Acne is a common skin condition that affects men and women of all ages and it can lead to the development of scars, particularly if the acne is severe or not treated properly. Acne scars can have a significant impact on a person’s self-confidence leading to feelings of embarrassment, shame and self-consciousness.
At PURE Medical Spa, we understand the emotional impact of acne scars can be profound, potentially leading to anxiety, depression and a negative self-image. Fortunately, there are many effective cosmetic treatments available today, so our clients can say goodbye to acne scars and hello to smooth, clear skin.
Why Does Acne Cause Scarring?
When looking at acne scars, it can be hard to understand how acne can result in scarring. This is due to the way acne causes inflammation in your skin’s oil glands and the healing process.
During a breakout, your pores swell, which causes their walls to break down. Smaller bumps may lead to minimum scarring that fades more easily. In more severe cases, however, contents from the blemishes spread to other areas of your face. When your body tries to naturally repair the damaged tissue, scars are created through the formation of collagen fibers.
If you have experienced tissue loss from your acne, you may notice crater-like scars that could vary in depth. On the other hand, a raised scar forms when your body creates too much collagen to heal your acne wound.
What Are The Different Types of Acne Scars?
Acne scars can take many different forms, including raised scars, depressed scars and dark or red marks. These scars can be difficult to conceal and may make people feel self-conscious about their appearance. This is why PURE clients come to us seeking effective treatments for clearer, smoother skin.
The parent category of most acne scars is called atrophic. These are scars that form a hollow pit or indentation on the skin as a result of recurrent moderate-to-severe acne. Atrophic scars can include the following:
- Ice pick scars – These are deep, narrow, and sharply defined scars that resemble small pits on the skin. They are caused by the destruction of collagen beneath the skin’s surface.
- Boxcar scars – These scars are wider and have a more pronounced edge than ice pick scars. They can be round or oval in shape and have a flat base.
- Rolling scars – These scars have a wave-like appearance and are caused by damage to the subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin. They can be shallow or deep.
Another type of acne scar is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is not technically a scar, but it is a common consequence of acne. It occurs when the skin produces too much melanin in response to inflammation, leaving behind dark spots or patches on the skin.
What Are Effective Treatments to Restore Smooth Skin?
If you want to say goodbye to acne scars, there are a variety of effective treatments available. At PURE, we determine the optimal treatment depending on the type of scars you are trying to ease and the severity of the scarring.
Treating Ice Pick Scars For Smoother Skin
Ice pick acne scars are deep and narrow scars that can be challenging to treat. In some cases, these scars are treated with punch excision, where a small tool is used to cut out the scar and the surrounding skin is then stitched together.
However, at PURE Medical Spa, our clients have seen dramatic results in the improvements of ice pick scars with a combination of laser and RF microneedling treatments.
Laser therapy can help to reduce the depth of the scar and stimulate collagen production in the skin. Fractional laser resurfacing is one of the most effective laser treatments for acne scars. The laser creates micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates the healing process and promotes collagen growth.
RF microneedling combines the exfoliating wonders of traditional microneedling with the rejuvenating benefits of radiofrequency energy. Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to reduce the appearance of scars.
By combining laser and microneedling treatments can yield even better results. The laser treatment can be done first, followed by microneedling to enhance the effectiveness of both treatments.
Easing Boxcar Scars And Rolling Scars To Restore Clear Skin
Similar to treatments for ice pick scars, boxcar scars and rolling scars can also be treated with a variety of methods, including laser resurfacing. However, medical corrective peels and dermal fillers are also effective treatments for these acne scars to restore smooth, clear skin.
While laser resurfacing removes the outer layer of skin to stimulate collagen production, medical corrective chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin. Dermal fillers can be injected into the skin to raise the surface of the scar to the level of the surrounding skin.
Say Goodbye To Hyperpigmentation
At PURE, we see many clients who want to restore clear skin without the look of dark spots as a result of acne scars. Over the years, breakouts can leave behind hyperpigmentation that can cause skin tone to look uneven. At PURE, we can effectively ease hyperpigmentation with cosmetic treatments like chemical peels and RF microneedling.
Other treatments like HydraFacials and PURE Ultimate Acne Rejuvenation (6 Acne BBL Treatments,
4 Acne Facials with professional prescriptive skincare products) can ease active breakouts and help defend your skin against potential scarring.
What To Expect During Acne Scar Treatments
The experience of an acne scar treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment being used, but here are some general things to expect during an acne scar treatment.
- Before the treatment, skin will be cleaned and prepared for the procedure. In some cases, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the skin to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
- The treatment itself will depend on the type of acne scar being treated. Some treatments like laser skin resurfacing and RF microneedling can cause a mild to moderate sensation of heat or a “snapping” sensation, but most clients do not find it painful.
- After the procedure, your skin may be red, swollen or tender. Sometimes it looks and feels like a mild sunburn for a day or two. At PURE, we will review your post-treatment care to ensure proper healing for optimal results.
Why Should I Choose PURE Medical Spa For Acne Scars?
From the moment you step into PURE Medical Spa, we provide an exclusive aesthetic experience customized for your needs. Through high-quality treatments including effective options for easing acne scars, we are passionate about top-notch technology and a staff trained by the best of the best.
We offer in-person consultations and virtual consultations for your convenience. Start your aesthetic journey today and experience the luxury and expertise that awaits at PURE.
