The first step in treating acne scarring is establishing the type of scarring you have. Each treatment is a little different in how it diminishes the scars’
appearance, but a lot depends on the type and severity.
Most people who get acne end up with scarring. The cause of this characteristic scarring is how acne develops and how it is different from a regular pimple.
In an acne lesion, the bacteria involved disable skin cells’ innate immunity, thus preventing cells from defending themselves. This process leaves the bacteria-free to feed and replicate, resulting in minor infections under the skin.
The bacteria carve out a little hole for themselves under the skin, which is why acne scars have their specific appearance, particularly the pits and pocks.
Understanding the treatment of atrophic acne scars
Atrophic acne scars appear pitted. The edges cast a shadow, making the pits seem darker than the surrounding skin. Because the scars are a dent, we use specific tools to level out the hills and valleys of the skin’s surface as best we can, resulting in a more even complexion with fewer shadows.
There are three main types of atrophic acne scars: 
1. Icepick scars
Icepick scars are small, deep, narrow and cylindrical, causing a depression in the skin.
2. Boxcar scars
A boxcar scar is a shallow, broad depression, usually oval or rectangle with sharp vertical edges. Most boxcar scarring appears on the cheeks and temples.
3. Rolling scars
By far the most common acne scar, rolling scars are shallow and wide with sloping edges. Rolling scars result in what looks like tiny uneven, wavy valleys and are most likely to be caused by long-term acne.
Rolling acne scarring isn’t as noticeable in younger skin, but the scarring tends to become more visible as skin loses its elasticity with age. Very shallow rolling scars may fade and soften over time without treatment, but procedures can significantly improve their appearance. Rolling scars are the easiest to treat.
What are hypertrophic acne scars?
Hypertrophic scars are raised and often look thick, lumpy and red and feel rubbery. Most hypertrophic scars will fade on their own, but a dermatologist may recommend treatment.
Keloid scars, a type of hypertrophic scar, may develop in some people, particularly anyone of Asian or African descent. A keloid scar results from the body overproducing scar tissue in response to an injury and can occur in pierced ears and everyday cuts and scrapes. Keloid scarring is red, raised and looks like a smooth, shiny red bubble that may keep growing. Most people who experience keloid scarring are prone to it.
Because in those prone to keloid scarring, any skin injury can result in this type of scar; thus, treatment must be delicate to avoid any extra damage. For example, you can’t just cut a keloid scar off because the skin injury will simply produce another scar.
Treating post-acne pigment changes – Melbourne
Red, brown or white patches of skin are not uncommon with acne scarring. While pigmentation (or loss of pigmentation) isn’t a scar, it is another element of skin that we can treat once the acne resolves.
When these dark areas develop after acne, it’s often a result of inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). The affected areas might be brown, black or red and consist of many smaller marks or a consistent pigment spread. Hyperpigmentation usually fades over time, but it can take up to two years, depending on severity.
When areas of skin lose pigmentation, we call it hypopigmentation. The pigment disappears due to the damage the acne caused, and at first may be pinkish, fading into white over time. Loss of pigmentation is often a long-term problem.
Treating acne scarring
Advances in dermatology mean at ENRICH Clinic in Melbourne, we now have many options for reducing acne’s impact on your skin. The scar type and your skin type will determine the route, and your treatment may consist of several strategies.
Treatment strategies for acne scarring and pigmentatio
- Filling in depressions with dermal filler injections to even skin surface
- Remodelling collagen within depressions to even skin and reduce the depth of scars
- Stimulating collagen production to fill in scars
- Remove outer layers of scar tissue via several mechanisms
- Microneedling for collagen production and pigmentation
- Chemical peels for exfoliating and reducing pigmentation
- Sun protection for preventing worsening of pigmentation
- Bleaching for hyperpigmentation
- Laser microdermabrasion to smooth skin’s surface
- Dermabrasion resurfacing
- Punch grafting for deeper scars
- Surgical techniques to divide and relax fibrous scar tissue
- Surgical procedures to remove more extensive scars
- Topical steroids for hypertrophic scars topically or injected into the scar
- Silicone dressings
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Light and energy-based treatments involving topical gels
We have many options to help get your skins acne scarring. Get in touch for a consultation, and let us help you with your skin health.
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