Depending on the kind of scarring acne has left behind, suitable treatment choices may differ slightly. Acne scars often come in three different forms:
Atrophic scars
These scars resemble tiny skin indentations.
- Small scars that resemble pinpricks are called icepick scars.
- Larger indentations with distinct edges are called boxcar scars.
- Rolling scars look to be rolling or undulating and have fuzzy borders.
When the skin does not produce enough fibroblasts throughout the healing process, they develop. Cells called fibroblasts are essential for the creation of collagen and the healing of wounds.
Hypertrophic scars
These develop when the skin overproduces fibroblasts during the healing process of the acne spot, resulting in a raised scar.
Keloid scars
Although they resemble hypertrophic scars, these are typically thicker than the initial acne spot. They frequently have hyperpigmentation, which makes them darker than the nearby skin. They could be brown or red. There could also be soreness or scratching.
Because acne scars are so difficult to remove, no one treatment is ideal for everyone. Depending on the type of scar, your skin type, and the degree of the scarring, one or a combination of the following methods may help you have clearer skin.
Options for Acne Scar Removal Singapore
Skin care at home
Sunscreen helps reduce the contrast between skin without scars and skin with scars. Additionally, some medicated lotions, such as those containing hydroxyl or azelaic acids, could be beneficial.
Fillers for soft tissues
The skin over indentation scars can be made plumper by injecting collagen, fat, or other material under the skin. The idea is to hide the scars as much as possible. Repeated treatments are necessary to maintain the impact because results are transient. Skin color changes are not likely to occur using this technique.
Some elevated scars can be treated with steroids to make them look less noticeable.
Resurfacing with laser
This method is getting more and more popular and is frequently used to scars that have previously undergone dermabrasion therapy. People who have darker skin or a history of keloids are more likely to experience negative effects from this procedure.
Additional energy-based techniques
Scars can be made less visible with the aid of radiofrequency and pulsed light sources without endangering the skin’s outer layer. You could require additional treatments because the results are mild.
Dermabrasion
This technique is typically saved for scarring that is more severe. The top layer of skin is removed by your doctor using a tool such as a quickly moving brush. Deeper acne scars may appear less apparent, and surface scars may entirely disappear. Scarring and changes in skin colour are examples of potentially serious adverse effects.
Chemical peels
During chemical peels, the top layer of skin is removed from the scar tissue by the doctor using a chemical solution for pigmentation removal and for scar concealment.
To maintain results, repeat light and medium peels. There can only be one deep peel. Changes in skin tone are possible side effects, particularly when thorough peels are applied to dark skin.
Skin needling
The goal of this procedure is to encourage the underlying tissue’s production of collagen by rolling a needle-studded device over the skin. It is a simple, risk-free method that could reduce acne scarring. The danger of skin discoloration is extremely low. You may require additional treatments because the results are mild.
Surgery
Your doctor removes specific acne scars using a quick surgery called punch excision, then closes the wound with sutures or a skin transplant. Your doctor will use a procedure known as subcision to release the fibres under a scar by inserting needles under the skin.
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
Occasionally, the skin around acne scars puckers when onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is used.
By relaxing the skin around the injection site, Botox may help an acne scar look better. Repeated treatments are necessary to maintain the impact because results are transient.