What causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars are caused by the damage to the skin tissue that occurs as a result of severe or persistent acne. When the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, it can lead to the formation of acne lesions, such as pimples, cysts, or nodules.
If these lesions become inflamed, the body's immune system sends white blood cells to the area to fight the infection. This can cause the surrounding tissue to become damaged, leading to the formation of scars.
What are the types of Acne scars?
There are several different types of acne scars, including:
Icepick scars: These are narrow, deep scars that resemble the marks left by a sharp object, such as a ice pick.
Boxcar scars: These are round or oval scars that have sharp edges and a depressed appearance.
Rolling scars: These are shallow scars that have a rolling or wave-like appearance.
Hypertrophic scars: These are raised scars that are similar to keloids but are smaller and do not extend beyond the boundaries of the original injury.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This is a common complication of acne, in which the affected area becomes darker than the surrounding skin.
It's important to note that not all acne scars are created equal and different scars may require different treatment options. It is best to consult with a doctor who can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
Acne Scars Treatment Options
Here are some of the most common treatment options for the different types of acne scars:
Icepick scars:
Deep and narrow scars, can be treated with punch excision, where the scar is cut out and the edges are stitched together, or Subcision, a procedure that involves breaking up the fibrous bands that are pulling down on the skin and causing the scars. CO2 laser resurfacing can also be done.
Boxcar scars:
Round or oval scars with sharp edges, can be treated with Subcision, Rejuran Scar, or CO2 laser resurfacing.
Rolling scars:
Shallow and wave-like scars, can be treated with Subcision, Rejuran Scar, or CO2 laser resurfacing.
Hypertrophic scars / Keloids:
Raised scars, can be treated with intralesional corticosteroids, which are injected into the scar to reduce inflammation and shrink the scar tissue.
Learn more about Hypertrophic Scars Treatment Here
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (Brown Acne Scars):
Dark brownish spots caused by acne, can be treated with pigmentation laser therapy or topical creams containing hydroquinone or tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Pigmentation Laser here
Post-inflammatory Erythema (Red Acne Scars)
Red acne scars left behind after acne or pimples can be managed with a vascular laser such as the pro yellow laser or with topical creams containing azelaic acid.
Learn more about Pro Yellow Acne Laser here
Learn more about the treatment of Red Acne Scars here
Summary
It's important to keep in mind that these treatments may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, and that results depend on the patient’s skin quality as well as its ability to produce collagen.
Additionally, maintaining a good skincare routine, avoiding sun exposure, and not picking or squeezing acne can help to prevent acne scars from forming in the first place.
Rejuran Scar Acne Scar Removal Treatment
Rejuran scar is an injectable treatment that uses DNA fragments derived from salmon to repair the skin cells and boost collagen production. These DNA fragments are called polynucleotides (PN), which are naturally found in salmon.
Rejuran scar treatment works by stimulating the body's natural healing process, which helps to repair damaged skin cells and promote collagen production. As a result, the skin quality is improved, which can help to reduce the appearance of scars. The treatment also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.
Rejuran scar treatments are considered a safe and effective option for improving the appearance of acne scars. It is a non-surgical procedure that has downtime of about 3 to 7 days. The treatment is done by injecting polynucleotides directly into the scar using a fine needle. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, and multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results.
Learn more about Rejuran Scar here
CO2 Fractional Laser Acne Scar Removal Treatment
CO2 fractional laser therapy is a popular treatment option for acne scars. The therapy uses a laser to create tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing process.
The laser beam is divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones, leaving the surrounding healthy skin intact. This allows the skin to heal faster, with less downtime and less risk of complications compared to traditional CO2 laser resurfacing.
During the treatment, the laser energy is delivered to the skin in a pattern of tiny dots or columns. These micro-injuries cause the skin to produce new collagen, which helps to fill in and smooth out the scarred areas. The laser energy also helps to remove the top layer of damaged skin, revealing the smoother, healthier skin underneath.
CO2 fractional laser therapy can be effective for improving the appearance of various types of acne scars, including icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars. The treatment can also improve the texture and tone of the skin, making it look more youthful and radiant.
However, it is important to keep in mind that multiple treatments may be needed to achieve optimal results, and there is no guarantee that the scars will be completely removed.
Learn more about CO2 Fractional Laser for Acne Scar Removal here
Subcision Acne Scar Removal Treatment
Subcision is a procedure that involves breaking up the fibrous bands that are pulling down on the skin and causing the scars. This is done using a fine needle, which is inserted into the skin and moved back and forth to break up the bands. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and can take between 15-30 minutes.
Subcision works by releasing the tension on the skin that is pulling down the scar, allowing the skin to rise and fill in the depressed area. As a result, the scar appears less pronounced and the skin appears smoother. Subcision is particularly effective for rolling scars and boxcar scars, which are caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin.
The procedure is considered safe and well-tolerated, with around 3 to 7 days of downtime. Dr Edwin usually recommends combining subcision with Rejuran Scar to achieve optimal results.
Learn more about Subcision here
How do I find the Best Acne Scar Removal Clinic Singapore has to offer?
Every clinic offers different treatment options for acne scars. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that acne scar removal treatments are performed safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in offering such acne scar removal treatments. The clinic should also offer information on the various types of acne scar removal treatments before proceeding.
