Acne Scars

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne Scar Removal

Types of Acne Scars

Acne Scar Information

Acne scars can be very bothersome, treatment is difficult, and many find themselves frustrated. Getting the wrong treatment wastes time and money. Choosing an experienced surgeon is the first step in improving your acne scars. Find out what is best for you below.

For many patients, there is no one procedure that will accomplish all of one’s goals. Therefore, is often best to use a combined approach utilizing two or more different procedures to achieve an optimal result. Occasionally these procedures can be performed at the same time, although often these procedures are performed several weeks or many months apart.

There are three different types of acne scars, which are listed below in the blue boxes. Click on the blue box to read about that type of scar. Below are the various treatment options for each type of acne scar.

Types of Acne Scars: Select one below to find the best treatment

SHALLOW, DEPRESSED SCARS

DEEPER, DEPRESSED SCARS

ICE-PICK SCARS

Acne Scar Treatment: modalities commonly used for shallow, depressed scars

LASER-PEEL (CARBON DIOXIDE OR ERBIUM:YAG OR NON-ABLATIVE)

Unlike chemical peels which rely on acids to damage the skin, the laser-peel utilizes laser energy to precisely heat tiny columns of skin smaller than the point of a pencil. This type of peel works best for depressed scars. Like the medium-depth chemical peel, recovery typically takes several weeks and redness can persist for months with the CO2 laser. Additionally, redness of the treated area may last for several months. The final result may not be fully appreciated for one year or longer. Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing is an improved version of the traditional ablative CO2 laser, and has faster healing than traditional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing. More recently, the NON-ABLATIVE fractional laser has been used with good results with virtually no downtime and almost no discomfort.

DERMABRASION

MICRONEEDLING WITH RADIOFREQUENCY (I.E. SECRET RF)

Electrical energy, called radiofrequency, is used to tighten the skin. The tiny microneedles that are coated with Teflon are used to deliver the energy to the dermis to reduce the scars. It is the radiofrequency, not the micro needling, that results in tightening of the skin and reduction of the scars. Results are often impressive, although multiple treatment sessions are needed to achieve optimal results.

RESTYLANE™ OR JUVEDERM™ INJECTIONS

FRAXEL™ ERBIUM LASER

SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEEL (GLYCOLIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID PEELS, AND 15-20% TCA)

These superficial peels are often used to improve very mild acne and/or staining of the skin (dark spots). In general, these peels affect mainly the epidermis (the top layer of skin). Unfortunately, the superficial peels offer little improvement with acne scars, where the damage is in deeper layers of the skin–the dermis. In general, these peels offer little or no improvement of ice-pick scars, and minimal improvement of shallow depressed scars. One of the benefits of these superficial peels is that there is minimal recovery needed. Most patients will experience some peeling, redness, and/or flaking of the skin for up to week.

MICRONEEDLING

MEDIUM-DEPTH CHEMICAL PEEL (70% GLYCOLIC ACID OR 35%+TCA PEELS)

Acne Scar Treatment - non-ablative ICON fractional laser.

Acne Scar Treatment: modalities commonly used for deeper, depressed scars

SUBCISION WITH DERMAL FILLER

RADIESSE™

FAT TRANSPLANTATION

In this procedure, fat is taken from one area of the body (usually the hip) and mesh transplanted beneath the depressed scar to elevate it. Occasionally, multiple procedures may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Results may or may not be permanent. Patients are usually required to abstain from any exertional activity for one week or longer after the procedure. Additionally, some mild swelling may result in the procedure, although typically resolve within several days.

GORE-TEX™ IMPLANTATION

EXCISION

PUNCH GRAFTING

With this procedure, small depressed scars are cut out using a small “punch”, which resembles a small cookie cutter. A small piece of skin is then removed, using a “punch”, from in front of or behind the ear and transplanted to where the scar was located. This new transplant skin is then secured in place using special tape strips or glue. The hole from where the skin was removed from in front of or behind-the ear is sutured using stitches. Often, several weeks later a dermabrasion or laser-peel is performed.

SCULPTRA™

ARTEFILL™

SILICONE

Acne Scar Treatment: modalities commonly used for the treatment of ice-pick scars

CROSS TCA

PUNCH GRAFTING

With this procedure, small depressed scars are cut out using a small “punch”, which resembles a small cookie cutter. A small piece of skin is then removed, using a “punch”, from in-front-of or behind-the ear and transplanted to where the scar was located. This new transplant skin is then secured in place using special tape strips or glue. The hole from where the skin was removed from in-front-of or behind-the ear is sutured using stitches. Often, several weeks later a dermabrasion or laser-peel is performed.

EXCISION

LASER-PEEL (CARBON DIOXIDE OR ERBIUM:YAG)

Dr. Bader recommends Cross TCA for most ice-pick scars. This treatment is very effective, can be used in all skin tones, is not expensive, and is very low risk.

Summary

As with most cosmetic surgery, treatment options must be considered on individual basis, as no one procedure is best for all. In many cases, one procedure may not afford as much benefit as two or more procedures. Therefore it is essential to evaluate each person on individual basis and devise a treatment plan based on the patient’s desires for improvement, recovery time needed, cost, and the risks of the procedure(s).