Acne Scar: Know About Types & Treatments

Acne outbreaks are annoying enough, but acne scarring can also be aggravating. The good news is that acne scars can be removed with the help of dermatological procedures. However, clearing up any acne permanently is necessary before treatment can begin because subsequent breakouts can result in new scarring.

The best dermatologist in Bangalore, Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, the founder of the top skin clinic, Charma Clinic, has provided important insights on acne scars, types, and their treatment in this article to offer professional advice and a clearer perspective. 

Read on for more information.

Types of Acne Scars

• Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars are flat, shallow depressions that heal beneath the epidermis. These scars are frequently caused by severe cystic acne. However, different types of acne can also cause them. These acne scars can appear in a variety of ways, depending on a person's acne history.

• Boxcar marks

Boxcar scars are large, frequently box-shaped depressions with distinct edges. Boxcar scars are brought on by severe acne, chickenpox, or varicella, a virus resulting in a red, itchy rash and blistered rash.

The lower cheekbones and jaw, where the skin is quite thick, are where boxcar scars most frequently develop.

• Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

Hypertrophic and keloid scars, in contrast to atrophic scars, develop as raised lumps of scar tissue where the acne once was. When scar tissue accumulates, possibly from previous acne patches, this occurs. Keloid scars extend outside the edges of the original spot and leave a scar larger than the pimples that first produced them.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are more prevalent on the shoulders, back, chest, and jawline. Darker complexion people are more prone to this type of scarring. 

Acne Scar Treatments

Many people choose acne scar treatment to improve their social, physical, and emotional well-being. One's skin's appearance, skin health, and self-esteem can all be improved by getting rid of acne scars.

At Bangalore's top skin clinic, Charma Clinic, some of the best treatments for acne scars include:

• Chemical Peels

In this treatment, the acne scars are covered with special chemical solutions and left on for a while. The chemical exfoliates the skin as it interacts with it, giving it a lighter appearance. The chemical peel is removed when the treated area turns white, giving the skin a refreshed appearance. The skin layer that has just been restored is often smoother and has fewer scars.

The intensity of the chemical solutions varies depending on how deeply they penetrate the skin. They can be classified as superficial, medium, or deep chemical peels. The two last categories of chemical peels involve more recovery time and downtime. 

The type of chemical peel is chosen based on the acne scar's severity or type. Salicylic acid, mandelic acid, azelaic acid, resorc-inol, glycolic acid, Jessner's solution, and trichloroacetic acid are the most popular chemical peels for acne scars.

• Lasers

Ablative and non-ablative lasers are the two types of lasers to treat acne scars. 

Ablative Lasers cause small holes in the skin and aid in regenerating higher-quality collagen fibres, providing the skin with structural support. Since it produces a new layer of skin faster, this procedure is sometimes referred to as resurfacing. 

The body's natural healing process, which encourages the development of new collagen fibres, repairs thermal damage caused by heating the skin's deeper layers. Additionally, the development of new skin cells is promoted at the treated site. This gives the skin a smoother, firmer, tighter, and more even appearance.

Acne scars can also be treated with other lasers. By promoting collagen formation, non-ablative lasers can reduce the appearance of acne scars. These are intended to heat the skin's dermis without damaging the top layer. Fractionated lasers send laser light to the skin in pulses for a brief period and are another non-ablative laser. This is primarily used to remove pigmentation causing acne scars to become discolored, making the acne scars blend in with the surrounding skin tone.

• Microneedling

In this procedure, tiny, delicate needles are inserted into the skin to inflict small, controlled wounds on the surface of the skin. By promoting new collagen development, the body naturally heals the pierced skin. The scars from acne are smoothed as a result. This treatment can be done either by itself or with radiofrequency technology.

• Dermal Filler 

This is a substance that is injected into the skin, either naturally or artificially, to raise acne scars that have become depressed or to encourage the body's collagen synthesis. Hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid are two examples of dermal filler injections that can be used to treat acne scars. 

Within months, poly-lactic acid can be utilized to encourage the formation of collagen and aid in the fading of acne scars. Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound in the skin with the ability to hold water, can be utilized as a temporary filler to enhance skin contour and lessen skin depressions.

• Subcision for Acne Scars

Rolling and box-scar acne scars can be effectively treated with the subcision treatment. In this method, a cannula or medical needle is used to do the subcision. The physical act of scraping the scar tissue beneath the dermis stimulates or induces the production of new collagen, which can aid in lifting the anchored scar and enhance the appearance of rolling and boxcar acne scars. 

• Topical Creams 

Many skincare products' components, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and collagen-boosting proteins, effectively treat acne scars. For minor and superficial acne scars, they perform well.

According to Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, who offers the best acne scar treatment in Bangalore, the greatest approach to dealing with acne scars is avoiding acne in the first place. Avoid irritating the skin and injuring the underlying tissue by resisting the urge to pop, pull, or squeeze any breakouts, since this could lead to scarring. Acne scarring is less likely to occur if breakouts are less frequent.

One can consult the expert doctor, Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, at Charma Clinic, who determines the best course of action after a thorough evaluation. Visit the clinic to learn more about acne and acne scar treatment.