Are you concerned about the way your skin looks due to those unsightly acne scars and blemishes? Well, that’s a common issue and most of us have to deal with acne scars at some point as we reach puberty or even during adulthood. Some fortunate ones, however, don’t get acne scars or they just fade away with time. For others, the scars are so stubborn and visually unappealing that they seek acne scar removal to get rid of them. So, is there any effective Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore available to remove acne scars permanently? Let’s find out!
What Causes Acne Scars?
When it comes to acne scars, one question that first comes to everyone’s mind is why some people are more prone to scarring from acne compared to others. Well, the reasons may vary, but the most prevalent one is genetics. If acne scars run in one’s family, they are more prone to getting scars as well.
The chances of getting acne scars also increase with age due to the loss of collagen in the skin. Collagen contributes towards natural healing and skin repair after acne breakouts. But when the skin is producing too much or too little of it, it leads to acne scars.
Furthermore, acne being an inflammatory skin condition, the development of scars depends a lot on the duration and extent of inflammation. So, one should look for an acne treatment in Singapore as early as they can because delaying it would increase the likelihood of scarring.
Types Of Acne Scars
All the acne scars aren’t the same, and they can take different forms. Some common types of acne scars include:
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars are red (or brownish), depressed spots that appear in the areas where one previously had an acne lesion. These scars can have various depths and their sloping edges make one’s skin look uneven and wavy.
Dark Spots
Healed acne can, sometimes, leave behind temporary dark spots in the area of a breakout. This is referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Boxcar Scars
These scars are broad, box-like depressions that have sharply defined edges. They usually result from widespread acne, or chickenpox. Most often, the boxcar scars form in areas like the jaw and lower cheeks. It is common on areas with thicker skin.
Ice-Pick Scars
Ice-pick scars are, generally, smaller and narrower indentations pointing down into the surface of the skin. They commonly appear on the cheeks. It is often hard to treat these scars and they normally need persistent and aggressive treatment for acne scar removal.
Keloids And Hypertrophic Scars
These acne scars are raised tissue growth on the acne site. Too much scar tissue is responsible for these scars and this scar tissue buildup usually happens from the older acne spots. Keloids and hypertrophic scars appear similar, but the former are generally larger and raised high. These scars are more common in areas like the chest, back, shoulders, and jawline.
Treatment Options For Acne Scar Removal
Different options are available for Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore, and they are all aimed at all the different types of acne scars mentioned above. Some common options include:
TCA Peels
TCA Peels are a non-invasive acne treatment that can effectively remove acne scars, in particular, ice pick scars. TCA is an acronym for trichloroacetic acid and it is used for clearing away any dead skin cells, revealing the newer ones and the smoother layers of skin underneath.
TCA peels are available in different strengths with different acid concentrations. Besides, revealing new cells under the dead skin, they can effectively stimulate the growth of new skin cells, raising depressed scars.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is an effective treatment option for acne scar removal, and it is usually performed at doctor’s offices. The treatment uses ultra-fine crystals of aluminum oxide discharged from a machine through a tube that applies them onto the affected skin. These crystals are vacuumed away simultaneously as well, removing damaged cells from the skin surface.
The treatment is best suited for hyperpigmentation, raised scars or those with mild indentation. And, the patient may need multiple treatments for getting the desired results.
Fillers
Dermal fillers can also be effective for treating depressed acne scars. This treatment option involves the injection of a particular filler substance – usually hyaluronic acid, bovine and human collagen, or fat taken from another body part of the patient – into the scar to elevate its base and make it even with the surface of the skin. The results achieved from dermal fillers may not be permanent and, therefore, one may need to undergo this treatment after a few months.
Lasers
There are two types of laser treatments available for acne scar removal. These include ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers remove outer skin layers to resurface the skin while the non-ablative lasers change the dermis layer of the patient without damaging the surface of the skin. Here is how they work:
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers work by controlled burning of the skin tissue to a particular depth. The new skin that appears tends to be smoother and the depth of the atrophic scars is reduced. It also softens up the look of scarring.
Non-Ablative Lasers
This type of lasers stimulates the production of new collagen and tightens the patient’s skin. They work best for mild acne scars and pigmentation issues instead of deep, pitted scarring. Some types of non-ablative lasers can also help improve keloids and raised scars.
Subcision
The depressions caused by acne can be because of the fibrous scar tissue pulling down the skin surface. If that’s the case, lasers may not be too effective for acne scar removal. Subcision uses a small needle for releasing this fibrous tissue under the scar. With time, this area heals and the production of new collagen helps in pushing the scar’s base up. Each subcision treatment reduces the scars depression gradually and a few sessions may be required for optimal results.
Dermal Grafting
Dermal grafting uses small cuttings of the dermis layer from the patient’s own skin and places these dermis grafts in the site of the acne scars. These grafts have collagen and they help elevate the depressed scars from underneath. As the grafts are taken from the patient’s own skin, there isn’t much absorption or risk for rejection and long-term results are achieved.
How Much Is The Cost For Acne Scar Treatment Singapore?
The cost of Acne treatment in Singapore can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Nature of the scar and its severity
- Type of treatment required
- Number of treatment sessions required
- Clinic and doctor’s reputation
Generally, the cost for mild-to-moderate acne scar removal is around $1800-$3500. However, in cases of severe acne scars, the costs can rise up to around $3500-$7000.
How Much Does The Acne Scar Removal Treatment Improve The Condition?
Normally, most patients experience around 50% to 70% improvement in their acne scars after undergoing acne scar removal. In other cases, 70% to 80% improvement can be expected. How much the condition may improve after the treatment, generally, depends on:
- The type of scars being treated
- Patient’s skin type as well as skin response to the treatment
Are The Results Temporary or Permanent?
The results from acne scar removal treatments are permanent. In the case of laser treatments, the results are generally permanent but factors like the natural aging process and how well the skin is taken care of can affect the results. The same stands true for treatments like dermal fillers and subcision.
Conclusion
One must set realistic expectations when undergoing acne scar treatment in Singapore. It is important to understand that some scars may not be erased completely. However, acne treatments can help significantly improve the condition. Consult with a credible medical doctor to decide on the best treatment option for acne scar removal.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
