Acne Scars Treatment
Lighten and improve the appearance of acne scars.
What Are Acne Scars
Acne scars are a direct consequence of the skin’s healing process following acne outbreaks. They can manifest in various forms, ranging from shallow depressions to raised tissue. The nature and severity of these scars are influenced by factors such as the depth and duration of the acne, the individual’s skin type, and their unique healing processes.
What Causes Acne Scars
Acne scars can develop for several reasons, but one of the most common factors is genetics. If there is a family history of acne scarring, individuals are more likely to experience it as well.
Age also plays a role, as the skin loses collagen over time. Collagen is essential for skin healing and repair, especially after acne breakouts. When the skin produces too much or too little collagen, it can lead to scarring.
Additionally, acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and the severity and duration of inflammation can increase the chances of scarring. This is why it’s important to seek early acne treatment, as delaying treatment may raise the risk of developing scars.
Types Of Acne Scars
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.
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.
Acne Scars Treatments & Cost 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.
Still Experiencing Active Acne?
If you are still experiencing breakouts, it is recommended to treat the active acne condition before progressing on to acne scar treatments.
Seek professional help early can prevent permanent scarring or worsening effect of acne.
Key benefits from treating acne condition early
- Will help to eliminate blemishes at an early stage before developing into acne cysts.
- Timely treatment decreases the likelihood of aggravating into chronic acne which may result to the need for stronger and more extensive treatment regime.
- Effectively prevents acne scars from developing.
- Improves individual skin’s condition physically as well as psychosocial effects.
Acne skin condition is treatable with Dream Acne & Scars Programme, a personalized treatment solution that will help you get rid of skin problems and regain your confidence.
Fractional RF (FRF) Treatment
Every single individual struggling with open pores, fine lines, or uneven skin tone can benefited from Fractional RF (FRF) Treatment. It helps to give the skin a fresh and healthy look with minimum risk or side effects.
Step 1
Penetration of multi-micro electrodes
Step 2
Formation of electromagnetic
field
Step 3
Selectively react to abnormal vessels & stregthens basement membrane
Step 4
Completion
Fractional (RF) treatment uses repeated ultra-short pulse technology that acts only on targeted sites. It reacts with abnormal blood vessels and hyper-pigmented tissues to reduce the appearance of acne scars or stretch marks. The radiofrequency generated in Fractional (RF) treatment raises the temperature of the skin to 60C. This either denatures the proteins or causes collagen coagulation. Consequently, the healing process of the wound is stimulated, and the skin layers remodel and rejuvenate. The eight different types of Continuous Wave (CW) & Pulsed Wave (PW) modes set in the Fractional (RF) treatment make it safe for treatment. Furthermore, the bipolar non-insulated electrodes direct the waves into all the dermal layers of the skin.
Acne Scars
Atrophic Scars
Scars
Pores
Specifically for the treatment of scars such as acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars, Fractional (RF) treatment help to minimize their appearance by stimulating collagen production, which can help to fill in the depressed areas of the skin. As a uniform electric field is generated around the scar’s skin, the PW treats the pigmentation caused by inflammation while CW tightens the skin. Maximum duration of 300ms of CW4 is used for resolving a scar mark. As with any skin treatment, the number of sessions required for optimal results will depend on the severity of the acne scars and the individual’s skin type. While some people may feel improvement in the appearance of their scar after 4 – 6 initial sessions, others might require more. An average time required for healing of acne scars is summarized in the table;
| Mild | 2-4 months |
| Moderate | 4-7 months |
| Severe | 6-20 months |
Fractional (RF) treatment is also used for improving stretch marks. As the micro-needles are inserted into the affected skin, they radiate the radio frequency waves. This generates an electrothermal effect that eventually heals the skin’s basement membrane so that it is strengthened. Simultaneously, the abnormal blood vessels are targeted, and the production of collagen and elastin is also stimulated. As the skin revitalizes and regenerates, improving the appearance of stretch marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Acne Scar Treatments
What If I Am In The Middle Of A Break Out? Can I Still Get Laser Acne Scar Treatment?
The ideal time to receive acne scar treatment is to wait until active acne has stopped or when it is under control. This is because if you treat active acne there is a possible risk of further scarring, so all the efforts can go in vain. Thus, you must treat the underlying acne first. Once it is treated then you can work on scars lightening treatments.
Do The Acne Scars Stay The Same Or Do They Fade?
Acne scars are the result of a healing process. When the damaged healthy tissue is healed, the normal cells are replaced by fibrous tissue. Those people who are habitual of picking and squeezing the acne spots are at a greater risk of scar development.
The acne scars can heal and fade for some while it becomes permanent for others.
Can The Acne Scars Go Away On Their Own?
Yes, the acne scars can lighten or become less depressed as they heal naturally. Some individuals have experienced a decrease in the depth and contour without treatment. The healing ability relies on the following factors:
- Age
- Type of skin
- Skin tone
- Skin complexion
- Severity of the acne scar
Which Acne Scar Treatment Will Work For Me?
There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to treating acne scar. This is why a single treatment may not be effective and a proper treatment plan may involve different approaches. The best treatment option for you will rely on the following features:
- The discoloration on the skin
- Scar type and severity
- Skin type
The doctor will analyze all these factors before providing a personalized treatment plan.
Is There Any Downtime Associated With Acne Scar Treatment?
Depending on the treatment type, downtime differs from one treatment to another. Generally, minimally invasive procedures require downtime of around 7 days while the surgical method will take around 7 to 10 days.
What Should I Do After Acne Scar Treatment?
There are a few steps that you can follow to allow rapid healing and optimal results:
- Keep The Treated Area Of Your Skin clean and Well Moisturized
There is a greater risk of bacterial infection after the treatment. This is because the integrity of the skin is compromised. Keeping the skin clean and well moisturized improves its healing process.
It is generally safe to use a gentle cleanser a few hours after the treatment unless advised otherwise. Light moisturizers prevent the skin from drying out and prolonging the recovery process. In cases where topical antibiotics are prescribed, follow the post treatment care instructions by the doctor for a smoother recovery.
- Avoid Going Out In The Sun Or Use Sunscreen
It is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight for at least a couple of days. Post-treatment hyperpigmentation is a common phenomenon. Therefore, by avoiding the sun or applying sunscreen you can lessen the risk. Sunscreen should only be applied 24 hours after your treatment.
- Avoid Wearing Make-Up After Treatment
Makeup and cosmetic products may cause harm to skin that is healing in progress. This is because makeup can interfere with the healing of the wounds and may also increase irritation of the skin. The bacteria exposure from those products can also increase the risk of infection of the wound site.
It is safe to apply makeup after 3 days of surgery. But only light makeup can be used. You can return to the normal routine once the acne scabs have healed.
- Follow Doctor’s Advice On Skincare Use
Exfoliants are a good source of ridding your skin of dead cells but should be avoided during recovery. You should be cautious in using them and follow the doctor’s advice. Topical retinoids should be applied only after the completion of skin healing. It usually takes 7-10 days for the skin to heal completely.
- Avoid Picking Your Skin
Many people are habitual of picking their skin. Scabs are common findings after laser treatments. It is recommended you refrain from picking the scabs that go away within 5-10 days.