While acne itself is a frustrating condition, it can leave a footprint long after it’s gone in the form of acne scars. While these shallow pits can continue to be an eyesore, Chesapeake Laser and Skin Care Center offers a variety of acne scar treatment options to help patients find relief. From laser resurfacing to skincare and maintenance, we can help find the perfect noninvasive treatment for you. With our comprehensive, hands-on approach, you can enjoy among the best acne scar treatment.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Smooth Skin Again:
Removing Acne Scars
ACNE SCAR
TREATMENT OPTIONS
At Chesapeake Laser and Skin Care Center, we understand that patients suffering from acne scars are looking for immediate treatment. For this reason, we have a comprehensive array of treatments to cater to all skin types and colors. Your acne scar treatment begins with a thorough consultation so our practitioners can determine which treatments will best suit your needs. They may have you undergo a single treatment or a combination of treatments to provide the best result.
The acne scar treatment plan recommended will be dependent on several factors, including the type of acne scars you have, whether they are primarily on the surface or extend into the deeper layers of the skin, as well as your skin color and overall skin tone.
PREVENTING ACNE SCARS
Sun exposure. For both acne and acne scars, direct sunlight can prolong the condition and often make it worse. It is wise to avoid the sun during its peak hours, especially between 10 am and 2 pm. Sunscreen, hats and other forms of protection are recommended.
For patients who currently have acne, the best treatment for acne scars is preventing them before they occur. Below are two factors that make acne worse, and may contribute to scarring once the acne is gone.
Picking and squeezing. While it’s certainly tempting to pop that whitehead, it actually causes further disturbance to the skin. This results in inflammation and collagen loss, which prevents the skin from healing as it should. Additionally, popping a pimple causes the spread of bacteria deeper into the skin.
HOW ACNE SCARS OCCUR
Acne occurs when skin pores become filled with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The pores become inflamed and eventually burst. If the pore wall bursts deeper in the skin, the infected debris leaks into the deep tissues, which creates larger lesions.
Scarring occurs as the body creates collagen to repair the damage. Depending on skin type and other factors, the scarring can be relatively shallow and easy to correct. Where ruptures occur deep in the pore, scarring is more severe. The healing process creates significant changes in the texture and smoothness of the skin, forming deep depressions, or giving the skin a rolling wave-like appearance.
TWO TYPES
OF SCARRING
There are two categories of scarring; one type adds tissue, the other type forms around lost tissue.
Hypertrophic scarring is the result of excessive collagen production during healing. Raised bumps or ridges around scars are the results of this overproduction of healing fiber. Atrophic scarring occurs as the tissue is lost in healing.
Common forms of atrophic scarring are ‘ice pick’ and ‘boxcar’ scars. Ice pick scarring creates tiny holes in the skin, while boxcar scars are larger with vertical sides comparable to chickenpox scars.
Your acne scar treatment plan will be customized to address your unique skin landscape. Understand that the deeper more extensive scars will take several treatments and a healthy dose of patience while the skin heals. Superficial scarring will require patience as well. Treatments such as a chemical peel or a laser resurfacing both remove the damaged tissue, allowing the body to replace it with healthy smooth tissue. Contact us today to take your next step toward clearer skin!
