Usually, such complications are characteristic of severe forms of acne. Acne can leave scars on the skin. With a large number of rashes, scars form.
In our clinic, aesthetic problems are treated according to the following scheme:
Examination by a cosmetologist;
The doctor takes a history of the patient;
If necessary, the doctor prescribes examinations and consultations with other specialists;
If no contraindications are found, the doctor offers a range of optimal procedures that will achieve an effective solution to the problem.A list of procedures is determined together with the patient;
The doctor writes out a detailed treatment regimen for the patient and further monitors the process during follow-up appointments, making adjustments if necessary;
In our clinic, we offer the following treatments to solve the problem of acne:
Correction of post-acne with the Action II Lutronic device: the use of laser technologies is one of the most promising directions in the treatment of acne.Laser removal of scars and acne scars is a highly effective innovative technique. The targeted effect of the laser dries out the affected area, destroying bacteria and reducing the secretion of the sebaceous glands, restoring metabolic processes in the skin, and healing the dermis.
Fractional neodymium rejuvenation of CoCo on the Clarity Lutronic device: when using the “COCO” technique, both neodymium and alexandrite laser are used, as a result of which sebum is removed and enlarged pores in the T-zone of the face are reduced.The procedure is absolutely painless and is performed once a month or as needed. It can be called “laser face cleansing” from comedones.
Electroporation: a variant of mesotherapy, which is performed using a special apparatus without injections. Instead of a needle, an electric current is used, which delivers medicinal and healing cosmetics to the epidermis.
Microcurrent therapy: a procedure that has a lifting and lymphatic drainage effect on the skin.With the help of special equipment, weak current impulses are applied to the skin, which help to activate cell regeneration and metabolism.
Superficial chemical peels: a method of controlled skin damage to correct aesthetic imperfections. As active substances, drugs are used that contain ANA (lactic, glycolic, almond and pyruvic) and BHA (salicylic) acids.
Mechanical face cleansing: a set of actions aimed at removing acne, pore contents and inflammation.
Ultrasonic face cleansing: performed with a special ultrasonic spatula that removes impurities out. Ultrasonic face cleansing can be performed on patients with any skin type, including skin prone to acne and inflammation.
Combined cleaning combines mechanical and ultrasonic cleaning. It is indicated for intensive cleansing of porous and oily skin, and for the treatment of acne.Ultrasonic cleaning complements the mechanical cleaning, allowing you to get the perfect result. Mechanical cleaning cleans pores, while ultrasonic cleaning has a rejuvenating and regenerating effect.
SHINING PEEL laser peeling on the Action II Lutronic device: a procedure in which the effect of the laser on the skin is felt to be minimal, therefore, in most cases, preliminary anesthesia is not required. Even skin color and narrowing of pores are achieved through a stimulating effect on the epidermis without affecting the dermis.
Peeling PRX-T33: an innovative technique for skin rejuvenation. The peeling components included in the composition are selected in such a way that after contact with the skin, their action is directed exclusively to the inner layers of the skin, without changing the state of the upper one. Peeling triggers natural regeneration processes, improves skin microcirculation and stimulates the production of natural collagen by cells.
Acne treatment with the Clarity Lutroni device: an effective and safe method of treating even severe acne, the consequences of unsuccessful peeling and various inflammations on the skin.The procedure allows you to fight the causes of the pathology, and also helps to avoid further relapses.
Biorevitalization: injections of hyaluronic acid-based preparations that deeply moisturize the skin and slow down the aging process.
Mesotherapy: subcutaneous administration of micro doses of rejuvenating, medical and restorative “meso cocktails”. The purpose of the technique is to rejuvenate and treat the skin of the face.
Autoplasma therapy (plasmolifting): a technique aimed at injecting platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood to improve the condition of the skin.
Ozone therapy: a method of treatment that has been successfully used in the fight against numerous diseases, including skin problems.
Carboxytherapy: a procedure for injecting carbon dioxide, which initiates regeneration processes in the body.
Non-injection gas-liquid mesotherapy Renocode: a technique for the introduction of biologically active substances without injections. During the procedure, a special brush, due to fine dispersion and serum delivery under pressure, penetrates into the deep layers of the skin and starts the processes of recovery and rejuvenation.
Placental therapy: an innovative injection technique that allows the introduction of preparations based on the human placenta into the deep layers of the skin.
▷ Acne treatment => Acne treatment Alushta => Correction and removal of acne scars
Treatment of acne in the laser cosmetology clinic in Alushta is carried out using the most modern methods.
Acne (acne disease) is one of the most common skin diseases.
- According to statistics, it affects up to 80% of the population aged 12 to 25 years, and 30-40% of people over 25 years old.
- Many factors can be involved in the appearance of acne in a person, including the environmental situation and the nature of the diet, including latent food intolerances, and lifestyle.
- The peak of acne is 14–17 years for women and 16–19 years for men. But do not hope that the disease will go away on its own as you get older. Even in adulthood, acne may not leave you alone. Scientists have found that it can last more than 35 years.
- In the autumn-winter period, acne is exacerbated.Skin condition worsens if left untreated. Horrible scars can be left on the face.
Self-treatment of acne can lead to serious consequences, therefore it is necessary to consult a doctor.
What does the laser treatment of acne include in Alushta?
Laser treatment of acne in Alushta includes :
- laser skin cleansing,
- correction of sebum production,
- combating inflammation,
- prevention of complications of the disease in the form of scars and cyanotic spots.
In addition, after acne treatment, dead skin particles are exfoliated and the overall condition of the skin improves. Thus, the technique of laser acne treatment allows not only to get rid of acne, but also to give the skin youth and freshness.
How are acne scars corrected and removed?
Correction and removal of acne scars in the clinic of Dr. Amosova is quick and painless.
What are the results?
- According to doctors’ estimates, patients notice an improvement of 80% on average after 2–4 sessions of therapy.
- The result of therapy is maintained for at least 6 months.
- And for many patients, 1-2 sessions are enough to overcome acne.
- In addition, the laser is able to correct acne scars and make the remaining scars less visible. It stimulates the production of subcutaneous collagen, which helps to tighten roughness on the skin surface, thus completely removing acne scars.
- In addition to combating acne, the specialists of our clinic remove tattoos, provide services for the removal of warts and moles, as well as spider veins.
Correction of acne scars at Dr. Amosova’s Laser Cosmetology Center is carried out with a LINLINE laser.
- This is a healing technique.
- It does not cause any harm to health.
- Laser light actively affects acne in the acute stage.
- This allows you to quickly get rid of the red inflammatory elements that cause so much trouble.
- There is a general improvement of the skin: the color of the skin and its structure are improved.
- She becomes clean and healthy.
Laser treatment does not require any additional care either before or after the procedure. We do not prescribe any drugs – no pills, no lotions, no ointments, no antibiotics.
The number of procedures depends on the severity of the disease. On average, the course of procedures is 3-4. They are held at a decent interval – once every three weeks. That is, the method of laser treatment for acne will in no way disrupt the usual daily routine.
90,000 Laser removal of stretch marks, acne scars, scars after injuries and operations
Stretch marks, scars, post-acne are structural changes in the skin that occur due to loss of elasticity, after mechanical damage or as a result of diseases. These problems are relevant for many men and women, since it is almost impossible to cure them completely. VIP Clinic in Moscow uses modern hardware techniques that allow you to forget about the problem of damaged areas forever.After consultation, the patient is prescribed a course of resurfacing or laser correction.
Removal of stretch marks
The main reason for the appearance of white irregularities is the low elasticity of the skin. Stretch marks appear on the thighs, buttocks, chest, abdomen. Hardware technology allows you to give the skin an even tone and completely restore the damaged surface. Preparation for the procedure:
- – 2 weeks before the course, it is prohibited to: sunbathe, visit a solarium, carry out chemical peels, take antibiotics with tetracycline, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones.
- – 3 days before the procedure, you cannot visit saunas, baths, swimming pools, wipe your face with alcohol or disinfectants.
Removal of stretch marks is completely painless. During the process, you may feel a slight tingling sensation that occurs due to partial exposure to the affected area. You can find out the cost of the procedure in the clinic at the consultation. The price depends on the number of procedures. Due to the fact that the deletion is carried out at intervals of one and a half months, you will be able to rationally plan your budget.
Scar removal
Most of us dream of removing a scar that reminds us of a trauma, surgery, or bad experience. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of it, but VIP Clinic cosmetologists will help smooth out the scar and make it invisible by 90%. For this, laser resurfacing is used. The equipment of the clinic allows you to perform two types of procedures:
- – Fractional grinding. Stimulates the regeneration of the skin. The depth of microchannels after exposure to a laser beam is from 50 to 1500 microns, the nearest tissues are not affected.After the procedure, collagen synthesis is activated, which makes the skin soft and elastic. The scar begins to change color and stretch, making it invisible.
- – Erbium laser resurfacing. A beam with a wavelength of 2940 nm evaporates excess fluid from the dermis. Dried cells are removed over time, and a renewed ball appears in their place. The production of collagen allows you to change the color of the scar, making it as bodily as possible.
Both techniques can be performed on the face.Contraindications:
- 1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- 2. Oncology, diabetes mellitus.
- 3. Autoimmune disorders and blood diseases.
- 4. Epilepsy.
- 5. Inflammation in the body, accompanied by fever.
- 6. Skin diseases (psoriasis, rash) at the site of treatment.
- 7. Increased tendency to develop keloid scars.
After completing the course, slight redness may be observed.The beautician will select a special treatment for you that will improve skin regeneration and increase collagen production.
Laser treatment of acne disease
Laser treatment of acne, rash (acne)
Acne may look like:
- blackheads, these are open comedones that appear in enlarged and clogged skin pores, comedones of this type can be removed by a cosmetologist;
- white dots, these are closed comedones, pores with a small opening, also clogged, can only be removed with medical help.
Causes of occurrence
The following reasons contribute to the onset and progression of acne:
- changes in hormonal levels, therefore the most common vulgar or juvenile acne, which occurs at the age of 15-24 years;
- hereditary factor,
- stressful situations,
- reduced immunity,
- Sebaceous glands hyperproductivity,
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
- allergic reactions,
- dysbiosis and some others.
Ways to eliminate rash, acne
Treatment of acne depends on the severity of the disease and includes local and general therapy and corrective procedures.
For effective acne treatment it is necessary to cleanse the skin properly, which is facilitated by the peeling procedures offered in our clinic
Clinic “Europe” offers acne treatment using the latest specialized laser equipment for cosmetic procedures.
Laser acne treatment consists of the following methods:
1. Fraxel re: store 1500, for smoothing the skin surface in the presence of post-acne.
2. Smart Xide DOT, for the correction of atrophic scars after acne
The specialists of our clinic will select an individual comprehensive program for the treatment of acne and its consequences.
Reviews
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Service name, cost of procedures and share price
Description | Price | Promotion |
---|---|---|
Laser skin resurfacing (post-acne treatment) face | 16’000 | – |
Laser skin resurfacing (post-acne treatment) cheeks | 10’000 | – |
View full price list of the center
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Procedure:
Consultation with a doctor – surgeonAnesthesia, consultation with a doctor – anesthesiologistFace Tite facelift – seamless microsurgical facelift, neck – Face TiteBlepharoplasty of the upper and lower eyelidsRinoplasty – correction of the shape of the nose, improve the appearanceOtoplasty – reshaping of the auricles, elimination of breast lobes Breast reduction and lift – reduction mammoplastyRF (radiofrequency) liposuction Body Tite, cellulite treatmentAbdominoplasty abdominal surgery – priceIntimate, aesthetic gynecology plastic surgery of the genitalsConsultation of an RF cosmetologistUltrasound massage facelift DoubloFractional facial rejuvenation Fractora facial rejuvenation laser facial rejuvenationFractional facial rejuvenation and facelift of the face Face TiteFace lifting of the face – Silhouette SoftIPL “ELOS” skin rejuvenationFace cleaning and ultrasonic peelingUltrasonic massage-phonophoresisChemical peels echebye program and goings GIGIMassazh face and manual treatments MarySohrOchischenie and skin rejuvenation CatioVitalOmolozhenie and skin lifting CatioLiftIPL (ELOS) – epilation removal volos3-D mezonitiBotulinoterapiyaKonturnaya plastic litsaUvelichenie lip formyBiorevitalizatsiyaMezoterapiyaLechenie correction gipergidrozaIntralipoteropiyaGialuronovye inektsiiLipomodelirovanie AkvaliksBorba overweight VipLineUkreplenie IsogeiMezoterapiya body muscles lipoliticheskayaEndermologichesky massage (LPG) Bandage Arosha wrappingDrainage, removal of excess fluid from the body using the TechniSPA deviceLaser treatment of acne, acne Skin resurfacing with Fraxel laser – eliminating skin peeling, superficial facial peelingScar removal, resurfacing and softening with two Fraxel and Dot Co2 lasersTreatment of stretch marks (stretch marks) Removal of stretch marks (stretch marks)
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90,000 Treatment of acne and post-acne
After self-treatment, deep acne often leaves scars and scars as a memory.What if this happened to you? Anna Bokun, a cosmetologist at the LinLine beauty club, talks about professional methods of removing blackheads.
Acne worries not only adolescents
Rash on the skin of the face worries people of any age and social status. Acne interferes with enjoying life in adolescence, is distinguished by premenstrual syndrome, and appears after stress. The hair funnel or excretory duct of the sebaceous gland is often sealed by a “plug” of keratinized cells, dust and sebum.It is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. By squeezing out acne, you risk increasing inflammation and getting post-acne – “lunar” craters of enlarged pores, scarlet spots and even scars.
A comprehensive approach is required to eliminate acne. If you notice a rough scattering of acne, sign up for a consultation with a dermatocosmetologist. The specialist will draw up a personal treatment algorithm. A professional will pay special attention to your skin type, concomitant diseases and lifestyle, as well as prescribe a competent combined treatment.Experienced doctors of the LinLine beauty club practice patient management from the first consultation to recovery.
Gentle facial cleansing
How to eliminate acne depends on the type, stage and severity of the disease. Doctors of the “Linline” beauty club successfully carry out curative cleansing, laser treatment of acne and post-acne. Chemical peels, mesotherapy and laser face resurfacing will help get rid of acne and acne scars.
Cleaning saves from annoying comedones, or blackheads.The procedure takes place without steaming the face – on a special treatment system. During the procedure, pores are freed from sebaceous plugs, zones with stagnant manifestations are drained. Timely treatment of the inflammatory process in the skin prevents the appearance of unaesthetic scars.
For 13 years of work, the specialists of the “LinLine” beauty club have studied in practice many types of medical cosmetics. The accumulated medical experience made it possible to give preference to the most effective cosmetic line of a certain brand.After careful exposure, the skin becomes smooth and light.
A method of treatment that you did not know about
Laser treatment for acne is a complex course effect. Acne elimination using the LinLine method is completely painless and safe. A well-thought-out strategy does not involve additional care either before or after the procedure. Treatment sessions are carried out once every 2-3 weeks. Already after 4 procedures, patients notice an improvement of 80%. The clear result of therapy lasts for at least 6 months.The positive effects of the cosmetic laser are complemented by proper home care and medical supervision.
This effective method cleanses the skin, slows down and stops inflammation, “melts” subcutaneous seals, reduces skin oiliness to a comfortable level, brightens and evens out skin tone. Post-acne has no chance of development. In addition, the laser gently sloughs off dead fragments of the epidermis. The skin looks fresh, healthy and rejuvenated.
Chemical peeling, or active ingredients
Chemical peeling removes acne and the ugly effects of acne by removing the upper layer of the epidermis with chemicals.Peeling involves treating the skin with weak solutions of special safe fruit acids. They gently remove a shallow layer of dead cells. The popular treatment “dissolves” acne and improves the condition of problematic oily skin.
Chemical peeling can be deeper in the case of post-acne. It renews the skin more deeply, accelerates the synthesis of collagen fibers. The modern technique increases the tone and elasticity of the body cover. The skin becomes velvety, radiant and more youthful.
Elimination of the consequences of acne
Farewell revenge of acne that passed without proper treatment – enlarged pores and scars. The facial funnels, unfortunately, look like a clear cosmetic flaw. In the “LinLine” beauty club, it is successfully eliminated with the help of laser microperforation and middle peelings. An adjunct to acne treatment and a way to eliminate the effects of acne is mesotherapy.
During mesotherapy, the dermatocosmetologist injects medicinal products.Special drugs penetrate directly into the pathological focus. Subcutaneous injections provide targeted correction and do not injure the surrounding tissues. Directed administration increases the effectiveness of the selected components. The medicine lingers under the skin, acting on the affected areas for a long time, helping to quickly restore healthy skin.
Disappearance of post-acne. Effect of the photo “After”
To forget about “pungent” scars and scars after acne will allow the modern method of laser microperforation.The LinLine beauty club uses the technology of fractional photothermolysis of the facial skin.
Normal laser resurfacing requires a long recovery period. The latest micro-perforation procedure does not cause any inconvenience. You do not have to sit within four walls of your home, waiting for the end of rehabilitation. After the wave impact, you can quickly return to a full life and enter into a working rhythm.
The painless and comfortable procedure leads to almost instant results.With microperforation, the smart device emits a whole bundle of microbeams, each of which processes a separate tiny segment. Hundreds of businesslike rays remove old skin cells and accelerate the “birth” of new ones. In addition, 25% of cells are renewed in one session. After 3-6 procedures, the skin becomes noticeably younger, and external defects disappear.
In the process of microperforation (fractional photothermolysis), a well-tuned laser accelerates the work of fibroblasts. Specialized cells synthesize collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.These substances are responsible for the youthful appearance of the skin.
Microperforation can be performed on all skin types. Fractional photothermolysis does not require special care after exposure. This comfortable procedure restores vitality and is suitable for everyone who cares about the attractiveness and health of the skin.
The experience of LinLine doctors has proven that even the most chronic scars can be corrected. After just two sessions, the density of the scars decreases, they become less deep and noticeable.
Never get rid of acne on your own and do not trust folk remedies. The price of a squeezed pimple can be your health. Entrust the elimination of disgusting blackheads to the professionals of the LinLine beauty club.
Laser acne removal
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In connection with the current situation (due to the spread of the coronavirus), an anti-epidemic regime has been introduced in all medical organizations in Moscow. Link to decree.
We would like to inform you that all branches of the CELLULITE clinic network are ready for the introduced regime.
Our clinics ALWAYS maintain the highest sterilization standards for equipment, instruments, surfaces, rooms and air.
- All doctors and specialists wear masks and gloves, which are changed after each appointment.
- All consumables are disposable. After use, they are disposed of in accordance with the regulations.
- Before and after admission of each patient, the current treatment of the office is carried out.
- We also treat indoor air using germicidal lamps in every office.All under the strict regime of SanPins.
- In each clinic, disposable shoe covers are issued to everyone. All receptions are equipped with hand sanitizers.
Our patients can be sure that the risks of contracting viral diseases in CELLULITE clinics are reduced to 0.
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How to get a pass to the clinic Cellulite
Dear patients, we inform you that in accordance with the Decree of the Mayor of Moscow No. 43-UM dated April 11, 2020 No.from April 15, 2020, a digital pass is required to visit medical organizations.
Cellulite Clinic is a medical institution. In self-isolation mode, you have every right to come to an appointment with any specialist in our clinic.
When issuing a pass in the column “Type of medical organization” select “Center for Restorative Medicine and Rehabilitation” and indicate the name of the organization:
- – Cellulite LLC for the clinic on Novoslobodskaya;
- – LLC Cellulite Plus for the clinic on Tulskaya.