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.
Candice has been my therapist for the last 6 months. From day 1 she has always been professional and welcoming.Not only is my experience great but my skin looks amazing. People has mentioned to me that I look 10 years younger. My cellulite is the only thing that does not appreciate this warm gentle, trusting human being. Which I don;t mind. Highly recommended!
I visited Skin Renewal Willowbridge branch for Skin Needling. My therapist Candice was amazing as always. She explained the full procedure and completely put me at ease in terms of any discomfort I would experience. After numbing, the procedure was surprisingly not as painful as expected and all in all, this was an amazing experience from start to finish.
What a wonderful experience. Elize is a breath of fresh air. The perfect balance between professional and friendly. This was the best massage I have ever experienced and cannot wait to retun for another one.
Megan was incredible, such great experience they made Jo and I feel amazing and really went the extra mile to make sure we had a great time! Love this place
The treatment is quite short from a time perspective but the results are amazing. There is a "lifting" of some of the pigmentation that enhances the complexion. It's also always a pleasure to be in the safe hands of an experienced therapist who manage the treatment effectively.
The treatment I received helped me restore my skin, treated acne scars and added a fresh look to my skin - Lourita is excellent! She keeps track of my details, she knows what needs to be done and does it it nicely and diligently.
Fantastic Service! Always a pleasure coming here once a month. After each treatment my skin feels amazing. Really personal and friendly staff.
I’ve received treatments by Shanice for the past year. Shanice has performed wonders on my skin! She is always great at making treatments less painful and is really helpful in recommending creams that have also reduced the appearance of both my active acne and it’s scarring. I would definitely recommend Dermapen treatments as well. Skin Renewal has reduced my scarring to a point where I am able to leave the house without makeup - something I would have never dreamed of before this year!
My skin is much healthier than before. I've burnt my skin about three years ago and had bad scarring and I'm so grateful my husband introduced me to Skin Renewal. My skin, I have seen so many improvements and I do have pigmentation, but it's lighter and lighter and I do not need to wear makeup. I feel so much comfortable in my own skin. Thank you Skin Renewal.
