From the time I started practising as an aesthetic physician, I have many patients coming in for acne scar treatments. Unlike pigmentation which can be covered with concealer and foundation, acne scars are nearly impossible to hide as they leave pock marks on the face. Here are some common questions about acne scarring, along with my answers:
Q: What are the treatment options available for acne scarring?
A: If the patient still has active acne, that will be addressed first. Active acne can be treated with antibiotics, products, skin peel and LED phototherapy. Acne scars can be treated with a number of ways such as Fractional Laser Treatment, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Subcision and Fillers. At times, more that one of these treatments can be combined for better results.
Q: Which of these treatments are instant and permanent?
A: Hyaluronic Acid fillers can be used for instant results to fill up the depressed scars. However, the results will only last one year, after which you would need to do periodic treatments.
Q. How about Fractional Laser Treatment? How does it work?
A: Fractional Laser Treatment is the most popular treatment for acne scars. Using a small wand, a laser beam that has been fractionated into thousands of tiny light shafts penetrate deep into the skin layers of the problem area. This stimulates the skin to produce its own collagen to remodel the lasered skin. With multiple treatments, the scar (sunken area) will rise up and level with the rest of the skin.
Q: Is Fractional Laser alone enough to treat acne scars?
A: Sometimes, this treatment is done together with Subcision and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). Subcision is used to break up fibrous bands. A small needle will be placed under the skin so that it is parallel to the skin surface. It is then gently retracted, cutting the tethering bands. PRP is extracted from a patients own blood, which means it is completely safe. PRP is recommended for patients who want to see quicker results as it promotes cellular regeneration.
Q: Can I see results after one treatment?
A: You may or may not see a big difference after one treatment as some people have had the scars for a very long time and each body will have a different pace of cell regeneration.
If you would like to seek treatment for your acne scars, remember to consult with a qualified and experienced Aesthetic Physician. Do not be afraid to ask as many questions to clear your doubts, although most aesthetic treatments are fairly safe and have minimal side effects.
