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.
Absolutely loved my visit to the Rosebank Skin Renewal clinic/salon! Dr Trent, Tania, Jean-Marie and my aesthetician Yolanda were FABULOUS! The beautiful location, gorgeous decor and amazing products will bring me back for sure! I loved my facial and my friends were thrilled with their injectables. My experience was lovely and I will look forward to other future visits!
Everyone is super friendly but Surita and Dr D are absolutely wonderful! Love love love them to bits . Surita has been doing my facials for a while now and my skin keeps getting better and better. It went from congested and acne prone to clear, soft and supple with her help. She Recommends the best affordable products too. Dr D is super friendly and knowledgeable, she gives you accurate info without making you feel intimidated, she also manages expectations quite well.
Very professional experience. Great advice and the treatment worked well. Will be back
Skin Renewal is the place to be. I have had a wonderful experience every time I've been there thanks to my amazing beauty therapist, Noma. She is so professional, sweet and caring. She is very knowledgeable and takes time to explain the treatments and products that best work for your skin type. Would definitely recommend going there!
My experience at skin renewal with Durea was amazing, I used to have really dark acne scarring and it improved significantly, any issues I had I always felt comfortable to address them with her and she’s always extremely helpful, she always made sure to do treatments that worked for me. She is the friendliest therapist there is! I couldn’t recommend her enough! She is 10/10
Soné at the morning side branch is the best. Thank you for the great service
I have been at Skin renewal for the past 3 years and my skin has gone through a phenomenal transformation. Your skin treatment is customized based on a medical diagnosis and all treatments target all your skin issues. Skin renewal is the absolute best aesthetic clinic!!
OMG! I was in a predicament with my skin and was tired of hiding behind makeup!!! Skin renewal has changed my life and brought back my confidence! The West Rand team is Amazing. My therapist, Surita is AMAZEBALLS!!!!! Samantha thank you for the journey! Selda, such a sweetheart and humble. Louise making my journey worth every while. Oh, Dr Trent! My word! This is a team of beautiful people making people beautiful! Thank you for restoring my beauty- my journey continues.
My overall experience is amazing. My therapist is very good at what she does. She explains procedures before they done and she always ensures That I am comfortable.
Weeks before my appointment, I had very strong and informative communication with the clinic regarding Hyperhidrosis treatment. I went in today - the procedure was carried out very smoothly and almost painlessly. Unfortunately, during the procedure, my blood pressure dropped suddenly and I became incredibly dizzy (this was due to personal reasons.) the doctor promptly suspended the treatment while explaining to me what was happeneing and provided me with sugared water, tea and a quick blood pressure test. I felt in very safe hands and will definitely be back every time I come to South Africa. Thank you so much, I hope the results are as good as my experience with you.
