Acne scars can be an embarrassing reminder of your previous or current skin condition. Both topical and atrophic scarring can linger for years, but they generally will not go away by themselves. Instead of feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your skin, you may want to explore acne scar treatments at Dermatology & Skin Care Associates in Mason, OH.
How Does Acne Scar Treatment Work?
Treatments for acne scars all have the same goal of resurfacing the skin, encouraging collagen production, and restoring a smoother, more even-toned appearance. The exact way your treatment will work depends directly on the type of treatment you are using. The treatment you should use for your acne scar treatment will be determined by a consultation that will consider factors such as your skin condition, the severity of your scarring, and your skin type.
You will have several options for your treatment, such as laser skin resurfacing, photorejuvenation, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. Some treatments are more appropriate for certain types of scars. For example, atrophic scars that leave indents on the skin respond best to dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing, while pigmented acne scars respond better to exfoliating treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is generally the most effective treatment for moderate to severe acne scars, particularly scars that have not responded to other treatments or that are very deep. This treatment exfoliates and resurfaces the skin, building collagen deep in the sub-dermal layers to restore the smooth appearance of the skin. This treatment can also address pigmented scars by turning over new skin cells.
Photorejuvenation
Photorejuvenation uses different light wavelengths to reduce the appearance of pigmented concerns, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and blemishes. Certain light wavelengths can encourage more rapid cellular turnover and collagen production, which will go a long way to reduce the appearance of certain types of scars. For those who have active acne, some light therapy can also help reduce breakouts to prevent future scarring.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that uses fine crystals to slough away dead skin cells to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin. This treatment can be a good tool to help reduce the appearance of pigmented acne scars.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be effective options for both topical and atrophic scarring. A chemical peel works by removing the top layers of skin cells, which will reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and also reduce the appearance of shallow scarring. Some chemical peels can encourage the production of collagen to temporarily smooth the texture of the skin. Chemical peels can also help control acne breakouts.
Dermal Fillers
Finally, dermal fillers can be used to treat certain types of deep acne scars, such as icepick scars. A dermal filler will increase the volume of skin in a localized area so the texture of the scarred skin will match the volume of the surrounding skin, which will temporarily mask the appearance of your acne scar.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
For the treatment of acne scars, you will likely need multiple treatments to reduce or eliminate scars. For pigmented scars, multiple skin resurfacing treatments will eventually turn over new, unblemished skin cells that are not marked by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For textural scars, repeated laser treatments can increase collagen production over time, and may even be able to produce results that permanently restore the skin. It’s common to need at least three to six treatments to see your desired results.
How Soon Will You See Results?
You will usually see the results of your treatment after several appointments. After your first appointment, your scars may seem lighter or less noticeable; with additional treatments, usually spaced about a month apart, your results will gradually improve until the appearance of your skin is restored. Overall, it can take about two to six months to see optimal results from your treatment.
How Can You Maintain Results?
When it comes to treating acne scars, your goal for maintaining your results will be to prevent future acne scarring. The best way to prevent future scarring is to control your current acne breakouts. If you still have active acne when you are treating acne scars, then your treatment will need to incorporate skincare products or prescription medications to reduce breakouts.
Some treatments for acne scarring can also cause photosensitivity, so you will need to be cautious about sun exposure. After your treatment, you should always wear SPF 30 when you are outside during the day for at least the first two weeks after your treatment to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. Limiting sun exposure can also help the results of your treatment develop more quickly.
Find Your Ideal Acne Scar Treatment
There are several treatments for acne scarring that can be effective, but the treatment that is ideal for you will be determined by the type of acne scar you are treating, your current active acne condition, and your skin type. Severe acne scars may respond better to laser treatments, while shallow or mild scarring will typically respond better to facial treatments. Contact us at Dermatology & Skin Care Associates in Mason, OH to schedule your consultation today.