Acne Scar Treatments Available at SHI for Skin of Color
Patients with Skin of Color are at a disproportionately high risk for developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following injury to the skin, whether it be through acne or acne scar treatments themselves. A majority of people in the world from diverse heritages have skin of color. Therefore, additional safety measures must be put in place when approaching their acne scar treatments. Many people try to treat their acne scars through home remedies but this can even further destroy the texture of the skin.
Our top acne scar dermatologists in Beverly Hills, California strictly suggest that our patients stay away from trying any kind of home remedies before talking to us. Visiting our scar healing and therapy clinic in California is far wiser than doing varied kinds of experiments on your skin. Using a variety of techniques might make your scar look more intense. Get the professional medical help of the best team for your scar treatment. Let us check out the some of the treatments provided here at Scar Healing Institute.
Our Proprietary Acne Scar Treatments
Meet The Acne Scar Phase-Out System
Our proprietary phase system is specifically designed to attack acne scars from all angles: chemical reconstruction from the top-down and physical reconstruction from the bottom-up and from the side. We pride ourselves in our meticulous, personalized, and longitudinal approach to treating your scars.
Acne Scar Treatments & Procedures for Skin of Color
While our proprietary phase system is highly customizable and flexible for patients, we recognize that patients may benefit from other procedures as well. Explore these treatment options below and see if they may be right for you!
Acne Scars on Skin of Color
How does acne form on skin of color?
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition resulting from trapped excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the hair follicle. Acne breakouts can manifest in multiple forms, including blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled pimples, and nodules.
Below are common symptoms of acne:
- Formation of cysts
- Crusting of skin bumps
- Small red bumps with yellow or white pus at the tip
- Papules or small red bumps
- Scarring on the skin
- Whiteheads and blackheads
- Itchy, red flakes on the skin
- Redness and soreness around the eruptions
Acne scar marks on your skin can be depressing. These acne scars often times remain visible even after your scar is long gone, which can be devastating for you and your mental health. Scars being visible on your skin can also affect your daily confidence.
Acne is caused among individuals due to a variety of reasons. It can be a change in location, hormonal conditions, climate change, dietary issues, and others. For many acne happen pretty frequently, leaving a lot of marks on their skin and a huge impact on their life. Scar Healing Institute is a reputed acne scar treatment clinic in California that helps you to get rid of your trouble and flaunt your confident self, without holding back.
Acne scars can also be caused by the inflammation of acne blemishes. When the acne pore swells, a breakdown occurs in the walls of the pore. During this breakdown, sometimes the content of the blemishes spill into the nearby tissues, causing deep scars.
Some interesting facts about acne scar marks:
- Around 80% of people between ages 11 and 30 are affected by acne scar marks.
- Shockingly, 85% of all people live their life with acne, which negatively affects their confidence.
- Acne outbreaks mostly occur on the face, shoulders, back, or chest.
- More than 40% of people experience acne by their mid-teens, and further into adulthood.
Acne scars are tough and stubborn. Only the top dermatologists in California can prevent the scars to leave a mark on your life, with their acne scar treatment.
Offering the best scar removal treatment in California, Scar Healing Institute aims to help its patients to fight acne scars.
Do you still have troubles with your acne scars? Contact us and begin your journey into healing.
Acne Scars & Treatments for Skin of Color
How do acne scars form differently on skin of color?
Acne scars can affect everyone. However, raised scars, also known as hypertrophic scars or keloid scars, disproportionately affect darker-skinned patients. In fact, darker-skinned individuals are 15% more likely to develop keloid scars than their lighter-skinned counterparts. There are a variety of factors that may contribute to this statistic, including differences in skin physiology, genetics, location of scarring, and the list goes on. More studies are needed to determine the exact causes for such disparities in risk for developing keloid scars among different ethnicities?
That’s why the experts at our scar revision clinic in California follow a person-centric approach to curing acne scars with utmost care.
Top Treatments for Acne Scars on Skin of Color
What are the best acne scar treatments for skin of color?
There are a variety of acne scar treatments available for treating darker-skinned individuals. One common complication to look out for is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or in simple terms, skin darkening. The following are treatments that are known to have a disproportionately high risk of hyperpigmentation. In order to achieve the best results, we implement the SHI Scar Phase Out System.
Acne scars result from more severe forms of acne, notably cystic acne. People who pick or squeeze their acne can cause additional damage to their skin, which causes an even stronger inflammatory response. According to many studies, prolonged inflammation is linked to more extensive scarring. Therefore, it is important for patients to refrain from touching their blemishes to prevent further scarring down the line.
The three most common types of acne scars we do treatment for are ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. These scars have one thing in common: they all dip below the level of surrounding healthy skin due to the depletion of collagen. Because of this, with certain lighting, these dipped scars can cast noticeable shadows on the face and be aesthetically displeasing.
Laser Resurfacing Therapy on Skin of Color
What is a Laser Resurfacing Treatment for Acne Scars?
Laser resurfacing is an energy-based acne scar therapy option. There are a variety of different laser options available at the Scar Healing Institute:
- Erbium:YAG
- Carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser
- Fractional laser
- Fully-ablative laser
Lasers are best suited for superficial acne scarring on skin of color. Topical hydroquinone therapy can help ameliorate or even prevent post-laser hyperpigmentation or discoloration. Such risks are minimal if you adhere to strict sun avoidance and protection guidelines. But before going with laser, it is important to see if your acne scars will likely respond to treatments. Deeper acne scars, such as deep boxcar scars for instance, require more aggressive frontline treatments before we proceed with “skin-polishing” lasers.
CROSS Treatment for Skin of Color
What is the SHI CROSS Treatment?
CROSS stands for Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scarring. This is a special technique in which a deep chemical peel is applied focally to each individual scar, as opposed to traditional field application. In the process, the healthy skin surrounding the scars are spared and rapidly heals the treated scars. There are a variety of deep chemical peels. The two most popular are:
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
- Phenol
Studies have shown that TCA can potentially cause widening of scars in a split-face study comparing TCA and phenol. In the same study, it was shown that phenol produced similar results to TCA but with less complications. Therefore, the use of phenol in CROSS application has become increasingly popular.
At Scar Healing Institute, we prepare our own proprietary deep chemical peel formula. Regardless, the risk of hyperpigmentation is still considerable no matter what precautions are taken. But do not fear, in order to prevent PIH, our team works with a special third-party pharmacy to compound a lightening cream for all of our patients to use.
More Treatments for Acne Scars on Skin of Color
Acne Removal Treatment for Ice Pick Scars on Skin of Color
Ice pick scars are the most difficult to treat acne scars. It is due to their depth of penetration and narrowness. At Scar Healing Institute, the best scar treatment center in California, your acne removal for ice pick scars is done by the experts. These scars often respond to treatments like phenol CROSS treatment and punch excision treatment.
CROSS “Chemical reconstruction of skin scars” is used for treating this scar. It is considered the best acne scar remodeling technique. Through this chemical peel for acne scars technique our best team of dermatologists in Beverly Hills, apply a high concentration of chemical or acid to the base of each of the acne scar tissues. The method is conducted with all precautions to leave the healthy tissue unaffected by the strong acid. Our CROSS-acne scar treatment is done through a specific formula mix, which is produced in our office.
Another method of treatment used for Ice Pick Acne Scars is Punch Excision. Through this process, our expert dermatologists in California, physically remove the scar tissue. The process involves the use of a “cookie-cutter” blade to “punch” the skin. The patients are treated after giving local anesthesia, followed by the punch excision for acne scars treatment done through a tool.
If your car is less than 3 millimeters, then punch excision is the ideal method of acne scar treatment for you.
Acne Removal Treatment for Boxcar Scars on Skin of Color
Boxcar scars, being the most common acne scars, can be treated through a variety of procedures. Our expert dermatologists at Scar Healing Institute guarantees to help you get rid of your scars through a variety of treatment that is customized together for your skin. Subcision, punch excision, and collagen stimulators are the most effective boxcar scar treatments available on the market.
Subcision scar treatment is the process through which the dermatologists insert a hypodermic needle into your skin to manually tear apart the fibrotic strands that tether the scar tissue to the subdermal layer. The treatment is accomplished within a few hours, resulting in healthy and flawless skin for you to flaunt. The needle when inserted into the skin is moved side-by-side to release the scar tissue from the basement layer. It promotes collagen production which supports the underneath scarred areas.
Punch Excision is also helpful for acne removal for Boxcar scars. Patients with narrow or deep boxcar scars are the ideal candidates for this process. Using the punch technique, our dermatologists, provide their expert services to enhance the scar treatment. We recommend combining chemical peel treatment and subcision scar treatment with the punch excision to experience an amazing result.
Collagen Stimulators or Sculptra acne scar treatment enhances the overall treatment of your acne scar marks. At Scar Healing Institute, we provide collagen injections for acne scars that contain the chemical “poly L-lactic acid”. It is a compound required for enhancing the promotion of collagen production. Collagen scar removal is an effective collagen-stimulating treatment for the skin. As we gradually tend to lose collagen, wrinkling, sagging, and thinning of skin occurs. To restore the skin to its previous form, collagen production needs to be boosted in the skin.
Acne Removal Treatment for Rolling Scars on Skin of Color
Scar Healing Institute, the top scar treatment clinic in California, provides the best treatment for rolling scars. It is often referred to as the softest among the different other scar types. The best acne healing treatment for rolling scars is subcision, followed by collagen stimulation.
Subcision acne scars treatment helps in breaking the fibrotic strands in the underneath layer. Through this treatment, the dermatologists help to ease the acne scar removal process for you. Subcision breaks the scar tissues in the superficial, or middle layer of the skin. It allows the scarred areas to lift to the normal skin level. Collagen stimulating injections at Scar Healing Institute are available at affordable costs, making them affordable for all patients.
Collagen stimulating treatments have proved to be effective for rolling scars. At Scar Healing Institute, we provide an unmatchable collagen stimulation therapy, we boost collagen production to help your skin restore its volume and elasticity. It gives you a youthful appearance, free from your acne scar marks. The procedure is painless and after the procedure, the patients are given ice to further reduce any pain that they feel or bring a halt to excessive bleeding.
Other alternatives available for Acne Scars
Alternative approaches to resolving acne scars in skin of color, like surgery, tend to have a lower risk of hyperpigmentation, as opposed to chemical- and laser-based treatments which have a higher tendency of activating melanocytes. Some treatment options that SHI might explore with you include:
Surgery
Surgical approaches to acne scarring include the following:
- Subcision
- Dermabrasion
- Microdermabrasion
- Microneedling
- Punch excision
- Punch elevation
- Punch grafting
Scar Healing Institute will examine your skin to see if you are an ideal candidate for scar tissue removal surgery using the techniques above. Typically, we have found that most patients require a combination of treatments to get the best results. Due to the unique facial characteristic of Asian patients, the Scar Healing Institute meticulously crafts the most effective surgical treatment plan for your skin type.
Steroid and Peptide Injections
This might be a great option for further stubborn skin of color that is remaining scarred
Injecting steroid injections in the scar areas makes the scar marks and dark spots less visible.
Steroid and peptide injections contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that are uniquely designed to calm the inflammatory and excessive tissue growth response in raised acne scars (hypertrophic acne scars). This is especially effective for Skin of Color patients with large masseter, or “chewing” muscles, which can lead to continually growing keloid scars on the jaw. Our proprietary cocktail is many times stronger than conventional steroid injections. Our team of expert dermatologists will examine your scars to determine what is the optimal therapeutic concentration.
Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Injections
What are anti-inflammatory peptide injections?
Anti-inflammatory peptides are injectables that are administered directly into active acne to reduce redness and swelling. Because these peptides are strong anti-inflammatory agents, they can also be used to treat both active acne breakouts and hypertrophic and keloid scars, all of which are inflammatory disorders of the skin.
How do peptides work?
Peptides can be mixed with other strong anti-inflammatory agents, such as steroids (or Kenalog). Together, these compounds stunt the body’s natural inflammatory response at the site of injection, effectively reducing redness and/or swelling. This flattens out the raised acne or scar lesions within 4 to 8 hours of treatment. Injections are performed with a very small needle, so no anesthetic or downtime is required.
Are peptides right for me?
People with more severe acne breakouts are the best candidates for peptide injections. Notably, people who have recurrent cystic or nodular acne (painful types of acne that burrow deep into the skin) can benefit most from these injections.
The same process can be done for hypertrophic and keloid scars. These scars are chronically inflamed lesions that respond well to peptide injections. Because these injections are non-invasive, these are an excellent first-line therapy before surgical procedures are considered.
However, if you are a patient who has a peptide/steroid allergy, then other treatment options, such as manual acne extraction, should be explored. Patients with any active skin infection or disease should also avoid peptide injections until they have resolved their skin condition.
What are the risks for peptide injections?
Peptide injections are known to be a highly safe and effective treatment option for patients with active acne or hypertrophic scarring. In rare cases, patients receiving peptide injections may experience redness, irritation, pain, dryness, flaking, crusting, hypopigmentation, and/or local hair growth. These are often signs that your body is acclimating to the peptide treatment. We will cover the side effects and actions we take to minimize complications during your consultation.
How long will I need to have peptide injections?
Peptide injections work rapidly and can noticeably reduce inflammation within hours of receiving the injection. However, the overall number of peptide injections that you will need depends on how often you break out. Some patients have occasional acne breakouts and thus only receive peptide injections as needed. Other patients have recurrent acne breakouts, requiring regular peptide injections. At the Scar Healing Institute, we try to avoid giving you frequent peptide injections by placing you on a special diet with herbal supplements, which are proven to be effective in maintaining clear skin.
The number and concentration of peptide injections for hypertrophic scars will depend on their severity. We will have to evaluate your scars during your consultation before we determine the frequency and intervals for your peptide injections.
What is the cost of peptide injections?
The cost of peptide injections are based on a variety of factors, including the number and severity of the acne. During your consultation, we will determine these factors and work with you to determine how many sites require treatment.
Filler Injections
Why use filler injections?
Soft-tissue augmentation with dermal fillers is a common treatment approach for acne scars. There are different filler subclasses based on the length of clinical efficacy:
- Short-Lasting (Temporary): Hyaluranic Acid (HA), Bovine/Porcine-sourced collagen
- Semipermanent: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
- Long-Lasting (Permanent): Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Choosing to inject filler is a delicate play between safety and duration of results. Safer fillers are shorter-lasting, whereas other fillers are riskier but provide longer-lasting results. When determining what filler to inject, safety is of utmost importance to the Scar Healing Institute.
The Cost of Acne Scar Treatments
What are the costs of Acne Scar Treatments at Scar Healing Institute?
The cost of acne scar treatment is dependent on a variety of factors, many of which will be determined at your first consultation. Factors include:
- Depth and distribution of scarring
- Type/Number of treatments required
- Expectation of improvement
The Scar Healing Institute is the most popular scar revision clinic in California, specializing in acne scar treatment for Asian skin. At your initial consultation, our expert dermatologists will create a customized plan for your acne scar treatment, with all associated costs and trips required to get the results you are looking for.
F.A.Q. about Acne Scar Treatments
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that will help you on this journey of healing your acne scars.
As this is an optional and very last phase of treatment for patients, most will only require one to three rounds of laser treatment, but this will vary for every patient. At your consultation and throughout the treatment process, we will discuss laser options depending on how much treatment is required to finalize your scar healing process.
Patients will start to notice results 3 to 6 months after treatment. Afterwards, the results will persist anywhere between 3 to 5 years. Some patients may need a touch-up during that time period for results to last longer.
Laser scar removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses light energy to either remove scar tissue or stimulate the production of collagen, resulting in smoother skin regeneration.
It typically takes 4-6 sessions of laser scar treatment to see significant results, and it may take several months after the full round of treatment to achieve the desired outcome.
The most effective laser for scar removal is the fractional erbium laser, as it has been shown to be highly effective in treating scars. Other options include Fotona Starwalker, Fraxel Re:Store Laser, Candela V-Beam Laser, and Lumenis Ultrapulse Encore for specific types of scarring. Ablative laser resurfacing with CO2 or Er:YAG lasers has also been effective for traumatic and surgical scars.
Laser scar removal can be slightly irritating during the treatment, with minimal pain similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin. After a few minutes, your skin becomes used to the pain and you don’t feel it anymore.
Yes, laser treatment can be effective in reducing the appearance of scars, but it cannot completely remove a scar. The type of laser used and the timing of the treatment are important factors for optimal results.
If you’re struggling with acne scars, you might be wondering if micro-needling can help. Microneedling is a skin treatment that involves using a device to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can promote collagen production and help improve the appearance of scars.
There’s no guarantee that micro-needling will work for everyone, but it may be worth a try if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional scar treatments.
Laser treatments are a popular choice for treating acne scars, as they can be quite effective in reducing their appearance. However, it’s important to remember that laser treatment is not a cure-all, and it may not completely remove your scars. But, with proper treatment, it can certainly help improve their appearance and give you the confidence boost you need.
Acne scars can be permanent, but there are treatments available to help minimize their appearance. lasers and other resurfacing treatments can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of scars. Injections of fillers can also help to plump up depressions in the skin caused by scars.
If you’re struggling with acne scars, you might be wondering if a dermatologist can help. The answer is: yes! Dermatologists are skin care experts, and they can provide you with treatments that can improve the appearance of your scars. Some of the things a dermatologist can do for acne scars include:
- Prescribe topical creams or ointments to help heal scars.
- Perform laser therapy to resurface the skin and improve scarring.
- Inject fillers into scars to make them less visible.
- If you’re concerned about your acne scars, make an appointment with Scar Healing institute. We are having a team of top dermatologists in California to discuss your treatment options.
There are many treatments for acne scars, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best treatment for you will depend on the type and severity of your scars, as well as your skin type and other factors. Some common treatments include topical creams and gels, laser resurfacing, micro-needling, and fillers. Talk to your dermatologist about which option might be best for you.
