Have you been constantly reminded of your past severe acne breakout? Those raised or depressed scars that you see after your acne-affected skin heals naturally can be bothering your overall skin health and appearance. If you are being robbed of your confidence, don’t lose hope. Advanced acne scar treatments in Bangalore have the potential to erase your acne scars and redefine and revitalise your skin!
Acne Scarring and Its Impact
Acne scar is the visual of the abnormally healed skin after an inflammatory or severe acne breakout. It is a very familiar aesthetic complaint that a dermatologist can only best address with a customised treatment plan.
An inflammatory acne breakout, like pimples, cysts, or nodules, causes damage to the affected skin surface and tissue underneath. As the acne clears, the body naturally repairs the damage by stimulating fresh collagen production. Collagen is a structural skin protein fiber that is responsible for skin firmness and smoothness. A scar develops when the collagen is produced in excess or an abnormally low amount.
Types of Acne Scar
Based on the level of collagen produced at the time of acne healing, two categories of acne scars can form: Atrophic/ Indented acne scars and Hypertrophic/ Raised acne scars. There are further sub-categories of acne scars, each varying in their presentation on the skin. Under depressed acne scars come ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars, and under raised acne scars come hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Each type requires a different treatment approach. The best treatment is the one that utilizes a holistic approach, considering both the physical and psychological health of the individual struggling with acne scars.
Acne Scar Treatments: Most Effective Ways to Transform Scarred Skin
At present, the breakthrough cosmetic procedures that can effectively reduce acne scars and help achieve evenly textured skin are:
- Laser Skin Resurfacing- Laser is one of the most promising acne scar removal treatments in Bangalore. There are two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative, which can be used to resurface the scarred skin. Ablative laser focuses on just thermal destruction and peeling of the affected skin, up to the depth of scarring, to reveal fresh skin from underneath. Subsequently, it causes the damaged skin to even repair through new skin cell generation and new collagen growth.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing works by boosting collagen growth without harming the surrounding skin surface. It promotes natural skin rejuvenation, which leaves the skin evenly smooth and toned. This treatment is effective for most acne scar types, and its recovery is short. - Radiofrequency Microneedling- This is a collagen induction therapy wherein a microneedle device emitting radiofrequency energy is used to micro-puncture the skin and help the skin produce fresh collagen at a faster rate. It is best for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, like rolling scars.
- Chemical Peeling- It is another skin resurfacing treatment. The procedure involves the application of a unique acid solution that causes the scarred skin to peel off and reveal fresh, smooth skin. The type of peel is chosen by the provider based on the extent of scarring that needs to be addressed. Superficial peels like glycolic acid are for mild scarring. Moderate peel, like salicylic acid, is recommended for moderate levels of scarring.
- Dermal Fillers- Hyaluronic acid filler is very effective for temporarily filling in depressed acne scars and giving skin a smooth finish. There are even synthetic soft-tissue fillers like PMMA and Poly-L-Lactic Acid that boost collagen production to improve skin texture and tone gradually over time. These can last longer for up to 1-2 years. To sustain the desired results, touch-up filler treatments are required.
Things to Do and Avoid Before and After Acne Scar Treatment
- Before Acne Scar Treatment
Before treatment, one must avoid picking, squeezing, or irritating active inflammatory acne, as the skin inflammation and damage can be so severe as to cause a scar to develop.
Also, avoid harsh or aggressive products and certain medications with skin-damaging side effects.
Sun protection is a must so that scarred skin does not get pigmented or damaged further. Just before the session, the scarred skin surface must be made clean and, if required, numbed.
- After Acne Scar Treatment
After treatment, one must keep the treated area clean with a mild cleanser, hydrated with a suitable moisturiser and sufficient hydration, and UV-shielded with appropriate sunscreen. Picking, scratching, scrubbing, and the use of oil-based makeup- all such actions must be avoided.
One needs to strictly adhere to pre- and post-treatment instructions provided by the acne scar doctor to ensure minimal risks and complications, quick and smooth healing, and expected outcomes. Healing of skin may take time, and the desired result may not be apparent instantly after treatment.
One must not be in a hurry during the healing process. A regular, proper skincare regimen and follow-ups are a must to keep acne scars properly healed and skin healthy.
FAQs on Acne Scar Treatment
Which skin type gets acne scars easily?
A generally oily and acne-prone skin is said to be most sensitive to scarring.
Is exposure to the sun harmful for acne scars?
Yes, the sun darkens scars and slows natural healing.
How long can the scars of acne take to disappear?
Minor scars would fade after months, but more severe ones would take more treatments and a longer duration to be managed.
Does the diet influence the healing of acne scars?
It would help in giving some nutritional support for healing, but would not erase the scars completely.
Is microneedling safe for acne scars?
Yes, it's safe when done professionally since it helps the production of collagen and smoothens out scars.
Does makeup aggravate acne scars?
Not really, but it can often cause pore blockage, which might contribute to worsening acne and thus scarring.
Does stress affect acne scars?
Yes, stress increases acne breakouts, which may thus cause more scars indirectly.
Are there treatments available for ice pick scars?
Yes, they can be treated with advanced dermatological treatment options like punch excisions or lasers.
Level Out Scarred Skin with Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments
Most acne scars can be managed with the help of a professional treatment. The treatment depends on the type and severity of the acne scar, which a dermatologist can only identify. A dermatologist who is well-versed in acne and its scarring can identify and treat acne scars with the most effective approach. One such dermatologist that you can consider in Bangalore for your acne scars is Dr. Rasya Dixit at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.
She strives to ensure each of her clients receives the utmost, affordable, and individualised skincare and receives the best results possible with her acne scar treatments in Bangalore. To take advantage of her skincare treatments, schedule a consultation with her at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.
