Is Acne Scar Removal the Best Solution for All Types of Acne Scars?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, as it will affect 80 percent of all Americans at some point in their lives. And as many adults have unfortunately discovered, it’s not only a teen problem–adult acne can be just as common as adolescent acne, and can be just as damaging to your self-esteem. What’s worse, scars left behind by acne can leave a lasting, detrimental, impression. But thanks to advancements in laser technology and other cosmetic skin resurfacing procedures, acne scars don’t have to stand in the way of your self-confidence. (UCLA)
There are actually seven different types of acne scars, which can fall into three main groups. Depending on the specific type of scarring, certain treatments may work better than others to smooth and clear your skin. Here are our suggestions for getting rid of acne scars once and for all.
Indented Scars
Indented acne scars include icepick, rolling, and boxcar scars, and are all grouped together because they share the same primary trait, characterized by their pitted appearance. These pits occur when the body’s natural healing process doesn’t produce enough collagen to completely fill in the skin, resulting in what looks like a small hole or indentation. (Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology)
Solution: This type of scar can range in severity, but laser treatments like Laser Genesis can be very effective at smoothing them away and restoring the skin’s even texture. Laser Genesis works by directing noninvasive laser pulses to the targeted area, promoting collagen production to fill in any indentations in the skin.
Raised Scars
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are types of raised scars. These are the converse of indented scars. Rather than your body not producing enough collagen during the healing process, raised scars are created when your body produces too much collagen. This can result in a raised or bumpy appearance. (Dermatology Research and Practice)
Solution: To treat raised scars, laser treatments or microdermabrasion may be the most suitable solutions. Microdermabrasion works by painlessly passing tiny abrasive crystals over the skin, which gently sand the skin and cleanse it, removing the outer layer of dead skin and smoothing any unevenness. Many people can benefit from just one microdermabrasion treatment session, although multiple sessions may be necessary to treat some more severe acne scars. At Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Pittsburgh, we offer discounted packages for those seeking multiple sessions.
Discoloration and Pigmentation
Sometimes, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation can occur during your body’s healing process. Hyperpigmentation happens when excess skin pigment, or melanin, is produced in the scarred area, and hypopigmentation is the exact opposite. It occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough melanin, making the scarred area noticeably lighter than the surrounding skin. (Dermatology Research and Practice)
Solution: This type of scar will sometimes fade on its own, but if not, it is treatable. Laser treatments like Forever Young BBL can target the source of the discoloration underneath the skin, unlike topical products that can only treat the surface. Forever Young BBL uses pulses of broadband light to eliminate any pigmentation problems from deep beneath the skin, while also stimulating collagen production to result in a smoother, refreshed surface.
Why Choose Acqua Blu Medical Spa for Your Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
While acne and acne scars are very common skincare problems, the good news is that they can be easily treated. The first step to smoother, clearer skin is to choose the right medical spa and dermatologist for your treatment. Although laser skin resurfacing is noninvasive, it still needs to be performed by a trained professional. At Acqua Blu Medical Spa, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ana Busquets, along with Dr. Susannah McClain and physician assistant Christopher Foti, are highly skilled and experienced, and would be happy to address any questions or concerns you might have.
Because acne scar treatments can vary greatly depending on the unique type of scarring, Dr. Busquets tailors each scar removal procedure to meet individual needs. During your consultation, she can better assess your skin type and condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment solution. To schedule your consultation, please contact Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Pittsburgh at (724) 933-1800.
The Bottom Line
Acne scars make many adults feel self-conscious and as if their natural beauty is hidden beneath discoloration or scarring. For those currently experiencing acne, keep in mind that the best way to minimize scars is to prevent them whenever possible. It can be tempting to pop or pick at your pimples, but this can actually make acne and scarring worse. Instead, try to keep your hands away from your face, and be sure to gently wash your face daily.
Sometimes, though, acne scarring simply can’t be prevented, or it has already become a problem that is unresponsive to topical solutions. Skin resurfacing techniques like laser treatments and microdermabrasion can help to eliminate the appearance of scars, as well as promote your body’s natural collagen production, leaving you with bright, clear skin that you can be proud of.
