If pimples caused by acne or in other words acne scars are bothering you, you should know that there are effective treatments to remove acne scars. These treatments can heal acne scars.
Acne scar treatment methods include acne scar laser, mild skin surgery (acne scar surgery), chemical exfoliation of the facial skin, and the use of fillers. A dermatologist and skin surgeon can perform these treatments to remove acne scars in the office.
As we age, acne scars become more visible because the skin loses its collagen. Acne scar treatment is selected based on the type of scar. For example, a patient with deep scars may benefit from filler treatment because it can improve the acne scar by adding volume to the skin. Although acne scar laser may be done afterwards. Before starting treatment for acne scars, it is important that the acne or pimple itself clears up. New acne can cause new scars. Having acne means that your skin is inflamed. Inflammation reduces the effectiveness of acne scar treatment.
To get the best results, the dermatologist first examines your skin.
Types of acne scars:
Often acne scars lead to indentations or pits in the skin.
Scars that lead to indentations in the skin are usually formed on the face.
Prominent scars on the back and chest are common. Prominent acne scars are also called hypertrophic.
Who gets acne scars?
Some people get acne scars or pimples after acne treatment. The risk of acne scarring increases in the following cases:
When a person has inflammatory acne (painful, red and swollen acne) such as acne cysts and nodules. This type of acne penetrates deeper layers of the skin and damages the skin.
When the treatment of inflammatory acne is delayed or the acne is not treated. Prolonged inflammatory acne increases the risk of acne scars.
Pimples and swollen acne should not be pressed. This action increases the risk of inflammation and increases the risk of acne scars.
Having blood relatives with a history of acne scars. Genetics play a role in acne.
Although we know what increases the risk of scarring, there is no way to predict who will develop acne scars. Even people with many risk factors may not develop acne scars.
However, by using effective acne treatments, there is a possibility of preventing acne scars.
What causes acne scars?
When acne penetrates deep into the skin, it can damage the skin. As long as the acne is cleared, the body tries to repair this damage.
During the healing process, the body produces collagen (a substance that supports the skin). If the body produces too little or too much collagen, then you will see acne scars.
The type of scar depends on the amount of collagen that the body has produced.
If the body produces a little collagen, scars appear as depressions or holes on the skin. If the body produces too much collagen, prominent scars will appear on the skin. This type of acne scar is common in people who are Asian, African-American, or Hispanic.
Acne scar treatment:
Effective and safe treatment for acne scars begins with proper consultation. During the consultation, the dermatologist will examine your skin and pay attention to acne scars. The dermatologist will probably ask you some basic questions. In order to have the best advice, it is necessary for people to think about the answers to some questions before going to the doctor:
Why do I want to treat acne scars? Treatment is not for everyone. Some people don't feel that acne scars are that bad. But some feel that acne scars affect their daily life. A dermatologist recommends treatment when the answer to the following answers is yes:
Do I really want to get rid of acne scars?
Do I feel that these scars have affected my life situation in terms of finding a job, progressing at work, or performing well in school?
Am I socially isolated compared to before the scars?
What appearance am I looking for after the treatment? Some people want their acne scars to fade, but others want their scars to disappear completely.
Will I be able to afford the treatment? Health insurance may not cover the cost of acne scar treatment.
How long should I take time off from work despite these treatments? Some treatments require time off work.
How much time should I spend on skin care and treatment? The answer to this question depends on what treatment is best for you.
How will a dermatologist treat acne scars?
If you and the dermatologist agree on the right treatment, the dermatologist will set up an appropriate treatment plan based on your needs. In creating this program, the specialist considers many things, including the type of scar and where the scar appeared.
If you are taking isotretinoin before starting treatment for acne scars, you should inform your doctor about this.
For best results, your dermatologist may recommend more than one treatment. For example, if you have acne that has large pores, laser can remove acne scars and surgery called subcision
May you be effective.
Treatment methods for indented acne scars include:
Acne scar surgery
Resurfacing: laser therapy, chemical peeling, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion
Fillers
Skin tightening
Collagen induction therapy, aka needling
Electrodesiccation
Treatment methods for prominent acne scars include:
Injection of corticosteroids, interferon, 5-FU, etc
Acne scar surgery
laser therapy
Cryosurgery
Scar creams and gels, silicone (bandages and dressings).
As you can see, a list of effective treatments for each type of scar was introduced. In the following, we will explain each of the acne scar treatment methods.
Effective treatments for sunken acne scars:
The best results are often obtained using two or more treatments. Treatments that a dermatologist may use for sunken acne scars include:
Skin tightening: This treatment is both newer and more affordable. This treatment is safe for all skin tones. Dermatologists often use a technology called radiofrequency to tighten the skin. As long as the skin tightens, sunken acne fades. Radiofrequency requires several sessions. Most patients visit the office once a month for four months for radiofrequency. After radiofrequency treatment, many patients feel a burning sensation for an hour and their skin is pink for 2 to 3 days. Radiofrequency treatments require home care. At least one week after the treatment, you should use sunscreen every morning and use moisturizing cream at night. The sunscreen you use should have an SPF of 30 or higher, be waterproof, and provide effective protection against UVA/UVB. This treatment is effective for sunken acne. Sometimes skin tightening can effectively remove indented boxcar and icepick scars.
Dermal fillers: Dermatologists use fillers effectively and safely for sunken scars. The dermatologist fills the scars with collagen, the patient's own fat or another substance. Many fillers provide temporary results that last six to eighteen months. But some fillers are permanent. Permanent and temporary fillers have pros and cons. You should consult your doctor about this. This method is suitable for icepick scars.
Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion removes the upper layers of the skin and some middle layers and is not very effective for treating deep scars.
Chemical peeling
laser therapy
Resurfacing methods: This method is suitable when the patient wants to reduce the appearance of extensive scars. This procedure removes layers of skin and allows the body to produce new skin cells. Resurfacing methods are suitable for treating sunken acne.
Acne scar surgery: In this method, the dermatologist performs a mild surgery to treat acne scars, which are very specific. The purpose of this treatment is to create more faded scars. The remaining scars will disappear over time. To perform surgery to remove the scar, the dermatologist may raise the scar. Bringing the scar close to the surface of the skin makes the scar fade. Another type of scar surgery involves the destruction of scar tissue. The dermatologist will perform acne scar surgery in the office. The patient is awake and conscious during the surgery, but will not feel pain. This option is suitable for sunken scars. Deep scars require surgery.
Collagen induction treatment: This method is known as needling or microneedling and encourages the body to create more collagen. In order to perform this procedure, the dermatologist uses a manual and sterile needle roller, which he pulls on the indented scars. This method exfoliates the skin. As long as the skin heals, collagen is also produced. It takes time to get results using this method and sometimes it takes up to 9 months. But most people notice gradual changes before 9 months. Many patients need 3 to 6 months of treatment. After each treatment you may have some swelling and burning. These side effects disappear within four to five days. You should take care of your skin during treatment. This method is suitable for extensive scars. This method is not suitable for prominent scars because prominent scars are created by excessive production of collagen.
Electrodesiccation: In this treatment, electric probes are used to heat the tissue, which causes tissue death. This treatment method is part of a treatment plan for indented boxcar type scars. This method can shape or reduce the edges of boxcar scars.
Effective treatments for prominent acne scars:
Injections: Dermatologists can recommend direct injections of certain medications into acne scars. This method can soften and flatten thick raised scars. Frequent visits are needed to get the best results. These injections are usually given once every few weeks. How often the treatment should be done depends on the scar and other considerations. Many patients receive corticosteroid injections. There is a chemotherapy drug called 5-fluorouracil or 5-FU, which can be effective in the treatment of prominent scars. Some scars show the best treatment response due to the simultaneous injection of 5-FU and corticosteroids.
they give. Interferon is another drug that is used in the treatment of cancer and can be effective. The body naturally produces interferon. If the scar does not respond well after receiving four injections, surgery may be recommended to remove the acne scar. This method is effective for scars that are painful and prominent.
Surgery to remove acne scars: Dermatologists may suggest surgery to reduce prominent scars. This surgery is performed in the doctor's office. To get the best results, surgery is often combined with another treatment approach.
Acne scar surgery followed by injections: After surgery, a dermatologist will often treat raised scars with injections of corticosteroids, interferon, or 5-FU. Combining surgery with injections is one of the most effective treatments for prominent scars. Most patients receive one injection per month for several months.
Scar surgery with radiation therapy: Research shows that radiation therapy can prevent the recurrence of prominent acne scars after surgery. Because radiation therapy can cause problems years later, some doctors do not recommend radiation therapy. This method is useful for prominent scars that require more injections.
Laser therapy: Laser and other light treatments can effectively remove prominent scars. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment can reduce itching and pain, reduce color and flatten prominent scars. For people with lighter skin, intense pulsed light (IPL) can be used as an option in This method is useful for all types of scars.
Cryosurgery: This treatment method freezes the scar tissue. Freezing the tissue will cause it to die and it will gradually disappear. To improve the results, the dermatologist recommends a total of Cryosurgery sessions, and along with that, corticosteroid injection will also be effective. Combining these two methods often leads to better results. The main drawback of this method is that it causes permanent spots on the treated skin. This method is suitable for reducing prominent scars in people with light skin. This method cannot be recommended for all skin types.
Scar creams and gels, silicone (bandages and dressings): often available without a prescription and can be used at home to remove prominent scars. These products help to reduce the itching and discomfort caused by the scar and make it somewhat flat. Silicone bandages can be very effective. Although we are not so sure about their performance, silicone seems to hydrate the skin. As a result of reduced itching and pain, the skin also becomes flexible. For better effectiveness of these products, they should be used continuously. This can be a little tricky with facial scars. Many people are in favor of this treatment to remove scars because it has fewer side effects. However, the continuous use of these products in some people leads to skin irritation. These side effects will disappear when the product is stopped. These products are useful for reducing the size of scars. None of these products fade prominent acne scars.
What treatment results can be considered for acne scars?
Most treatments can reduce the size and visibility of acne scars. Over time, many acne scars that are treated will fade and become lighter in color. The results of acne scar treatment depend on the knowledge and skill of the person who is in charge of the treatment.
Dermatologists and skin surgeons often perform these procedures, so they have the skills and experience needed to perform these procedures safely and effectively.
Although the dermatologist can suggest effective treatments for acne scars, the best solution is prevention.
Acne scars seem inevitable, but there are things you can do to reduce the risk of visible scars.
Dermatologists recommend regarding acne scars:
Be sure to treat acne. A lower incidence of acne reduces the likelihood of acne scars. Acne treatment is especially effective in preventing acne scars.
Severe acne (painful cysts and nodules) is more likely to cause scarring.
Acne that develops in youth and adolescence may lead to severe acne in later years. Dermatologists have recommended that teenagers with acne should receive skin exams. Treating acne before it flares up has some benefits, including reducing the risk of acne scars.
People with blood relatives with acne scars should be careful. Acne is hereditary.
If over-the-counter treatments are not effective, a dermatologist can guide you in finding the best treatment for acne.
If the acne disappears, continue the treatment. To clear the skin from acne, you must continue the treatment. Most people can gradually reduce the treatment to the point where they only use one product a few times a week. Dermatologists will help you stop the skin treatment at the right time.
Avoid squeezing pimples and acne. Squeezing pimples and acne causes deep acne scars.
When acne occurs, many people scrub the skin to clean it. Scrubbing the skin aggravates acne. Acne flare-ups can leave visible deep scars after the acne clears up.
