SCAR HEALING & ACNE SCAR TREATMENT PROCEDURES

Acne Scar Treatment Anaheim

Acne Scar Treatment Los Angeles

Feel Good in Your Skin Again With Personalized Acne Scar Treatment in Anaheim.

Acne scars can significantly impact both your appearance and self-esteem. Even after active breakouts have subsided, these persistent scars can leave lasting emotional effects.

At the Scar Healing Institute in Long Beach, our skilled dermatologists collaborate with you to develop a customized treatment plan that delivers lasting results. We understand that scar healing is a complex process, and we’re proud to offer cutting-edge acne scar treatments to help transform your skin.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward achieving clear, scar-free skin with the Scar Healing Institute!

See Real Results: Acne Scar Treatment Before & After

JK2 SHI 94 - Acne Scarring Active Acne Patient Results Scar Healing
AP2 SHI 88 - Acne Scarring Active Acne Patient Results Scar Healing
DC SHI 95 - Acne Scarring Active Acne Patient Results Scar Healing

Types of Acne Scars We Treat

Icepick Acne Scars

Icepick scars are narrow, deep marks that occur when severe acne, particularly cystic acne, damages the deeper layers of the skin. These scars are usually V-shaped and, as the name implies, resemble small puncture wounds made by an ice pick. Due to their depth, icepick scars can be more resistant to treatment compared to other types of acne scars, often necessitating procedures like CROSS or microneedling to achieve visible improvement.

Boxcar Acne Scars

Boxcar scars are characterized by broad, shallow indentations with well-defined, sharp edges. These scars usually have rounded or oval shapes and form when acne leads to the loss of skin tissue, creating crater-like depressions. Although less deep than icepick scars, the sharp edges of boxcar scars often make them stand out. Treatments like subcision, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing are generally the most effective options for enhancing their appearance and promoting smoother skin.

Rolling Acne Scars

Rolling scars are marked by wide, wavy indentations that create a subtly uneven texture on the skin. These scars form when fibrous tissue beneath the surface tethers the skin, causing it to sag or ripple. Unlike the sharp, defined edges of icepick or boxcar scars, rolling scars have smoother, more gradual slopes. Due to the fibrous connections under the skin, these scars can be difficult to treat, but subcision is a highly effective method to smooth the skin’s surface and enhance its texture.

Advanced Acne Scar Treatments Available in Anaheim

Laser Scar Treatments

Laser skin resurfacing utilizes powerful beams of energy to promote skin cell turnover and new collagen production, helping to improve the appearance of scars. At the Scar Healing Institute, we offer non-ablative lasers for dyspigmentation and ablative lasers for textural issues. Some of our most popular options for our patients in Anaheim include CO2, Fotona 4D, Er:YAG, and Nd:YAG lasers—each suited for a different aspect of scarring. 

Laser treatment works well for raised scars, penetrating deeply to destroy scar tissue and decrease volume. Regarding acne scars, we typically use lasers as the “final touch” to smooth over remaining imperfections. Occasionally, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.

CROSS Treatments

Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scarring (CROSS) in Anaheim involves applying a high concentration of chemicals, often phenol or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), at the base of each individual acne scar. This induces a localized chemical reaction, which encourages collagen production, helping atrophic scars regain volume. CROSS is an incredibly precise acne scar treatment that spares the healthy surrounding skin, only targeted scarred regions.

Post-procedure, the healing skin is especially vulnerable, so patients must avoid sun exposure. Although uncommon, patients may experience temporary pigmentary changes or even widening of scars if the treatment is not performed correctly. At the Scar Healing Institute, our skilled SHI CROSS providers take every precaution to minimize these risks.

Acne Scar Subcision

Subcision short for subcutaneous incisionless surgery, is a non-invasive surgical procedure. The provider inserts a hypodermic needle or cannula underneath the skin to sever fibrous bands tethering scars to deeper layers. In doing so, subcision releases the scars, allowing them to rise back up to the level of the rest of the skin. 

Subcision in Anaheim can be customized to target scars at the superficial, middle, or deep layers. Depending on your selection, local numbing and tumescent anesthesia may be used to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. 

At the Scar Healing Institute, our advanced SHI LIFT procedure targets the most severe scars with the patented Hazany liberator. In the first couple of weeks after the procedure, patients may experience swelling, redness, and soreness. The final results typically are not visible until at least two months after the treatment.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an aggressive skin resurfacing treatment that uses a specialized instrument to “sand” down the skin. This abrasive treatment completely removes the top of the skin, smoothing out rough texture from scarring and allowing for the growth of a new healthy layer. This acne scar treatment in Anaheim can be customized, but typically is ideal for boxcar scars. While recovery varies depending on the individual, the skin typically re-epithelializes in two weeks, with residual redness lasting several months. 

Punch Excision

Punch excision uses a small, round tool to “punch out” an indented scar. Depending on the size and site, sutures may be used to close the wound, leaving behind a flat linear scar. For deep acne scars that have not responded to other procedures, punch excision can be effective. This technique is minimally invasive compared to surgical options and is much more precise, targeting only 1-3 mm areas of scar tissue. 

Injectables

We offer numerous injectable treatments for acne scars at the Scar Healing Institute. Our signature SHI STIM procedure in Anaheim uses poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), known by the brand name Sculptra, to stimulate collagen production.

A common misconception is that Sculptra is a dermal filler, but it is actually a biostimulant. Rather than artificially creating volume, Sculptra encourages your body to produce its natural structural proteins to refresh and revitalize the skin.

How Much Does Acne Scar Treatment Cost in Anaheim?

The cost of acne scar treatment in Anaheim varies depending on many factors, including treatment type and scar severity. Certain procedures, such as subcision and dermabrasion, are more complex and more expensive compared to less invasive treatments like anti-inflammatory injections.

Schedule your consultation with the Scar Healing Institute now to get a detailed rundown of pricing for your tailored acne scar treatment!

Scar Healing Pattern

What to Expect During Your Acne Scar Treatment at Scar Healing Institute

During your consultation, our acne scar experts will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your scarring using techniques such as dermoscopic imaging, professional photography, and Ultrasound. We will also review your specific goals and your medical history, including previous treatments and any allergies, to ensure we select the most appropriate treatment for you. Afterward, we will create your personalized treatment timeline. 

Once we have agreed upon the plan, we’ll explain how to prepare for your acne scar treatment in Anaheim. Depending on your skin type and current skincare regimen, this may include avoiding sun exposure, discontinuing the use of harsh products, or using a lightening agent as a pre-treatment.

Finding a team that understands your skin, and your body is key.

What to Expect After Treatment: Acne Scar Healing & Care Tips

Acne scar treatment aftercare varies based on the intensity of your procedure. Nonetheless, adherence is important for successful healing and optimal results. General guidelines involve staying out of the sun to avoid pigmentary issues—a common concern for people of color. A lightening agent may be prescribed as another precautionary step. Additionally, refraining from physical activity allows your skin time to recover. 

For more advanced acne scar treatments, such as our SHI LIFT, aftercare will include additional instructions. Suctioning, massaging, and wearing a facial compression garment are all vital to ensure proper healing. Ultimately, your provider will customize your post-care instructions based on your lifestyle and their professional assessment.

Why Scar Healing Institute is the Trusted Choice for Acne Scar Treatment in Anaheim

Scar treatment is an incredibly niche field, but at the Scar Healing Institute, scars are all we’re focused on. We recognize that everybody’s experiences are different and we pride ourselves on providing personalized treatment using the latest cutting-edge technology. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all approach, our specialists thoroughly evaluate your skin to determine the most effective treatment for your specific concerns.

The Scar Healing Institute has over 10 years of experience delivering real results for all types of scars in Anaheim. Our team is dedicated to answering your questions, providing guidance, and helping you stay on track to achieve the best possible results. We take the time to educate you about the healing process and offer continuous support to ensure you are completely satisfied with your progress.

Anisha Scar Healing Institute

Transform Your Skin – Book Your Acne Scar Consultation

At the Scar Healing Institute, we are dedicated to helping you restore your natural glow and achieve smoother, clearer skin. Our expert team combines advanced technology with personalized treatments to effectively target acne scarring. Whether your scars are recent or have been present for years, we have tailored solutions for you. 

Take the first step toward renewed confidence and happiness—schedule your acne scar treatment consultation in Anaheim today.

Common Questions About Acne Scar Treatment

Healing and collagen remodeling are gradual processes, so full results may take 3-6 months. Ultimately, the time depends on scar depth, treatment type, and your skin’s response. Oftentimes, touch-up treatments are needed to maintain results as you grow older. 

At the Scar Healing Institute, patient comfort is of the utmost importance. Depending on your personal preferences, we offer many different numbing options, from laughing gas to topical gel to general anesthesia. Post-procedure pain can often be managed simply by following aftercare instructions or with over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Although scar treatments can greatly improve your appearance, it’s essential to keep in mind that your skin changes as you age. Collagen production inevitably declines over time, creating wrinkles and sagging that may accentuate scarring. Furthermore, if additional breakouts occur after treatment, this could cause new scarring. 

We recommend getting your active acne under control before starting acne scar treatment. If not, more scars could form while we are treating old ones, creating an endless cycle of treating and breaking out. Therefore, it is better to stabilize your skin for better results in the long run. 

Taking a proactive approach to treating active acne and addressing its root causes is crucial. Lifestyle and dietary adjustments can often have a significant impact on improving your skin’s health. At the Scar Healing Institute, we offer a range of treatments for active acne, including anti-inflammatory injections and medical-grade facials. It’s also vital to avoid picking at affected areas and to consistently apply sun protection to prevent further skin damage.

Acne scars form when the skin is damaged during a breakout. Inflammation from acne can harm the deeper layers of skin, and the body may produce too much or too little collagen while healing. This leads to raised or depressed scars, respectively. Picking or squeezing pimples can also worsen scarring. 

Areas We Serve

Long Beach
Anaheim
San Diego
Riverside
Santa Ana
Irvine
San Marino