Hello, American beauties! From Clinica Belleza Latina, we want to talk to you about a topic that we know worries many of us: acne scars. But don’t worry, because today we are going to delve into everything you need to know to manage and treat acne scars.
What are acne scars or acne marks?
First, it’s crucial to understand what acne scars are. Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that affects more than 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30.
In some cases, it can persist into adulthood. Severe forms of acne and its associated inflammation can result in scar formation. These scars can have various shapes, depths and colors, which can make their treatment a bit challenging.
How do acne scars form?
Acne scars are the body’s natural response to the inflammation caused by acne. This inflammatory response can be so aggressive that it damages the collagenous tissue of the skin, resulting in scarring. In some cases, the scar may be hypertrophic, i.e., an excess of tissue, or atrophic, in which there is a loss of tissue.
Skin Care: Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars can negatively affect the self-esteem of those who suffer from them. On the positive side, it is possible to get rid of scars and the first step is to know the most common types of acne scars:
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars are those that form due to tissue loss. These types of scars tend to be more common and appear most often in the facial area.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that form due to excess scar tissue production. Whereas, keloid scars are a more extreme type of hypertrophic scar. They are large, thick and often red or pink in color.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars can occur on the chest, back, shoulders, neck and angle of the jaw.
Acne Scar Removal: What is the best treatment?
There are 2 types of treatments to remove acne scars; surgical treatments and non-surgical treatments.
Non-Surgical Treatments to Remove Acne Scars
Treatment for acne scars can be either surgical or non-surgical. Non-surgical treatments are usually less invasive and can help improve the appearance of mild to moderate scars. Here are some of them:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are treatments that use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin, which promotes the regeneration of a new layer of skin.
How does a chemical peel work?
Chemical peels are performed by applying a chemical solution to the skin that causes the top layers of skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. As the healed or regenerated skin replaces the old skin, the appearance of the skin improves.
Benefits of Chemical Peeling
Chemical peeling can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and tone. It can also help control acne breakouts.
What to Expect After Chemical Peel?
After treatment, you may experience redness, dryness and flaking for a week or two while your skin heals. It is important to keep your skin moisturized and protected from the sun during this time.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is another non-surgical procedure that can help improve the appearance of acne scars. This treatment removes the top layer of skin through a process of exfoliation.
How does Microdermabrasion work?
Microdermabrasion is performed using a device that suctions while exfoliating the skin with microscopic crystals. This process helps promote skin thickening and collagen production.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can help smooth acne scars, improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
What to Expect After Microdermabrasion?
After treatment, you may experience redness and skin sensitivity. However, recovery is generally quick, and you can expect to see improvements in the texture and appearance of your skin within a few weeks.
Laser Treatment: Removing Acne Marks with a Laser
Laser treatment is a more advanced option for treating acne scars. This treatment uses laser light to remove the top layer of skin and promote skin regeneration.
How Does Laser Treatment Work?
Laser treatment is performed using a device that emits pulses of laser light into the skin. This laser light removes the top layer of skin and heats the underlying layers to promote collagen production.
Benefits of Laser Treatment
Laser treatment can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
What to Expect After Laser Treatment?
After treatment, you may experience redness, swelling and flaking of the skin for one to two weeks. As your skin heals, you can expect to see improvements in the appearance of acne scars.
Surgical Treatments to Treat Acne Scars
Surgical treatments may be an option for more severe or deeper acne scars. These procedures are usually more invasive and may require recovery time.
Subcision
Subcision is a procedure used to treat deep acne scars. This procedure involves cutting the tissue fibers that pull the skin down to form a depressed scar.
How does subcision work?
Subcision is performed by inserting a needle or small scalpel under the skin to cut the tissue fibers that are pulling the skin down. This allows the skin to lift and even out with the rest of the skin.
Benefits of Subcision
Subcision can help reduce the appearance of deep acne scars and improve skin texture.
What to Expect After Subcision?
After treatment, you may experience swelling and bruising in the treated area. As your skin heals, you can expect to see improvements in the appearance of deep acne scars.
Punch excision
Punch excision is a procedure used to treat acne scars. This procedure involves removing the scar and surrounding tissue to smooth and even out the skin.
How Does Punch Excision Work?
Punch excision is performed using a punch device to cut and remove the scar and surrounding tissue. The wound is then closed with sutures.
Benefits of Punch Excision
Punch excision can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, improve skin texture and even out the skin.
What to Expect After Punch Excision?
After treatment, you may experience swelling and bruising in the treated area. As your skin heals, you can expect to see improvements in the appearance of acne scars.
Microneedling
Micro needling is a procedure used to treat acne scars. This procedure involves using a microneedling device to make tiny punctures in the skin to promote collagen production.
How does microneedling work?
Micro needling is performed using a microneedling device that makes tiny punctures in the skin. This controlled damage promotes collagen production and skin regeneration.
Benefits of Micro needling
Micro needling can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, improve skin texture and promote collagen production.
What to Expect After Micro needling?
After treatment, you may experience redness and swelling in the treated area. As your skin heals, you can expect to see improvements in the appearance of acne scars.
Conclusion: Best Treatment for Acne Scars
Acne scars can be challenging, but there are options available to treat them and improve the appearance of your skin. At Clinica Belleza Latina, we are committed to helping you look and feel better in your skin. No matter your skin type, your acne history or the severity of your acne scars, we have a treatment for you.
Prevention is the best way to manage acne scars. This includes treating acne before it can cause scarring and avoiding squeezing or popping pimples. However, if you already have acne scars, don’t lose hope. Advances in dermatology and aesthetics have made it possible to treat and improve the appearance of acne scars.
Remember, all skin is beautiful. And at Clinica Belleza Latina, we are here to help you love and care for your skin, regardless of its imperfections. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and find out how we can help you look your best! See you next time!