Many adults struggle with acne scarring, whether left over from their teenage years or as a more recent result. There are many ways to reduce the appearance of or even heal old acne scars. A dermatologist can help assess the patient’s skin and scarring and recommend treatments.
There are several kinds of acne scars. Icepick scars are tiny depressions in the skin. Rolling scars give the skin an uneven or “rolling” appearance, forming from bands of scar tissue underneath the skin. Boxcar scars are larger indentations in the skin, typically with clearer edges. These are commonly caused by inflammatory acne.
A variety of treatments are available, and while some treatments work best with some types of acne scars, other times patients might have to try a few recommended options to see what gives them the best results. Dermatologists recommend everyone start with daily use of sunscreen though, as this helps prevent further scarring and contrast while protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Dermal fillers can be a good option for plumping up indented areas of the skin, such as with larger boxcar scars. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, results do fade over time, and repeated treatment will be needed.
Laser resurfacing technology has come a long way over the years and is a popular alternative to dermabrasion. Laser treatments can help with everything from sagging skin to hyperpigmentation. It can also be used to treat acne scars, and is especially effective on those with darker skin tones.
Dermatologists might recommend a chemical peel. While this treatment is commonly used for basic cosmetic procedures, the peeling away to reveal new skin underneath can help with some scarring.
Microdermabrasion typically offers similar results to a chemical peel, but without adding any chemicals to the skin. It works instead by using a handheld device with a crystal or diamond tip over the skin to blast away the outer layer of skin, revealing new skin underneath.
Microneedling is another cosmetic procedure. The needles stimulate the collagen production, resulting in firm and supple skin. This may also reduce the appearance of scars. Microneedling results are subtle, so patients might need to partake in several treatments to see results.
The experienced doctors at Lakeside Dermatology can help you determine which options would be best for you.
