Understanding Acne Scars: Types and Treatments Demystified
Acne scars can be a stubborn reminder of past breakouts, affecting not just our skin but our confidence as well. But fear not, because in the world of dermatology, there’s a wide array of treatments available to tackle these scars and restore smooth, clear skin. Let’s delve into the different types of acne scars and the innovative treatments offered by Brisbane Skin to address them effectively.
Types of Acne Scars:
- Ice Pick Scars: These are narrow, deep scars that resemble puncture marks on the skin’s surface.
- Boxcar Scars: Characterised by broad, depressed areas with sharply defined edges, resembling the scars left by chickenpox.
- Rolling Scars: These scars have a wave-like appearance caused by damage under the skin’s surface, resulting in a rolling or undulating texture.
- Keloid Scars: Keloids are raised scars caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue, extending beyond the original wound area.
- Mixed Scars: Some individuals may have a combination of different scar types, making treatment more challenging but not impossible.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial because each type requires a tailored approach for effective treatment.
Treatments for Acne Scars:
- TCA Cross: TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) Cross is a specialised technique that targets ice pick scars specifically. By applying high-concentration TCA directly to the scar, it induces controlled inflammation, prompting the body to produce new, smoother skin tissue.
- Subcision: Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure that involves breaking up the fibrous bands beneath the skin’s surface that tether it down, causing rolling or depressed scars. By releasing these bands, the skin can elevate and smooth out, reducing the appearance of scars.
- Radio Frequency (RF) Needling: RF Needling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to deliver controlled thermal injury to the deeper layers of the skin. This stimulates collagen production and remodels scar tissue, leading to smoother skin texture and improved scar appearance.
- Fraxel Fractional Lasering: Fraxel laser treatment utilises fractional laser technology to create thousands of tiny treatment zones in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal. This helps improve the texture and appearance of acne scars with minimal downtime.
- Ablative Laser: Ablative laser resurfacing works by removing thin layers of skin, effectively ‘sanding down’ the surface to diminish the appearance of scars. This procedure can yield significant improvements in scar texture and pigmentation, although it may require a longer recovery period.
Acne Scars Can Sometimes Come With Changes In Colour.
We have treatments specifically for these colour changes. Red acne scars, which are called post-inflammatory erythema, can be treated with special lasers like V-beam and Excel V+. Brown flat coloured scars, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation acne scarring, can be treated with Enlighten Pico. It’s important to mention these treatments because for some of our patients, their scars are mainly about the colour, not the texture.
Acne scars can be distressing, but they’re not something you have to live with forever. At Brisbane Skin, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to your specific scar type and skin needs. Whether you’re dealing with ice pick scars, boxcar scars, or a combination of both, our experienced dermatologists can help you achieve smoother, clearer skin and renewed confidence.
Don’t let acne scars hold you back – take the first step towards radiant skin today!
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