Acne Scarring: It’s Not a Black & White Issue

Featured in SCV Magazine

When considering treatment for acne scars, one should not assume that all treatments and providers are created equal. There are several types of acne scars and each one should be treated differently in order to maximize the results. A proper analysis is needed in order to select the best treatment.

When selecting where to go, make sure the office offers a comprehensive selection of procedures in order to meet your needs the best. Different procedures have different durations, costs, side effects and levels of effectiveness. By choosing an office that has a wide variety of options, you can choose a treatment that is the best for you, rather than having to settle with only treatments they can do.

For instance, Vitalize Peels and Microdermabrasions are the most cost effective and easiest to perform. They can help with color and light texture, but usually require multiple treatments.

Smoothbeam is a laser treatment to help build collagen, which will help to elevate the base of an acne scar. This laser does not help color and also requires multiple treatments.

An Erbium laser does light resurfacing and helps with discoloration. This procedure has a few days of crusting/peeling.

There is a stronger laser called the C02 laser that resurfaces the skin to help with texture, stimulates collagen to push up the base of the scar from the inside and helps with pigmentation and some skin tightening. It does have some healing, about seven-to-ten days, and is the most expensive procedure; but, it generally has the best results.

For rolling scars, subcision can be used where a needle is placed under the acne scar to help loosen it and raise it up. Bruising and swelling is typical and may need to be done a few times.

The results of acne scar treatments often comes down to skills of the dermatologist. Though there are manufacturer recommended settings for some of the equipment used, adjustments should be made by the provider for specific types of scarring. The knowledge to make such adjustments often comes from years of experience in working with different kinds of scars and different kinds of skin.

Also, the dermatologist should set reasonable expectations for the reduction of scarring. Some types of scarring may never completely disappear, but can be minimized through proper treatment.

Finally, make sure to ask who will be doing your procedure and whether or not a physician will be immediately available if problems occur as there is risk with any type of procedure performed.
For a complimentary cosmetic consultation for more information about properly treating acne scars, call Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care at 661.254.3686.