Acne Scar Removal and Treatment

What are Acne Scars?

Acne scars result when inflamed acne breakouts penetrate the deeper section of the skin and the surrounding tissues beyond the initial pore. The body tries to repair the damage by producing collagen, thereby leaving a scar.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars occur when a person treats the acne on their body and it begins to heal. This risk of getting acne scars may increase when the person:

• Has inflammatory (reddish, swollen, and painful) acne: Acne cysts and nodules are the types of acne spots that penetrates into the deeper part of the skin and cause damage. The more time you leave the inflammatory acne, the higher the risk of becoming an acne scar.
• Picking, squeezing, or popping acne: This also increases inflammation that in turn increases the risk of the acne forming a scar.

Has a family member that developed acne scars: There is a genetic link in tendency to get acne and acne scar formation.

Can acne scars be 100% removed?

Acne scars can be significantly reduced and improved, but whether they can be 100% removed depends on the type, depth, and severity of the scar, as well as the individual’s skin type and healing capacity. Here’s a breakdown:

Atrophic Scars (Boxcar, Ice Pick, and Rolling):

These scars can be reduced in appearance through treatments like laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, and subcision. While they may become much less noticeable, complete removal is challenging.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars:

Intralesional steroid injections can flatten these raised scars. Laser treatments and surgical removal can also be effective. However, keloids, in particular, have a tendency to recur even after treatment.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):

This discoloration can fade over time on its own, especially with the help of sun protection. Topical treatments, chemical peels, and laser treatments can expedite the fading process. In many cases, PIH can be entirely eliminated.

Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE):

These red or pink spots can fade over time, and treatments like laser therapy can speed up the process. They have a higher likelihood of fading completely compared to atrophic or hypertrophic scars.

It’s essential to set realistic expectations when seeking treatment for acne scars. While modern dermatological procedures can achieve significant improvement, complete removal of deep scars is often not possible. However, the appearance and texture of scars can be greatly improved, making them much less noticeable.

Moreover, early intervention and treatment of active acne can prevent or minimise scar formation.