Acne scars form when inflamed acne lesions penetrate the skin deeply, damaging the tissue beneath. The body's natural response to this damage is to produce collagen, a protein that helps heal the skin. However, scars may form if the body produces the wrong type of collagen (as is the case in keloid scars) or too much or too little collagen. Early acne treatment prevents these scars from developing, as reducing inflammation can minimise tissue damage.
Understanding the type of acne scars you have is essential for choosing the most effective treatment. Here are the most common types:
Ice Pick Scars are deep, narrow scars extending into the dermis. They are often small and jagged, similar to wounds made by an ice pick.
Rolling Scars: These scars create a wave-like appearance on the skin, with rolling edges. They are typically shallow but can cause significant texture changes in the skin.
Boxcar Scars: Boxcar scars are broad, depressed scars with sharp edges. They often appear on the cheeks and can be challenging to treat due to their depth.
Keloid Scars: More common in individuals with darker skin tones, keloid scars are raised, thickened scars that can continue to grow over time, sometimes resembling tumours.
Hypertrophic Scars: Similar to keloid scars but do not extend beyond the original acne lesion. These scars are raised and thick but remain confined to the affected area.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Although not an actual scar, PIH refers to the dark spots left after an acne lesion heals. This discolouration is more common in people with darker skin tones.
At Skin Renewal, our approach to treating acne scars focuses on combination treatments for more effective and lasting results. Acne scars often involve multiple layers of the skin, and a single treatment may not be enough to address the problem entirely. By combining advanced therapies like laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels, we can target different aspects of scar tissue, including texture, pigmentation, and skin regeneration. This comprehensive approach promotes deeper healing and improved skin texture, delivering results that single treatments cannot achieve independently.
Fractional Laser Treatments: Effectively treat deeper scars by resurfacing the skin.
Subcision: This technique involves inserting a hypodermic needle beneath the skin to break up the fibrous tissue that tethers the scar to the underlying dermis.
Skin Resurfacing Treatments: Used to remove the damaged outer layers of skin.
Radiofrequency Skin Needling These treatments use radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Laser Treatments: A laser toning treatment that helps reduce redness and improve the appearance of scars.
Skin Needling: This procedure uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, encouraging collagen production.
Carboxytherapy: Involves injecting carbon dioxide gas into the skin to improve blood flow and promote healing. (Carboxytherapy is a very effective treatment for all scars except for keloid scars)
Dermal Fillers: Used to "fill in" depressed scars, making them less noticeable.
Steroid Injections: Particularly effective for keloid scars, where intralesional steroids or TAC and Botox are injected into the scar tissue after Laser Genesis treatment.
At Skin Renewal, we believe in a holistic, doctor-led approach to treating acne scars. Our comprehensive consultation process is designed to identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to your acne. Our experienced medical doctors take a detailed medical history to ensure that all factors contributing to your skin condition are addressed. By treating the root causes of acne and focusing on overall skin health, we increase the chances of successfully reducing existing scars and preventing new ones.
During your consultation, we may recommend tests such as a Betaine HCl acid test to check for low stomach acid, which can affect nutrient absorption and overall skin health. Proper stomach acid levels are essential for absorbing key nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and vitamins to maintain healthy skin. By addressing any underlying health issues, we can optimise your treatment plan and enhance the results of your acne scar treatments.
Preventing acne scars begins with effective acne management. The earlier acne is treated, the less likely it is to result in scarring. Skin Renewal is committed to providing personalised treatment plans that address existing scars and prevent new ones from forming.
Proper treatment and care can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars and achieve smoother, healthier skin. Whether you're dealing with mild scarring or more severe forms, our team at Skin Renewal is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to your unique needs.
I am very satisfied with the service at the Fourways branch. The doctors and the therapists are professional and competent and the support staff are brilliant. The friendly and professional way you are treated truly is to be commended. Even the one problem i did have was handled so well by the manager and smoothed over effortlessly. Thank you very much to everyone at Fourways!
Second treatment, since assessment and I can see visible improvement in my skin. It's brighter and the pigmentation around my mouth and the pigmentation from acne scaring has improved. Can't wait to finish course of treatment to see full results.
Very professional- fully explained the process and what to expect. I felt as through I was in very capable hands ~Thanks Bianca
Nicole has been absolutely professional. I am starting to see positive results with my skin. I am thrilled. Thank you!
I have been a long time clients at Skin Renewal and to date am very pleased with the service. I see Liezel as my therapist and Dr Cecile Baard for other treatments. The environment is always relaxed and friendly and I always enjoy my visits, even the ones that are somewhat painful.
Good Service, Good working Skills, Very helpful staff and great therapists!
I would just like to send a quick thanks to all the ladies (and gents) who do such a brilliant job!The good experiences started in April when I met with Dr Graham for a consultation about my acne scarring. Since, I have been for three treatments in DermaPen Needling (one with Dr Toni and the other two with Dr Dominique) and most recently, enjoyed my Birthday facial.A special thank you to the therapist who looked after me so brilliantly yesterday and made myself (and my face!) feel like a million bucks- it was the perfect ending to my drawn-out birthday celebrations :)I would also like to thank the therapists; Kerry and Dourina, who always looked after me so well before, during and after each treatment.Your whole team, from the Doctors who do such a brilliant job (and have given me the exact results I was looking for!) and the therapists who are fantastic; thank you to everyone for making my visits at the Skin Renewal clinic so enjoyable. My skin looks and feels fantastic!Thank you :)
I have a lovely experience with my therapist Crai-dean. She is well informed and caters to my specific skin condition, I have seen drastic improvements with my sun damage and adult acne. The staff is lovely and I recommend Crai-dean, she is highly skilled and also gives tips on how to manage your skin post treatment!
