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.
Kelly is an awesome therapist, super efficient and professional. The staff are all quite friendly and make you feel right at home. the treatments for the acne scarring are on point, crossing fingers for the surgical scar, but so far so good.
Dr Tarryn has an approachable, friendly nature. She is light-handed and very professional. Penelope and Jessica are beautiful people to deal with. Very pleased with my experience at this branch.
Shanice is always very helpful, really takes her time to achieve the best results. Great massage :) I feel confident letting her touch and treat my skin.
Always a pleasure to be around professionals! Mariesa is a very special lady!
I could never find a therapist who understood my needs...till I walked through the doors of the Renewal Institute Fourways. My Life has changed forever. They understand my needs, my schedule and my lifestyle. Their therapists are trained to use the best products on the market (Lamelle being my favourite) and their technology is world-renowned.Why would I choose any other Institute when Renewal Institute is the best!
Over the years I have tried almost everything out there to soften my acne marks. Peels, products, laser, microdermabrasion, collagen fillers, supplements and close to 2 years of Dermapen. Which was very good and had good results. I wanted more, better results that last. And I found it! After a visit to Dr Maureen, she recommended I try Subcision. I hadn't even heard of it. She explained the procedure and what I could hope for in results. The procedure was quick with minimal/manageable pain. I had some bruising and swelling on my cheeks afterwards for approx 4 days. The result truly was astounding and totally worth it. After just one treatment the visible difference is so good people have commented, even my own dermatologist! It is by far the best treatment I have ever had for my acne marks. The true results became most visible to me 2 months following treatment. Thank you, Dr Maureen.
Treatment is working wonders to my skin. Therapist customer service is out of this world. Always great coming over for my treatments.
I have been a loyal customer with Skin Renewal for 2 years and my reason for returning is the wonderful treatments (peels & dermapen) I receive from Lizanne. She knows exactly what my skin requires and results continue to amaze me. She is an asset to this company and can't praise her enough!
It has been a journey to get here! I arrived with active acne that was treated through a series of peels. Now that my skin has stabilized, I was left with acne scarring, which is being treated with Dermapen. After the first session I could already see the results, so today I am back for my second!
