Condition:
There are different types of acne scars, atrophic shallow scars, ice pick, hypertrophic or raised scars, and hypopigmented (white) scars. Atrophic scars are shallower and have smoother borders. Hypertrophic scars are thick raised scars that may be red or dark brown. These are more common in patients of African descent and mainly occur on the chest or back.
Color changes secondary to acne is far more common which may dissipate with time but can often take months to years. Patients often seek treatment as this significantly worsens the appearance of their acne.
Red/Purple patches/blemishes
Red/Purple patches or blemishes we find are the easiest to treat. In our practice 1-2 treatments with a low level light/laser significantly hastens recovery in a matter of weeks with no risk. Patients are often surprised how easy these lesions resolve. |
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After
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Brown/Black hyper pigmentation
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation(Brown/Black discoloration) is a common problem in Asians, African American and patients who tan easily. A series of gentle resurfacing procedures called microdermabrasion combined with chemical peels are highly effective at lightening these and evening out the skin color. Home are products such as retinoids, hydroquinone, alpha and beta hydroxy acids as well as natural skin lighteners(kojic acid,arbutin etc) are used to further hasten resolution.
Hypertrophic Scars
In our experience Low level pulsed dye laser with intralesional steroids in a series of treatments has proven to be highly successful.
Atrophic Scar Treatment -
Non ablative lasers such as the Smoothbeam and VBeam which we have been using in combination for a number of years is highly effective at stimulating collagen regeneration. There is gradual smoothing out over a series of treatments done every few weeks. Our patients report at least a 50% improvement if not more. These can be complemented with medical dermabrasion for added benefit.
Fillers i.e. substances that add volume can also be added to flatten the scars further.
Subcision-Another method of treating atrophic scars. Under local anesthesia a needle is used to release the scar tissue beneath the skin. This is combined with low level pulsed dye laser for improved healing and we have found it to be a useful adjunct in more stubborn scars.
Punch Excision - Used for ice pick scars. A small(2-4mm) cookie cutter like device is used to cut out the scar and the edges are then sewn together with a suture. In this case a large scar is traded for a tiny linear scar that can be further blended using the Smoothbeam/VBeam laser.
As you can see there are a variety of different ways to approach the treatment of acne scars. Treatment protocols need to be tailored to individual patient needs and expectations as well as their budgets. Only through the consultation process can we make an accurate assessment and formulate an appropriate treatment guideline.
Treatment:
Microdermabrasion
VBeam Laser
Smoothbeam Laser
Punch excision
Chemical Peels
Subcision
Dermal Fillers
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