Can acne scars be removed?

Acne scarring removal, Kent

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and they can leave their mark on your skin long after the breakout has subsided. Pitted scars and patches of red pigmentation can linger for months – even years. However, with the right knowledge and proper treatment, it’s possible to improve the appearance of acne scars and restore smoother, clearer skin. Read on to understand the different types of acne scars and discuss effective strategies to minimise their appearance once and for all.

What are acne scars?

Acne scars are the result of inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules, pustules, and cysts, which damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres during the healing process. There are several types of acne scars, each with their own unique characteristics:

Ice Pick Scars

These scars appear as deep, narrow pits that extend into the skin, resembling puncture wounds caused by an ice pick or needle.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are broad depressions with well-defined edges. They often have a box-like appearance and can be shallow or deep.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars create a wave-like texture on the skin due to fibrous bands of tissue that tether the epidermis to the deeper layers. They appear as shallow or deep depressions with a rolling or undulating appearance.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

These types of scars occur when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process. Hypertrophic scars are raised and often fade over time, while keloid scars extend beyond the original acne lesion and may require medical intervention.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

PIH is a form of skin pigmentation (like sun damage), which occurs as a result of trauma to the skin. Any inflammation can cause this issue, and the colour of the pigment left behind will vary depending on your complexion. In very fair skin, this tends to be more red-toned, whereas in darker skin types, this tends to be brown.

How to treat acne scars effectively

Fractional Radiofrequency: Best for acne scarring

There are many different treatment options out there to help acne scarring, but fractional radiofrequency trumps them all. This powerful combination rebuilds collagen and elastin using radiofrequency for an advanced skin rejuvenating effect, resulting in a tighter, smoother, and more radiant appearance in the treated area.

Dermal fillers: Best for acne boxcars 

Not many people are aware that the same product commonly used to build volume in the face can also help an array of skin problems, one of them being acne scars. A minuscule amount of hyaluronic acid filler can temporarily plump and smooth indentations left behind from acne. However, depending on the type of filler used, the treatment will need to be repeated at regular intervals (usually every six months) to maintain the results.

Keloid injections: Best for hypertrophic and keloid scarring

If your scar is hypertrophic or a keloid, there is a significant amount of inflammation that’s occurring. Steroid injections act as a powerful anti-inflammatory, suppressing the abnormal scar tissue from forming and reducing its appearance.

They work by breaking the bonds between collagen fibres, reducing the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin. Steroid injection treatments reduce the size of scarring by actively reducing the amount of scar tissue that develops. The injections are normally given once every 4-6 weeks, and usually, 3 – 6 treatments are required.

AHA Chemical Peels: Best for anti-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Not to be confused with deep acid peels, an AHA skin peel is a non-invasive option for lessening the appearance of scarring in the superficial layer of the skin. Affecting the epidermis (top layer) of the skin only, they are particularly effective against acne scarring and work by brightening the skin, removing dead skin cells, and stimulating the development of new healthy cells in their place.

If you’d like to find out more about dermal fillers and whether they’re right for you, click here to book a consultation.