Acne is a common problem among teenagers and even adults. Things get worse when it leaves behind those stubborn scars as a reminder of an outbreak. Fortunately, acne scar removal is possible and one just needs to get to a credible acne clinic in Singapore to discuss their treatment options. Consulting with an experienced acne doctor in Singapore will help set realistic expectations and get the best results possible after the treatment of one’s specific skin condition and scar types.
There are different treatment options available to treat acne scars, and the choice of treatment varies from one individual to another depending on the type and severity of their acne scars. As the treatment changes, the treatment costs vary as well. Let’s dig a little deeper and try to find out what different treatments would cost and how the recovery is like.
What Are Acne Scars?
Many people often confuse acne scars with those brown or red marks that appear on their skin after acne. Well, they are acne marks, but not scars. It is often referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In addition, these marks fade away in a few weeks to a few months after a breakout.
On the contrary, acne scars are the “pot marks” that can actually be seen and felt. Usually, these scars are depressed and can also be raised in rare instances. Generally, acne scars stay for years after a breakout and they don’t resolve or fade away on their own. Due to the persistent and stubborn nature of acne scars, one needs to undergo acne scar removal treatment to get rid of them.
Types Of Acne Scars
Acne scars can be broadly categorized into two types: the Atrophic or Depressed Scars and Hypertrophic or Raised Scars.
Atrophic – Depressed Scars
Atrophic scars are a common instance on the face. These are depressed scars that sit just under the surrounding skin. A major reason for these scars is that the body is not producing enough collagen regularly when the wounds are healing. Atrophic Scars can be further subdivided into:
- Boxcar Scars: Boxcar scars are u-shaped, wide scars with sharp edges. They may be deep or shallow. Shallow scars respond better to most treatments used for skin resurfacing.
- Icepick Scars: They are V-shaped, narrow scars and have a tendency of going deep into the skin. Generally, they look like small oval or round holes and have a similar appearance as a big pore. It’s hard to treat these scars as they can extend under the skin way deeper.
- Rolling Scars: Rolling scars are wide depressions with rounded edges most of the time. They also have a rolling, irregular appearance.
Hypertrophic – Raised Scars
Mostly, these scars appear on the back and the chest, but they can also appear on the face. They are raised growths that stand above the skin’s surface. Generally, too much production of collagen during the healing process leads to hypertrophic scars.
Acne Scars Treatment And Cost
As mentioned earlier the treatment for acne scars varies depending on a variety of factors and so does their cost. Here are some popular treatments one can get at an acne clinic in Singapore.
TCA Peels
Chemical peels, like TCA peels, are useful for treating mild, shallow scars. They apply a chemical substance on the skin, trichloroacetic acid in case of TCA peels, to remove the outer skin layer while promoting new skin growth. As the new skin layer is formed after each treatment, it keeps getting smoother.
Generally, TCA peels are effective for mild, shallow scars only. When it comes to deeper scars, the medium-strength and superficial peels do not work.
Cost: $200 – $300
Microdermabrasion
It’s a minimally invasive acne scar treatment that is used for renewing overall skin texture and tone. Microdermabrasion isn’t just effective against acne scars, it can also help improve sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and melasma among other skin conditions.
During the procedure, a special abrasive applicator is used for gently sanding away the outer skin layer to achieve a rejuvenating effect. Another technique used for microdermabrasion relies on fine crystals of sodium bicarbonate or aluminum oxide applied to the skin to achieve the same effect.
This acne scar removal treatment works for depressed scars that aren’t too deep.
Cost: $80 – $250
Fillers
Dermal Fillers like Restylane, Rejuran S, and Juvederm can be used for elevating shallow, broad-based acne scars. Even though these fillers can only produce temporary results, they have a tendency to stimulate collagen production in the skin and can help improve the overall skin condition of the patient. With newly produced collagen, permanent improvements to the acne scars can be expected. The fillers work best for some rolling and boxcar scars.
Cost: $800 – $1000/syringe
Lasers
Lasers are also a popular treatment option for acne scars and they can help improve both acne marks and acne indentations. They work by either peeling off the outer skin layer or promoting collagen production in the skin so that any damaged cells could be repaired.
There are different types of laser treatments available for different conditions. Fractional CO2 laser works best for treating acne scars. It removes the top skin layer and promotes the healing of the scars. Laser treatments, generally, work well for all types of acne scars.
Cost: $250 – $1000 per session
Subcision
Often known as subcutaneous incisionless surgery, it’s a minor surgical treatment for depressed acne scars. The procedure is performed using a hypodermic needle that is inserted into the skin surface through a small puncture. The fibrotic strands tethering the acne scars to underlying tissues are broken with the help of a sharp needle edge. As the strands are released and wound healing initiates the production of new collagen, the acne scars start improving. The procedure is normally well-tolerated and is performed in an outpatient setting. It is effective against depressed scars and can treat rolling or box car scars particularly well.
Cost: $200 – $400/session
Dermal Grafting
Dermal grafting is a treatment option for acne scar removal that takes the patient’s own skin through a small incision – normally from behind the ear – and grafts it into the site of the scars. Sutures, special skin glue for surgeries, or steri-strips are used to keep the graft in place. The collagen-rich dermis layer of the skin fills in the depressions and improves skin texture. Dermal grafting works best for deep rolling and boxcar scars.
How Is The Recovery Like?
How the patient recovers after the procedure usually depend on what type of treatment they had. Generally, however, the skin takes time for a full recovery. Results aren’t visible immediately, and the site of the acne scars continues to improve over next few weeks to few months.
The recovery from scar removal procedures can take anywhere between a few days to up to six weeks. It mostly depends on the treatment given to the patient and the size of the scarred area being treated.
Some pain, itching, swelling, and redness is common after most cosmetic procedures and such discomforts should also be expected after acne scar removal. Make sure to consult with your acne doctor in Singapore to set realistic expectations from these treatment and prepare the best for the recovery period after the procedure. Strictly following the advice for treatment aftercare will allow patients to heal faster and also help with the recovery process.
Conclusion
There are different options available when it comes to acne scar removal, and the choice of treatment depends on one’s individual condition and the recommendations from an acne doctor in Singapore. Find a credible acne clinic in Singapore to get the best results while keeping the costs at a bare minimum.
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.
