Acne & Acne Scars

Acne scars indicate more deep and permanent damage to the skin. Removing them at home with regular kitchen staples is an uphill task with a minute difference.
A doctor’s consultation and deep analysis of skin are required to draft the complete treatment plan for acne scars. There are a plethora of options such as micro-needling, laser therapy, chemical peels, fillers, and more to fix acne scars and keep your skin beautiful.

Acne scars take 3- 6 months to disappear. However, this period may prolong depending on your skin.
However, if skin tissues are damaged, then treatments are needed. As a result, scar removal due to ointments or procedures varies for every skin and scar type. Therefore, every person’s scar removal is different. And can be best answered by their dermatologist. One thing is definite, as new skin cells appear due to treatments many scars fade away!

Yes, laser treatments for acne scars are FDA-approved. The procedure is non-invasive and promotes healthy skin growth by reducing the top layer of skin with heat.
The laser helps promote collagen production which is the building block of beautiful skin. Hence, opting for laser treatment is a safe choice for acne scar treatment

Scars can be removed permanently with the help of procedures that dermatologists recommend. Each skin type and scar damage is different so giving one name for all can be tricky. However, skin resurfacing, or chemical peeling can help significantly in most cases to remove the scars permanently with a new fresh skin that is damage free.

Scars anywhere on the body such as arms, abdomen, back, or legs require the same treatment. The doctors first view and then recommend anything from creams, microneedling, dermabrasion, or peels. The procedures are carried out once the doctors view and assess the depth of acne scar damage

Dermatologists study the skin and lifestyle patterns of the patient. They devise the treatment plan based on scar type, age, skin condition, and hormone levels.
They may use only creams or a combination of creams, medicines with procedures, or multiple procedures. A few commonly used acne scar treatments are
Skin tightening: Doctors use radiofrequency to tighten the skin. This tightening procedure fades out the depressed acne scars as the skin plumps up with tightening.
Collagen-induction therapy – Dermatologists use dermaroller with minute needles to puncture the skin. This micro needling for acne scars produces collagen. As collagen increases, the skin heals, and acne scars diminish gradually.
Acne scar surgery: The dermatologists opt for this to treat evident scars. This surgery can be managed in the clinic as the patient is given a dose for skin numbing. The dermatologist may lift the scar or break up the scar tissue. Acne scar surgeries make the scars fade with time revealing clear spotless skin.
Laser therapy: Laser therapy is safe and pain-free acne scar therapy to treat raised acne scars and renew the skin. Laser treatment peels the outer layer of skin with heat to promote new skin growth.
Cryosurgery: This is a suitable acne scar treatment for people with lighter skin. Dermatologists in this treatment freeze the scar tissue, and eventually, it withers away. To improve the results, dermatologists recommend a series of cryotherapy sessions

Acne scar treatments differ from patient to patient. However, with time some procedures have become the most famous ones. Do not decide just by reading. Always, consult your dermatologist for final opinions.
The treatments are used chiefly for acne scar removal:
Chemical peels: As the name suggests, the doctors apply medicated solutions to the skin based on skin type. This is a powerful form of exfoliation for acne and acne scars treatment. It removes dead cells and improves the appearance of the skin.
Dermabrasion: A rapidly rotating device is used to remove the outer layer of the skin and encourage the growth of new skin. For the procedure, doctors numb the skin with anesthesia before removing the outermost layers of your skin.
Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are another option for depressed acne scars treatment. They also add the desired volume below the skin surface. The hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin to improve its appearance and smoothen its texture.
Microneedling: A popular skin exfoliating treatment for skin exfoliation but works splendidly for acne scar removal. A rapidly rotating device is used to remove the outer layer of the skin and encourage the growth of new skin and collagen.
Laser therapy: A safe and pain-free acne scar therapy to renew the skin. Laser treatment peels the outer layer of skin with heat to promote new skin growth and collagen production.
Fractional non-ablative laser – This laser stimulates collagen production and is great for atrophic acne scarring.
Ablative laser: Ablative lasers are safe for all skins. As the upper skin is peeled, a fresh new skin emerges. However, the recovery time is slightly longer. But, it is a great procedure for getting rid of acne scars.

Acne scar removal treatment is a common practice worldwide. However, certain conditions must be met to continue the medication or procedures such as
The patient’s age has to be 20 or above
A stable medical state with no serious life-threatening diseases
Mild to moderate acne scars
Pregnant or lactating mothers can delay the procedure to post-delivery or post-feeding period
Realistic expectations and counseling for treatment results

Atrophic scars settle deep inside the skin as a small niche. Such scars form when there is less collagen for healing. There are three types of atrophic scars:
Boxcar
These are wide, U-shaped scars that have sharp edges. Microdermabrasion and gentle peels are great for almost all skin types. Boxcar scar treatments by doctors depend on several factors, such as the color, depth, and location of scars along with the patient’s skin tone.
Ice pick
Ice pick scars are narrow deep scars, sometimes mistaken as chickenpox scars. These are deep, and take a long period to be removed.
Rolling
These are wide sunken scars with rounded edges and uneven, bumpy appearance.