What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are a common complication of acne and have various types and severity. Not only are they a physical issue, but they can also cause a variety of emotional, psychological, and social implications.
Acne scars are a response to inflammation and tissue damage during the acne lesion healing process. The severity and type can depend on various factors, including genetics, the depth and duration of the acne lesions, and the individual’s skin type and healing process.
In some cases, the body’s response to the inflammation caused by acne lesions can lead to an overproduction or reduction of collagen. Too much collagen can result in raised scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloid scars, while too little collagen can result in depressed scars.
Applying pressure on an inflamed acne lesion can cause pus to spread wider into the surrounding skin, causing more damage. There are several treatments to get rid of acne scars but ensuring that the acne is treated first is crucial for effective results. Choosing a qualified acne scar treatment doctor in Singapore can help you achieve clearer and healthier skin.
Discoloured scars (Can be combined with a depressed or hypertrophic scar.)
Types of Acne Scars
Red/Purple
Commonly the first stage after an inflammatory acne lesion has healed. Also known as Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
Brown
Some PIE lesions may develop into brown-coloured lesions due to the formation of melanin. Also known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Depressed (sunken) scars
Ice-pick Scars
Deep, narrow scars that resemble small puncture wounds.
Boxcar Scars
Broader than ice-pick scars, flat with sharp, angled edges.
Rolling Scars
Wider scars with sloping edges
Atrophic Scars
Deeper scars with sloping edges, usually larger than other depressed scars
Elevated (raised) scars
Hypertrophic Scars
Caused by the excess production of collagen during the healing process.
Keloid Scars
Thick and extend beyond the boundaries of the acne lesion.
Treatment Options For Acne Scars
Acne scars are the result of acne, therefore the first step on how to remove them starts with the treatment and management of acne. Once acne maintenance is achieved, treatments on how to get rid of them can be taken into consideration. Treatment options for acne scars depend on the type and severity of scarring, as well as the patient’s skin type and medical history. The treatment modalities differ according to the different kinds of acne scars. If there is a combination of scar types, multiple types of targeted acne scar treatments may be required. Multiple sessions are commonly required for improvement, and a complete “cure(resolution)” of depressed/elevated scars is very rare.
Discoloured scars
- PIE: certain lasers with specific wavelengths to target the blood and blood vessels contributing to the red colour of the lesion
- PIH: similar to hyperpigmentation treatments
Depressed scars
- Laser resurfacing: fractional type lasers to stimulate collagen.
- Microneedle Radiofrequency (RF) to stimulate collagen.
- These treatments commonly require topical anaesthesia and involve downtime in the recovery process.
Rolling/Atrophic Scars
- Same as other depressed scars (see 2.)
- Dermal fillers: can be injected under certain rolling/atrophic scars to raise the lesion closer to the surrounding skin level. The results may be temporary. These include hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides.
Hypertrophic Scars
- Topical steroids
- Steroid injections
- Silicone sheets/gel
- Laser
- Surgery
Keloid Scars
- Same as for hypertrophic scars (see 4.)
- Other: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Imiquimod, Verapamil injections
Minor Surgery
In some severe cases, a surgical procedure such as a punch excision may be necessary for deep acne scar removal. For rolling/atrophic scars which have tethered bands, subcision using a special needle may help raise the level of the scar.
Since acne scars are difficult to treat and can cause detrimental effects on the patient, early and proper treatment of acne, in addition to avoiding recurrence to prevent scars, is of critical importance. If they develop, their appearance can be improved with proper treatment.
However, as mentioned above, most acne scars cannot be completely eliminated (unless surgically removed in cases of certain depressed scars).Therefore it is important to have realistic expectations and an understanding of treatment benefits and risks involved. You might also consider acne treatment if you are experiencing breakouts for a better skin condition and to prevent them.
Find the Right Doctor For Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore
Choosing the right doctor for acne scar treatment is crucial for achieving smooth, clear skin. With Dr Jeslin’s years of experience, you can feel assured that Aeon Medical will come up with an effective treatment plan to remove acne scars in Singapore.
By customising treatment plans based on individual needs and using effective technologies, our acne scar doctor can improve the appearance of this problem and promote skin healing.
Ready to address your acne scar issues? Book an appointment with us today!
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is, in no way, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We make no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, availability, adequacy, or validity of the information or procedures outlined on the website. Always consult professional medical and aesthetic advice for your skincare and medical concerns.
References:
- "Scars", National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/scars.html
- Maya Valeska Gozali, MD and Bingrong Zhou, MD, PhD; DAN LUO, MD, PhD, "Effective Treatments of Atrophic Acne Scars", National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445894/
- Deirdre Connolly, Ha Linh Vu, Kavita Mariwalla, and Nazanin Saedi, "Acne Scarring—Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options", National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749614/
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