Treatment For Acne Scars | Options & What To Expect

Acne is known to be the unwanted reminder of a painful and bothersome condition. It can leave scars on the face, chest and back. As per the latest study report, approx 80% of people between ages 11 and 30 get affected with acne, and one out of five of those people develop scars. Reducing these scars requires treatment either with the help of over-the-counter medications or the medical treatment suggested by a dermatologist. 

If you seek a dermatologist to plan your treatment, you can end your research at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology. Here, Dr. Rasya Dixit, the best skin specialist in Bangalore, will help you determine what treatment options are available to reduce your acne scars and what you can expect during the treatment. To make this blog more informative, we have also taken her help. So, let’s start the journey together to comprehend acne scars and ways to prevent them. 

Acne Scars: An Overview 

Acne scars can result in various forms, including boxcar scars, icepick scars, and hypertrophic scars. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the scars. Hence, it is essential to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most suitable treatment options for an individual’s skin concern. 

Causes of Acne 

Acne (pimple) grows at the condition when bacteria, oils, and dead skin fill up and inflame pores (tiny openings in your skin through which oil and sweat rise to the surface). As per research, some 40,000 cells fall off your skin every hour, but sometimes those dead cells clog up a pore. In some conditions, clogged pores appear to be small and result in “whiteheads or blackheads”. Sometimes, these pores become inflamed and lead to other types of acne. 

Types of Acne 

Acne presents in various forms. Whiteheads and blackheads are typical ones and tend to heal smoothly while the other types can lead to: 

• Nodules: These are solid and larger than papules and pustules. They can hurt more because they extend deeper into the skin.
• Solid lesions: They’re larger than papules and pustules and can hurt more because they extend deeper into the skin.
• Cysts: Cysts lie deep within the skin. They are painful, full of pus and have a higher chance of resulting in a scar. 
• Pustules: Pus-filled lesions appear to be red at the base and white or yellow at the top.
• Papules: Red or pink bumps that hurt when you touch them. 

Types of Acne Scars 

If you get affected by acne scarring, you’re likely to have more than one of the following types. Each of these can be treated with proper planning by a dermatologist and they are: 

• Rolling: These scars are usually found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where your skin appears to be thicker. The indents come with sloping edges that make the skin look wavy and uneven. 
• Ice Pick: These are narrow, V-shaped indentions that extend into the skin, resembling the marks left by an ice pick or sharp instrument. These scars are often associated with severe cases of acne, particularly cystic acne.
• Boxcar: Boxcar scars are indents having sharper edges. These edges go down deep into the skin. These scars are common to appear on the lower cheeks and jaw. 

Management and Treatment 

Consult with your dermatologist to assess your skin condition and plan your treatment. They will help to determine you are diagnosed with what type of acne scars and how they can be treated based on the location of the scarring. 

What Precautions to Follow Before Treatment to Remove Your Acne Scars?

Make sure your skin remains blemish-free before you start treatment for your acne scars. Medications and treatments used on acne can interfere with the medications and treatments used on scars.

Can Acne Scars be Treated at Home?

There are some of the following tips you can follow to treat your acne scars at home, and they are: 

• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Usage of silicone gels or sheets on the skin.
• Vitamin C Serums.
• Diluted apple cider vinegar.
• Topical Retinoids
• Tea tree oil
• Coconut oil 
• Acupuncture 
• Avoid Smoking 
• Treat acne on its first appearance
• Do not pick/ squeeze/ scratch the active acne

You can follow these tips to reduce acne scars. But these tips can help to an extent. So, to fully remove acne scars it is advised to consult a dermatologist at the right time and plan your treatment effectively before it’s too late. 

Treatment Options For Acne Scars 

• Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive and effective dermatological procedure performed to remove the appearance of various skin concerns like acne scars. Also, known as collagen induction therapy this treatment uses a device with fine needles to develop controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Here’s how micro-needling helps to remove acne scars: 

• Reduce scar depth 
• Improve skin texture 
• Minimize hyperpigmentationon 
• Enhance absorption of topical treatments 

Co2 Laser: 

Co2 resurfacing can break up scar tissue underneath your skin while encouraging the production of newer and healthier skin in its place. However, this process does not eliminate acne scars, but it can significantly reduce the scar appearance to the point where they are barely noticeable and can easily be covered with the help of makeup. The benefits of Co2 laser are: 

• Scar reduction 
• Even pigmentation 
• Minimize pore size 

Punch Excision

Punch excision is a surgical technique used to treat specific types of acne scars, generally ice-pick scars. In this method, the acne scar is surgically removed with the help of a surgical tool so that old skin can be healed and new skin can be developed. The benefits of punch excision include: 

• Precise treatment
• Provides smoother skin 
• Scar removal 

Punch Elevation 

Punch elevation is a dermatological treatment centrally used for certain types of acne scars. This procedure is ideally effective for atrophic scars, including boxcars and rolling scars. The main motive of the treatment is to elevate depressed or indented areas of the skin, improving overall texture and appearance. The benefits of punch elevation treatment include: 

• Minimized shadowing 
• Enhance skin texture 
• Acne scar reduction 

Conclusion

Treatment for acne scars has come a long way. Now you do not have to pity yourself if you get acne scars on your skin. Various effective treatments are available to tackle acne scars. In the procedure to have clear and glowy skin, consulting with a dermatologist is the first step in comprehending which treatment option would be suitable for you. 

Dr. Rasya Dixit is one of the top-notch dermatologists if you are searching for Acne Scar Reduction In Bangalore. She holds almost two decades of experience and offers a wide range of skin & hair treatments. To book your appointment with her pay a visit to Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic today!