Acne Scars

Acne scars are a common skin concern that can affect both your appearance and confidence. These scars form when acne causes damage to the skin, resulting in imperfections like indentations, uneven texture, and discoloration. At Thomas Dermatology, we offer a variety of advanced treatments to help improve the appearance of acne scars, restore smoother skin, and boost your self-esteem. Whether you’re dealing with deep scars, hyperpigmentation, or surface-level texture, we have effective solutions to address your unique needs.

What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars form when the skin is unable to heal properly after an acne breakout. When acne lesions cause inflammation, the skin may either produce too much collagen, resulting in raised scars, or not enough collagen, resulting in depressions in the skin. The severity of acne scarring can vary, with some people experiencing mild scars and others dealing with more noticeable, deep scars.

Types of Acne Scars
1. Depressed (Atrophic) Scars
· Ice Pick Scars: Narrow, deep scars that resemble small holes.
· Boxcar Scars: Wide, shallow depressions with defined edges.
· Rolling Scars: Broad, uneven indentations with sloping edges.
2. Raised (Hypertrophic or Keloid) Scars
· Appear as thick, raised areas of skin, often found on the chest, back, or shoulders.
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
· Dark spots left behind after acne heals, which may fade over time.

How are Acne Scars Treated?
At Thomas Dermatology, our expert dermatologists are uniquely suited to effectively treat all types of acne scars. We offer a variety of cutting-edge treatments that can be customized to your specific needs. These treatments work to promote healing, stimulate collagen production, and reduce the appearance of scars:

Fractionated CO2 Laser
The Fractionated CO2 laser is one of the most effective treatments for deep acne scars. It uses targeted laser energy to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response and promotes collagen production. This process helps to smooth the skin’s surface, reducing the appearance of both deep and superficial acne scars. The Fractionated CO2 laser is ideal for improving overall skin texture and tone.

Sciton Profractional Laser
The Sciton Profractional laser is another excellent option for treating acne scars. This laser delivers fractional light energy to target the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and helping to smooth out imperfections. It is highly effective for improving skin texture, reducing scar depth, and addressing areas with significant scarring.

MediRAF
MediRAF uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. It works by delivering heat to the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production and promotes skin healing. MediRAF is effective in treating both acne scars and mild skin laxity, making it a versatile treatment option for skin rejuvenation and scar reduction.

SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and encourages collagen production, which helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars. It is particularly effective for treating shallow scars and improving overall skin tone.

Picosure Laser
Picosure is a cutting-edge laser treatment that targets pigmentation and acne scars by delivering short bursts of energy to break down pigment and promote skin regeneration. This treatment is ideal for reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and improving the appearance of scars caused by acne.

Vbeam Laser
Vbeam is a pulsed dye laser that is primarily used to treat redness associated with acne scars. It works by targeting blood vessels and redness in the skin, reducing inflammation and discoloration. Vbeam is ideal for treating scars that are red or purple in color, such as those caused by cystic acne.

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, healthier skin underneath. This treatment is effective for treating superficial acne scars, improving skin texture, and reducing hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels can be customized to your skin’s needs, and regular treatments can lead to a more even and radiant complexion.

TCA CROSS
TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) is a specialized treatment used for deep, pitted acne scars. In this procedure, a high-concentration solution of TCA is applied directly to the scars to promote collagen remodeling and improve the appearance of depressions in the skin. TCA CROSS can significantly improve the depth and texture of deep acne scars over time.

Subcision
Subcision is a technique that involves using a small needle to break up the fibrous tissue that causes certain acne scars to remain tethered beneath the skin. This treatment releases the scar tissue and helps to improve skin texture and smoothness. Subcision is particularly effective for treating rolling scars or depressed acne scars.

Dermal Fillers
For certain types of deep acne scars, dermal fillers can be an effective solution. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, are injected into the affected areas to restore lost volume and smooth out depressed scars. This treatment provides immediate improvement and can be used in conjunction with other treatments to achieve optimal results.

When Should I Start Acne Scar Treatments?
· Acne should be clear/stable for 3-6 months prior to treating acne scars
· Plan treatments when you can avoid the sun and when you can have downtime (length depending on treatment)

Schedule Your Acne Scars Consultation
At Thomas Dermatology, we understand that acne scars can be a persistent and frustrating issue. Our team of experienced dermatologists will work closely with you to assess your skin and recommend the most effective treatment plan based on your specific needs. We offer a wide range of advanced treatments, from lasers to microneedling and chemical peels, to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and rejuvenate your skin.

If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your acne scars and regain smooth, clear skin, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your skincare goals.

Call us at (702) 505-4327 or schedule a Cosmetic Consultation online!