Acne Scars

What Are Acne Scars?

There are many types of acne scars, each requiring a unique treatment approach. Understanding the types of acne scars is the first step toward choosing the most effective acne scar treatment and achieving smoother, healthier-looking skin.

The most common types of acne scars are atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloid scars. Atrophic scarring or depressed scarring includes ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars. Ice pick scars are narrow, deep, and resemble tiny punctures in the skin. Boxcar scars are wider with well-defined edges, creating oval or round depressions. Rolling scars have a wavy, uneven appearance due to bands of scar tissue that form beneath the skin’s surface.

Hypertrophic scars and keloid scars are both raised scars, but they differ in their behavior. Hypertrophic scars are thick, raised areas that stay within the boundaries of the original acne lesion, caused by the body producing too much collagen during healing. Keloid scars, a more severe form of raised scarring, can grow beyond the original wound and may cause discomfort or itching. These types of scars are more common in individuals with dark skin and can be particularly challenging to treat, which is why it is important to consult with a highly trained healthcare professional.

Treatments for Acne Scars

Dr. Paquet offers several options for acne scar treatment, including:

Laser Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing removes the superficial layer of skin and stimulates collagen production to rejuvenate healthy tissues and a more youthful appearance. By encouraging the growth of new collagen fibers, laser resurfacing can tighten the skin to improve the appearance of atrophic scarring while gradually eliminating hypertrophic scars with repeated treatments. Both superficial and deeper scars can be addressed with laser treatments.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels strip away the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal a new, healthy layer of unscarred skin with a smoother texture and brighter complexion. Chemical peels are often best for mild acne scars and smooth blemishes. They can also be effective for preventing acne breakouts by unclogging the pores and removing excess oil and debris from the skin.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy that can be effective for moderate to severe acne scars. Using a handheld device, multiple tiny needles puncture the skin to trigger the body’s natural wound-healing process, which includes new production of collagen and elastin fibers. As the deep tissues are remodeling and new collagen develops, smoother and more radiant skin will develop.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are ideal for hypertrophic scars and keloid scars because the steroids prevent excess collagen formation responsible for raised tissues. Steroids also calm inflamed blemishes and can be used to treat active acne cysts.

What to Expect from Acne Scar Treatments

Your skin type, medical history, and the severity of your scarring are all important factors in developing a personalized treatment plan. Atrophic scars, like rolling scars and boxcar scars, often respond well to treatments that stimulate new collagen production, such as laser resurfacing, skin needling, or dermal fillers. Chemical peels, which use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin and encourage new collagen formation, can also be effective for certain types of atrophic scarring. In contrast, hypertrophic scars, keloid scars, and other types of severe scarring often benefit from steroid injections or may require more advanced procedures like punch excision, skin grafting, or a combination of treatments to achieve the best results. Recovery time varies, and some patients may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.

Why Choose Paquet Facial Plastics x Biltmore Aesthetics to Treat Acne Scars?

Paquet Facial Plastic Surgery is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Paquet, who completed a specialized fellowship in plastic surgery at the Lasky Clinic, a world-renowned medical program. He works closely alongside Amanda, a board-certified registered nurse, to deliver a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments rooted in patient safety and satisfaction. Their expertise ensures the most effective treatments that are designed for specific types of acne scars using advanced techniques and medical technology. Our team understands the impact that beautiful skin can have on a person’s confidence and is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that consider overall skin health for long-lasting results.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about acne scar treatments at Paquet Facial Plastic Surgery, schedule a consultation today with our team. Our team can assess your skin quality and help you find the best treatment for your individual needs.