How do acne scars appear?

Acne scars are the result of faulty healing of inflammatory acne lesions (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts).

There are four forms of scarring:

  • icepick that are deep depressions with small diameter, usually multiple, usually located on the forehead, cheekbones, chin ;
  • boxcar that are superficial or deeper scars, larger in diameter, with clean, vertical edges being similar to scarring after chickenpox. They are met on the cheeks and forehead.
  • rolling are linear-looking lesions that give the skin a wrinkle appearance.
  • Hypertrophic scars are elevated lesions that go beyond the skin resulting from excess scar tissue formation in the healing process.
  • hyperpigmented scars that are not real scars, but are spots resulting from traumatic acne lesions, can last for weeks or months without specific treatment.

There are several treatment options for these types of scars, some less invasive that only improve them, others more aggressive with very good and lasting results.

When can I get acnee scars treatment?

It is necessary for the skin to be intact, without active acne lesions.

If active lesions are present, topical / systemic treatment recommended by the dermatologist is required.

 

Variants of treatment

1.Dermapen / Microneedling

The treatment is performed with local anesthesia and involves a healing period of 3-4 days. After the procedure, the skin will be reddish but you can apply medical makeup to have normal daily activity.

There are strict medical indications to follow without exception, in order to obtain the desired result and to avoid any complications.

To achieve very good results, several treatment sessions (4-6), performed at a minimum of 1 month, are required. After each procedure, there are good effects on scarring, skin texture reshuffling, the effects being cumulative.

The Dermapen® system uses sterile needle cartridges, individual, for the optimum safety of each patient. Thanks to the vertical vibrating system, those penetrate the skin vertically into adjustable depths, generating micro channels and stimulating the natural healing capacity of the body by producing collagen and elastin.

The principle is similar to that of the fractional CO2 laser, but unlike it, it can be performed for any cutaneous photo and has a benefit / healing time / better price.

Find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure!

Make an appointment for a consultation on-line or call at +40733297207!

 

2.Ultra Pulse Encore by LUMENIS CO2 Fractional Laser

The CO2 laser is the treatment with the best effect / treatment in the treatment of post-acne scars (some cases of icepick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic). The equipment uses fractional laser beams that vaporize microscopic tissue at controlled depths, leaving the intact epidermis between the bundles.

This detail differentiates fractional treatment of classic CO2 resurfacing that practically vaporizes the entire epidermis, involving a long recovery period.

The vaporised tissue columns will be “filled” by the body with new tissue by stimulating the synthesis of new collagen fibers, resulting in a new, smoother and compact skin structure.

In the case of post-acne scars, treatment is more aggressive, requiring 1-3 laser passages on the affected area. The results are evaluated 6 months after treatment. In case of partial effects, repeat treatment after 6 months.

The procedure is performed under local potent anesthesia, with associated systemic therapy indicated by the dermatologist. Strict adherence to medical guidelines is required without exception.

3.Superficial / medium chemical peeling

Chemical peeling is a procedure involving the application of various acids to the skin in variable concentrations.

Superficial peels are for oily skin  with open pores, with the appearance of “orange peel” or light brown spots.

3-4 sessions are recommended at 10-14 days.

Medium peelings are recommended for mild imperfections, have medium effect on deep scars.

4.Surgical excision / punch technique

It addresses scars with a small diameter but deep(icepick). It is performed with local anesthesia and the sutures are stored for 5-7 days. It will result in a fine, linear scar, easier to treat with the above methods.

Boxing and rolling scars can benefit from subincisions – cutting fibrous tracts that attach the base of the scar to deeper plans.

5.Microdermabrasion with diamond

It is a superficial treatment that addresses light imperfections, being a necessary treatment for skin cleansing with an acne tendency.

Uses diamond microdermabrasion (Proderm or Pristine by Viora) which, by abrasive tips with different granulations, removes the superficial layers of the epidermis and, through the vacuum pump, removes the obstructed lesions.

The result is a more uniform, compact, light skin texture, accelerated metabolism and improved vascularization.

6.Augmentation with filler

Filling material (hyaluronic acid) is injected with a very fine needle under the scar, thus raising the base of the scar.

The technique is repeated 6 months -1 year.

7.TCA CROSS – Ice pick scars

This type of scars are hard to treat, some of which are resistant to all the therapeutic trials because of the fibrous tracts that are anchored to the base of the scar by the deep dermis. Therefore, for this type of injury, the “TCA Cross” technique – singular or combined with other procedures – is used, which involves punctual application of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in different concentrations, strictly in scars.

At the level of the scar, a reddish crust will form, which will come off in the coming days. It is unnecessary to avoid exposure to the sun and to strictly follow the directions of the dermatologist.