Fillers Dermatologists use fillers to safely and effectively plump depressed acne scars. Many fillers give us temporary results, which last between 6 and 18 months.
Some fillers are permanent. Both temporary and permanent fillers have unique pros and cons. If this is a treatment option for you, be sure to ask your dermatologist about the pros and cons of the recommended filler. Skin tightening This is a newer treatment and tends to be more affordable. This treatment is safe for all skin colors. Dermatologists often use a technology called radiofrequency to tighten the skin.
As the skin tightens, depressed acne scars become less noticeable. Radiofrequency requires repeat appointments. Most patients return once a month for four months. After a radiofrequency treatment, many patients say they feel a burning sensation for about one hour and their skin has a pinkish color for two to three days.
Radiofrequency treatments require some at-home care. For at least one week after each treatment, you will need to apply sunscreen every morning and a moisturizing cream at night. Best for: Depressed acne scars. Sometimes, skin tightening effectively treats deep icepick and boxcar scars. To perform this procedure, a dermatologist moves a sterile, handheld needle-studded roller across the depressed acne scars.
This punctures your skin. As your skin heals, it produces collagen. Most people, however, notice gradual changes before nine months. Many patients require between three and six treatments and return every two to six weeks for a treatment.
After each treatment, you may have some swelling and possibly bruising. These side effects usually clear within four to five days. Best for: Widespread depressed acne scars. Not a treatment for raised acne scars, which form when the body produces too much collagen.
Electrodesiccation This treatment uses electric probes to heat the tissue, which causes the tissue to die. This treatment may be part of a treatment plan for boxcar acne scars.
Electrodesiccation by itself is not an effective treatment for acne scars. Injections Your dermatologist may recommend injecting medicine directly into the scars. This can soften and flatten raised, thick scars. Getting the best results often requires repeat visits. These injections are usually given once every few weeks. How often you will need to return for treatment depends on the scar and many other considerations.
You may need to return once every two to six weeks for a while. Many patients receive injections of corticosteroids. A chemotherapy medicine known as fluorouracil 5-FU can also be effective in treating raised acne scars.
Some scars respond best when injections of both 5-FU and corticosteroids are used. Interferon, which is also used to treat cancer, can be effective.
Our bodies naturally produce interferon. If the scar does not respond or stops responding after you receive the 4th injection, acne scar surgery may be recommended.
Acne scar surgery Dermatologists perform acne scar surgery to reduce raised acne scars. Acne scar surgery, followed by injections After surgery, dermatologists often treat raised scars with injections of corticosteroids, 5-FU, or interferon. Combining acne scar surgery with these shots remains one of the most effective treatments for raised scars. Most patients receive injections once a month for a few months. Acne scar surgery, followed by radiation Studies show that radiation can prevent raised scars from returning after acne scar surgery.
Due to the potential for radiation treatments to cause problems years or decades later, some doctors do not recommend radiation treatment. Your first line of defense is to consult a dermatologist. They will first focus on getting your acne under control. The good news is that not all acne scars are permanent. When your doctor turns attention to the scars your acne has left behind, they will typically explore three main treatment options:.
Vascular-specific lasers target blood vessels and can help lighten flat or raised scars that are pink or purple and help flatten raised scars.
Doctors often use fractional or carbon dioxide ablative lasers to treat acne scars. Doctors use lasers to treat other types of scarring as well — including those from burns, skin cancer and tattoo removal. Your dermatologist may apply a chemical solution to the skin. Peeling usually causes redness, and sometimes swelling and cold sores, for up to seven days. This treatment also is less expensive because you typically will need only one treatment session.
Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses either a fine-needle roller or pen device to create tiny holes in the top layer of the skin. The procedure stimulates collagen production, which helps improve fine lines and skin texture. Redness occurs afterward and typically lasts a couple of days. Acne scars take two forms: scars with a gradual dip or depression sometimes called "rolling" scars scars that are deep and narrow A person's acne needs to be under control before scars can be treated.
Mild vs. Severe Scarring Treatments depend on how severe the scars are. For serious scarring from previous bouts with acne, several types of treatment can help: Laser resurfacing. This procedure can be done in the doctor's or dermatologist's office. The laser removes the damaged top layer of skin and tightens the middle layer, leaving skin smoother.
It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The doctor will try to lessen any pain by first numbing the skin with local anesthesia. It usually takes between 3 and 10 days for the skin to heal completely. This treatment uses a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to wear down the surface of the skin. As the skin heals, a new, smoother layer replaces the abraded skin. It may take a bit longer for skin to heal using dermabrasion — usually between 10 days and 3 weeks.
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