Acne scars can affect just about anyone. If you have acne, especially if it’s severe, it can leave you with some form of scarring. But this scarring doesn’t have to be permanent. With the help of our team, you can finally have the smoother and rejuvenated skin you deserve.
Understanding Acne Scars
Acne scars are the result of an inflamed blemish (acne). When the pore is inflamed enough, the walls of the follicle break down, and the contents of the acne can spill out onto the surrounding skin. This can lead to a shallow lesion that can heal by itself or a deeper lesion that may leave a scar. For deeper lesions, the skin will try to repair itself by forming new collagen fibers. These new fibers/scar tissue do not usually match the existing skin and create a scar. More often than not, the healing process creates an indent (atrophic acne scars), but if there is an overabundance of collagen growth, a raised scar (hypertrophic) may form.
There are many different types of acne scars. The most common depressed scars include ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars, while hypertrophic scars are usually classified as keloid scars.
Who Do Acne Scars Affect?
Like acne, acne scars are incredibly common. About 80% of people aged 11 to 30 will have some form of acne, and one in five of those people will have scarring. If you have particularly deep or severe acne, you are much more likely to experience acne scarring. Additionally, if you have a family history of scarring, pick at your acne, or are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you are more at risk of acne scars.
Treating Acne Scars
At the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Fischer offers several different treatment options for acne scarring. Which one is right for you will depend on your skin type and your unique needs.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can fade and completely erase acne scars. By using a custom mix of chemical solutions, the peel will remove the top layer of the skin and address acne scars, lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and more. At the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery, we offer the VI Peel for Skin Damage (medium peel) and Obagi Blue Peel (deep peel).
Microneedling
Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) can also reduce the appearance of acne scarring. The non-surgical procedure uses very thin needles to make micro-punctures in the skin. This process kickstarts collagen production and triggers the skin’s natural healing process, allowing your skin to heal more completely and achieve a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Dermal Fillers
If you’re struggling with indented or depressed acne scars, dermal fillers can help to camouflage these blemishes and smooth out your skin. By filling in the depressed areas with dermal fillers, you can have the flawless complexion you’re looking for. Dermal fillers can also be combined with other acne scar treatments for a more comprehensive improvement.
Laser Treatments
Dr. Fischer also offers laser treatments to address acne scars. Both our CO2 and Halo laser treatment options can heat up and damage the top layer of skin, stimulating collagen production and boosting the body’s natural healing process. This will fade your acne scars and give you a much smoother appearance.
Schedule an Acne Scar Consultation
Finally say goodbye to acne scars with the help of Dr. Fischer, her team, and the various non-surgical treatments we offer. Whether you have superficial scarring or deeper scars, they can ensure you achieve the results you’re looking for. To learn more, schedule a consultation today. Call our office or message us via our online contact form.
FAQs
How common are acne scars?
Acne scars are incredibly common. One in five people who have acne will have some kind of acne scarring on their face, chest, or back. If you’re struggling with acne scarring, you are certainly not alone.
When will I see the results of a chemical peel?
For a medium peel (like our VI Peel), you will start to see significant results after 2-4 weeks. For a deeper peel, it can take several weeks to months to see the final results.
How can I prevent acne scarring?
There are multiple ways you can prevent acne scarring. By treating acne early, avoiding picking at or squeezing acne blemishes, protecting your skin from sun damage, and practicing a quality skincare routine, you can stop acne scars before they start.