Acne is a major skin concern keeping many individuals away from feeling confident and good about their skin, it is there in adults and teenagers around the world. On the face, back, shoulders, and chest, acne emerges as painful cysts, whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.
Conventionally, acne is believed to be caused due to lack of hygiene or oily skin, however, the reality is highly intricate and beyond just this. To understand how to permanently get rid of acne scars, read through this blog and educate yourself with the necessary information.
What Is An Acne Scar?
Clogged hair follicles in the skin due to dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil are major acne causing triggers. Our skin pores have a sebaceous gland. This gland promotes moisture by producing oil. When oil is produced excessively or there is a blockage in the pores, it forms the basis for bacteria to multiply. Other issues such as breakouts and inflammation follow. Genes, lifestyle habits, added stress, unhealthy diet, and hormonal disturbance contribute to either causing mild or severe acne scar.
Types of Acne Scars
To get rid of acne scars, it is key to gather information about what type of scar you are struggling with
Depressed/Atrophic Scars
Descriptively, these scars are deep and possess narrow indentations. It forms with sharp edges and has a wave type of rolling scars. For the most part, these acne marks are visible on the face. Atrophic scars form when the skin is healing from trauma, chickenpox or acne for that matter. The only way to correct it is by filling in collagen. Gradual, yet effective results are witnessed after a suitable treatment plan is considered to improve skin surface.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
When a wound heals and produces collagen that’s more than required, it results in fibrous growth on the skin, it is raised by nature and the main trigger is trauma. Both, Hypertrophic scars and keloids are firm scar tissues. The major difference between the two is the amount of wound extension. In the case of hypertrophic scars, it is placed within the injured part. However, in the case of keloid scars, it goes beyond that boundary and needs more attention.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This is a skin condition wherein the dark marks are left after acne has completely healed. Typically, they are not perceived as scars, it is an issue coming after a scar, so they do not separately need treatment, it can be done while treating acne scars. The color of marks left on the skin depends on the place of scars – whether on the dermis or epidermis. Generally, the colors are bluish ray, black, or brown.
Is It Possible To Remove Permanent Acne Scar?
Complete scar elimination is not guaranted. Treatment can help improve visibility of the scar. What needs to be done is treatment through modern therapies and where required, combination treatment too should be done. Further, proper care from the dermatologist helps.
Top Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments for Permanent Scar Improvement
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Fractional lasers are effective tools in acne scar removal. It works with a laser sending out micro-thermal rays that further form small spaces of injury in the skin. This impacts the body’s ability to heal, increase elasticity and collagen production. It best suits atrophic scars, disrupted skin texture, and works on medium and deep scars. Besides, it is even beneficial in terms of smoothening the skin, flexible to be combined with another treatment, and shows great improvement after months.
Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling
This treatment is a combination of microneedling with targeted radiofrequency energy. Two things happen here, the radiofrequency energy focuses on passing on heat to deep skin layers. Whereas, on the other end, tine needles are penetrated into the skin. Has potential benefits of treating intense scars, boosts skin elasticity, enhances skin texture, offers less downtime, goes deep into the scar and shows improvement. If you aim for a good skin texture, this is the best form of treatment.
Subcision
Subcision is a less invasive procedure used to restore skin mobility. An incision with the help of a tiny needle is made below the scar in order to pull the skin downward so that the depressed scars are corrected. It works wonders with lasers and fillers. You will witness a long-lasting improvement in skin structure.
Chemical Peels
Clinical-grade chemical peels regenerate the skin cells and boost pigmentation marks with the help of an acid solution that exfoliates the skin externally, encouraging collagen production and new skin cell growth. It works well on uneven skin tone and superficial scars. The skin turns radiant and brighter. Treats mild or moderate scarring.
Dermal Fillers
In this type of acne scar laser treatment, with the help of hyaluronic acid, volume is induced into depressed scars to instantly lift the skin. It best suits boxcar scars and deep rolling. Improvement after performing this procedure is almost instant. If required, another resurfacing method can be combined with fillers for better results.
Surgical Method – Punch Techniques
It is evident that surgery is required for deep scars. This is mostly recommended in the case of punch excision and punch elevation. It effectively works on narrowing deep indentations. This treatment boosts scar contour and is done with utmost precision. For very deep scars like ice pick scars, surgical options may be recommended.
Customized Treatment Plan Recommendations
Permanent scar removal is all about assessing the main issue vs. looking at a prospective treatment approach. If single treatment is not effective, combining it with a stronger procedure is the right decision to make. Here are some recommendations, a dermatologist is likely to suggest
- RF Microneedling + Subcision — For atrophic scars
- Chemical Peel+ Fractional Laser – For refining the texture and pigment
- Laser + Fillers— To boost skin texture and improve elasticity
Final Thoughts: The Lane To Clear & Radiant Skin
Acne scars may be lasting for long, but they are temporary. Advanceddermatology, right from RF microneedling, peels, to subcision, has addressed scar treatment so differently.
With guidance from specialists, a customized plan, and dedication to long-term skin health, can help gain soft, clear, and long-lasting confident skin.