Treatments For Acne Scars

Recently published an article on the latest in acne scar treatments. What are the newest developments in treating acne scars, and what should dermatologists keep in mind when treating patients with skin of color?

For an expert opinion on the current and future landscape of acne scar treatments, I contacted dermatologist DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, a cosmetic dermatologist in Dallas.

Some of the latest developments in treating acne scars use several different treatment approaches at the same time for a synergistic effect to improve the acne scars. Whether it be subcision plus fractional non-ablative or fractional ablative laser therapy, subcision combined with biostimulating injectables, or radiofrequency and microneedling with PRP, there are many different ways to approach acne scars. By combining several treatments into one you can definitely make a powerful impact on improving the acne scars.

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All patients with skin of color are not the same, especially when it comes to laser therapy. I have definitely learned that over the last couple of years of practicing since I finished my cosmetic fellowship. If you have any concerns of how the patient will respond, I always recommend doing test spots either behind their ears or in another hidden location to see how their skin will respond.

In terms of the acne scars that I see skin of color patients concerned with, the most common would be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Safer options will always include chemical peels, microneedling, and/or radiofrequency microneedling to address concerns regarding pigmentary alterations. 

Atrophic scars can definitely be more challenging to treat. Depending on the size of the atrophic scars I may recommend a small 1.5 mm or 2 mm punch excision followed by one small stitch to approximate the skin edges in order to remove the scar entirely.

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I also love combining Pico- and/or Nano-second fractional non-ablative laser technology to really help with the remodeling of the dermis to help improve the atrophic scars.

If I see a patient that is coming to me for acne and I see acne scars I want to first address their acne but also discuss ways that we can start treating their acne scars as soon as possible. As a dermatologist, I think we always have to keep in mind the effects that acne scars can have on our patients’ quality of life and we should not turn a blind eye to what the patient may not be saying during our medical encounters.

Sometimes my treatments may come in the form of an oral medication such as isotretinoin. Other times I may recommend topical prescriptions while also combining microneedling treatments.

Top 3 Treatments For Acne Scars

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In this series, we take a deep dive into the literature and guidelines to give you a quick reference on the use of new or complex therapies.  This series will become your go-to for information about dosing, potential interactions and laboratory monitoring, just to name a few.

Get your free copy of the Next Steps in Derm Guide, the expert’s guide to post-residency career choices and practice management advice from experienced physicians.Have you finally overcome a persistent bout of breakouts and severe acne but now find your skin is left with distressing acne scars and dark spots? No doubt, battling acne can already be a long and hard task, but the scarring, discoloration, and spots that persist long after acne has resolved are sometimes even worse. 

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Fortunately, with a little help from our skin professionals and game-changing treatments, the look of acne scars and dark spots can be significantly improved—and sometimes even completely erased! 

We asked our dermatologists to put together a quick list of the best treatments available today that help improve the appearance of acne scars and dark spots! Read their recommendations below. 

The benefits of microneedling go far beyond its ability to improve wrinkles and fine lines, under-eye circles, and enhance delivery and absorption of select product lines. Microneedling can also help those who are dealing with troublesome scars, dark spots, and discoloration caused by acne. 

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In fact, according to a 2015 study , patients that tried microneedling treatments for acne scars found the look of their post-acne scarring showed “good to very good” improvement after just 3 months of treatments! 

So how does microneedling work for acne scars and dark spots? This innovative treatment stimulates the skin’s repair process — increasing collagen and elastin — to improve skin tone and texture, which smoothes out scars and reduces the look of hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots and discoloration). 

Retin-A, along with other prescription-based vitamin-A derivative medications (like Differin gel), are some of the most commonly prescribed topical medications for acne.

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However, retinol-based medications aren’t only great for reducing breakouts and severe acne. They can also be incredibly effective at addressing certain types of acne scarring, discoloration, dark spots, and uneven skin texture. 

Retin-A works to improve the appearance of acne scars and discoloration by speeding up cell turnover, increasing collagen production, and boosting the creation of elastin-building cells. 

While a chemical peel might initially sound scary, especially if you’re wary about putting things like “chemicals” on your face, just know this type of cosmetic treatment is both safe and very effective.

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In fact, chemical peels are great for those dealing with skin conditions like acne scars and discoloration, uneven skin tone and texture, wrinkles and fine lines , and even signs of sun damage. 

So what is a chemical peel? It’s a type of cosmetic treatment where a certified physician applies a chemical solution with exfoliating properties to the skin. This chemical solution eliminates dead skin, excess oil, and irritating debris, as well as works on a cellular level, to reveal newer, smoother, and clearer skin. 

Dermal fillers tend to be a go-to treatment for those who want to fill out deep wrinkles , enhance their natural contours, such as the cheekbones, or add volume to certain areas of the face, like the lips. 

When Is The Right Time To Undergo Treatment For Acne Scars?

However, while dermal fillers are great at enhancing one’s natural beauty or erasing signs of aging, like wrinkles, they’re also effective at addressing deep acne scars . This type of acne scars treatment works by lifting up the indented, depressed scars with a filler substance, often hyaluronic acid, which results in smoother, more even-toned skin. 

How would it feel to look in the mirror every day and see clear, smooth skin free of any acne scars and discoloration? With the help of our exceptional board-certified dermatologists at The Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, we can work together to make this your reality! 

We deeply understand that each person’s journey to heal their acne and minimize their scars is unique. This is why we find a customized treatment plan to better help our patients achieve their skincare goals! 

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Come see the skin experts at The Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington. We’re ready to create an individualized plan to address your acne scars and discoloration with an effective treatment today! 

If you’re ready to discover an effective treatment for acne scars and discoloration, get in touch with the Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington . Call us at (910) 782-0028  to schedule a smooth skin consultation. Acne is every teen’s nightmare, and acne can sometimes even extend into adulthood. But long after pimples clear up and the redness and irritation are gone, some of us carry unwanted reminders: scarring. Unsightly scars left behind from acne can be tough to bear.

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Acne Scars — Freyja Medical

But whether your acne scars are raised or sunken, there are several good ways to mask or minimize them — think laser resurfacing, chemical peels and microneedling.

“I’m always amazed at how much healing the skin can do once you get the inflammation under control, ” says dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD.

Acne is a common skin condition affecting about 80% of those between the ages of 11 and 30 at some point. It can be on your face, chest, back and shoulders. It may seem like the irritation will never go away, but it does. When it goes away, you may be left with acne scars.

These Are The Best Acne Scar Treatments For Clearer Skin

Although it’s not possible to get rid of your acne scars quickly, it’s never too late to treat them. Teenage patients may have to wait until their early 20s before undergoing treatment to make sure there’s little risk of future acne flare-ups.

While there are plenty of over-the-counter products that claim to improve a scar’s texture, color and appearance, there’s no real way to get rid of acne scars naturally and at home. Over-the-counter products may include the following ingredients:

But your best bet is to consult a dermatologist. First, they’ll focus on getting your acne under control. The fewer breakouts you have, the fewer scars you’ll get. And the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent.

Laser Scar Treatment

Vascular-specific lasers target blood vessels and can help lighten flat or raised scars that are pink or purple and help flatten raised scars. Doctors often use fractional or carbon dioxide ablative lasers