Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. One or a combination of the following approaches will improve the appearance of your skin, depending on your scar type, skin type, and the severity of the scarring. Scars are challenging to treat and each patient needs to be treated in a customized way. The results depend on multiple factors like the grading of scars, age of onset, type of scars, and the chosen treatment.
The best way to treat acne scars is to prevent them!! Waiting for your acne to resolve on its own can lead to permanent scars in a majority, hence a need for earlier intervention!
Once scars are formed, they can only be reduced and not removed completely since there is a permanent structural change in your skin.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars are complex in nature varying from narrow V-shaped scars that run deep into the skin called ice pick scars, wide depressions that have rounded edges with irregular appearance called the rolling scars, and wide U-shaped scars with sharp edges which can be shallow or deep called boxcar scars.
What are the Treatments Available?
Treatment for scars varies from deep chemical peels like the TCA CROSS technique for ice pick scars, subcision under the scars to release the fibrotic bands, micro-needling, or the derma roller technique where small needles are used to therapeutically injure the skin to kick start the body’s repair mechanism with the added advantage of smoother, tighter and younger-looking skin!
Laser Treatment – Our FDA-approved state-of-the-art Fotonas Fractional Erbium YAG laser is used for ablative resurfacing of the skin. Tixel is another popular choice for acne scars and rejuvenation. Its novel thermal ablative mechanism is very gentle on your skin with profound results on scars. Its efficacy is equal to that of a CO2 laser but without the pain and downtime associated with CO2 laser resurfacing.
Microneedling RF – Our bipolar RF machine called Matrix is one of the finest options in scar remodeling
PRP and PRF – PRP and PRF treatments are being used for all types of scars to improve the results of scar remodeling and are 100% safe and natural treatment methods.
Threads – In this treatment, small threads are inserted under the skin in a mesh-like pattern. The threads are FDA approved and are made of suture materials like PDO, which dissolve on their own helping to stimulate collagen production, leading to the reduction of the scar. In addition to this, this has other benefits like skin lifting and anti-aging.
Nanofat – Nano fat with the stromal vascular fraction is the latest leap in regenerative medicine and with a single treatment itself, the person gets long-lasting results visible on the acne scars, skin quality, and fine lines. This can be combined with micro fat for filling out the deficit in volume under the scars. We use only patented Mariogoisis cannula for fat harvesting.
Resistant scars may require punch excision/ punch floatation.
Dermabrasion – This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. Your doctor removes the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush or another device. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable. Potential severe side effects include scarring and changes in skin color.
Chemical peel – Your doctor applies a chemical solution to the scar tissue to remove the top layer of skin and minimize the appearance of deeper scars. You can repeat mild and medium peels to maintain results. You can have only one deep peel. Potential side effects include changes in skin color, especially with deep peels used on dark skin.
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) – Sometimes the skin around acne scars puckers. Injecting Botox relaxes the surrounding skin, which may improve the appearance of an acne scar. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect.
Even though many methods are available, it is to be noted that, using many treatments at once or the overuse of a particular method of treatment can have a reverse effect on your skin as well as the scars. Using the extraction tools and creams by you without consulting a certified dermatologist can cause inflammation, which may lead to a new acne outbreak.
Being one of the leading skincare hubs in Kochi, Almeka promises you everything that you need to take ultimate care of your skin. Our expert acne scare treatments will help you achieve the flawless look you have been looking for the past many years. You can discuss with our dermatologist regarding these varied options and make an informed decision suitable to your expectations, time and budget.