The scarring that might result from an acne outbreak is the worst thing to happen.
Even though acne already seems like one of the worst skin conditions, having to deal with acne scars makes it appear even worse. Not everyone who suffers acne develops scars, and they impact not everyone. Most likely, you’re wondering when acne scars will fade.
Although acne scars won’t completely disappear, there are several methods to lighten them or lessen their visibility. If you’re seeking a quick repair, a concealer might work. But for acne scars to completely disappear, you may need to undergo scar reduction treatment.
Here’s a deeper look at the many sorts of acne scars, the best ways to treat them, and what causes them in the first place.
What are the types of acne scars?
As acne heals, three primary types of scars could develop. When the skin heals, depressions will be visible if your body doesn’t create enough collagen. At the same time, a raised scar will form if your body produces too much collagen.
Depressed or atrophic scars
Atrophic or pitted acne scars are terms used to describe depressed acne scars. These happen as a result of insufficient collagen production by the body. There are three forms of atrophic acne scars, which most frequently appear on the face:
Rolling acne scars: These small scars have smooth, sloping borders that give the skin a waved look.
Boxcar acne scars: These scars often appear as large, squarish depressions with well-defined edges. They often develop on thicker skin, such as the skin on the lower cheekbones and jaw, and are brought on by extensive acne.
Ice pick acne scars: These tiny, narrow scars are depressions that extend downward into the skin’s surface. They are most frequently found on the cheeks, and without intensive treatment, they could be challenging to get rid of.
Raised or hypertrophic scars
Compared to acne scars with pits, raised scars are less typical. Raised scars, also known as hypertrophic scars, develop when the body overproduces collagen. The chest and back are where hypertrophic acne scars most frequently appear, and persons with darker skin tones are more likely to have them.
Hypertrophic scars, such as acne keloid scars, are more common in those with darker skin. When the skin has exceptionally high levels of collagen and growth factor, which the body produces to control cell division and survival, acne keloid scars develop.
Keloid scars from acne are stiff, rubbery nodules that spread over the boundaries of the previously present acne lesion. Keloid scars may itch, burn, or cause discomfort.
Dark spots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
In addition to leaving scars, acne outbreaks may be followed by hyperpigmentation or dark spots. Scars and hyperpigmentation can both be challenging to heal. But you may also utilize some current acne scar treatments to make these dark patches lighter. Small red or brown patches and other forms of scars often go away in a short amount of time.
What is the cause of acne scars?
A deep, swollen, red, and painful skin lesion brought on by inflammatory acne can affect the collagen beneath the skin and the skin itself. The body manufactures collagen when these lesions heal. Acne scars that don’t resemble the surrounding skin do so because of excessive or insufficient collagen production.
Scarring is more likely as a result of a few factors, such as:
- Genetics
- postponing the use of inflammatory acne treatment
- Acne is picked or popped.
- The severity of the acne often indicates how much scarring a person will incur.
A darker area where the skin has healed is called hyperpigmentation. It happens when the quantity of melanin in the skin rises due to inflammatory acne. This pigment colors skin. People with darker complexion are more likely to have black patches.
Do acne scars ever go away?
Acne lesions often leave behind reddish or brownish markings that ultimately fade, although it may take a year or more. However, acne scars—especially severe scarring—are permanent unless treated. Mild or moderate scarring may also gradually fade over time.
How do your acne scars get treated?
Different therapies or treatment combinations are needed for various types of acne scars. Numerous procedures can be utilized to lessen or eliminate acne scars’ visibility.
Scar removal with the ICON fractional laser system is quick, easy, and efficient. The method, created by the world’s experts in fractional laser scar therapy, offers a short recovery period and is suitable for all skin types.
Fractional laser light is used during the treatment to dissolve scar tissue and stimulate new tissue growth.
For acne and surgical scars, fractional laser scar therapy is a suitable and efficient alternative to surgery. Additionally, it offers outstanding outcomes for all skin tones, including extremely light and dark skin.
How does the ICON system work for scar reduction?
Pulse light technology is used in ICON laser treatment. The technology employs a variety of light wavelengths as well as specific filters to offer the ideal wavelengths for treating your unique skin issues and aging indications.
When we move a handpiece over the region, targeted pulses of light strike your skin to target anything from brown patches to sun-damaged vessels without harming the surrounding skin.
The targeted area—be it dark spots or acne scars—is eliminated after absorbing the light energy and will gradually fade as your body recovers. For instance, brown patches may darken and peel off a few weeks after the procedure. Most patients also see a noticeable improvement in their skin vessels as soon as the clearing process continues.
What to expect during your scar reduction treatment?
Salisbury Aesthetics‘ team of skilled medical skin care specialists provides scar reduction treatments in the convenience of our facilities. After thoroughly cleaning your skin, we could use topical numbing medication to cool your skin and lessen any pain.
After your treatment, you could notice a slight redness or swelling. Still, if you keep the area out of the sun, you can resume your regular activities immediately.
Your scar reduction session should last up to 30 minutes. At the same time, the length of the treatment primarily relies on the region’s size and the issue we’re addressing.
Are you considering scar reduction treatment for your skin?
You may anticipate tighter, smoother, and brighter skin since the ICON laser system employs several wavelengths, allowing us to personalize scar reduction therapy to treat most skin types safely.
The best way to find out if this treatment suits you is to schedule a personal skin consultation with Salisbury Aesthetics. Contact us right away to set up an appointment.
