Frequently Asked Questions about Skin 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.
You may have postoperative inflammation for up to 3 months after the procedure, so results will start to show at the 3 month mark. Collagen production will continue until the 12 month mark so it may take one year to see full results.
Subcision, like any medical procedure, carries potential risks such as bruising and temporary swelling, which usually subside within a week or two.
The topical anesthetic used during subcision will numb the area, making the procedure painless. However, some patients may experience slight bruising or swelling in the days following the treatment.
A combination of subcision and microneedling can give better results for different types of scars, as microneedling targets superficial boxcar scars while subcision targets rolling scars. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the specific type of scarring.
Yes, subcision can effectively improve rolling and boxcar acne scars by lifting scars that have been tied down.
The recovery time for a chemical peel varies based on the depth of the peel, but peeling usually occurs within 7 to 10 days.
You will typically need one to four sessions of chemical peels to effectively treat acne scars.
Yes, chemical peels can effectively aid in treating cystic acne by promoting exfoliation and addressing the root causes of this severe acne type.
The results vary on the type of chemical peels used and the type of scarring you have. Deep chemical peels such as CROSS are used as part of our Phase System treatment.
While chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, they cannot remove scars altogether. It’s important to manage expectations as no cosmetic treatment can completely eliminate scars.
Yes, dermabrasion can effectively remove scars caused by acne, surgery, injuries, and fine wrinkles, as well as improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. It may not be as effective for burn scars, especially those that extend to depths beyond the mid-reticular dermis.
Both procedures have their unique benefits and drawbacks. Traditional dermabrasion is better than microdermabrasion for significantly reducing wrinkles or scars, but it causes increased bleeding and requires extensive downtime compared to microdermabrasion, which does not require any downtime.
In general, dermabrasion results for scars can last for several years, but they are not entirely permanent. The visible improvement of scars can be long-lasting, especially with good skin care and sun protection. However, the exact duration varies by individual, and some may require additional treatments in the future. Treatment longevity varies based on individual factors like age and treatment response.
Dermabrasion is usually not painful during the procedure as your skin will be numbed, but you may experience some discomfort afterwards, similar to a bad sunburn, which can be managed with medication.
Dermabrasion is no longer performed at many offices because it requires a high level of operator knowledge and confidence. Advances in other exfoliation treatments, such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels, have surpassed dermabrasion in terms of safety and ease of administration. As a result, the procedure is becoming less popular among practitioners and patients alike. Still, it is a valuable technique when significant abrasion is necessary, as is often the case with deep acne scars.
Yes, punch excision leaves a small superficial scar, usually smaller than the original spot, and it can be effectively treated with cosmetic treatments.
The main difference is that punch grafting involves placing a donor skin graft over the excised area, while excision simply involves removing the affected scar with a punch tool. This differentiation helps in understanding the contrasting techniques and their outcomes.
No, punch excision does not hurt during the procedure. The only discomfort may be the prick of the needle during the injection of the anesthetic solution.
Punch excision wound healing typically takes around three months to complete, with the option for further scar improvement through laser resurfacing around 4 weeks post-procedure.
SHICROSS is intended to be done once, as the treatment causes the body to grow new skin in the affected areas, closing deep indentations or scars. The results are relatively fast and cost-effective as well.
Yes, CROSS treatment can be worth it for atrophic acne scars, especially for those with darker skin types.
The key difference between CROSS and a chemical peel is that CROSS targets individual acne scars using a high concentration of acid, while a chemical peel treats broader areas of the skin with lower concentrations of the acid.
TCA CROSS is a treatment for improving acne scars by using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to make individual scars less shallow. It is used as treatment for ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and may work for other types of acne scars and dilated pores. We do not offer TCA CROSS at SHI.
We do not use TCA CROSS as part of our acne scar treatment. Instead, we use SHICROSS, our chemical reconstruction formula suited for your acne scars.
Restylane works by adding volume under the skin to fill in areas where tissue has diminished, creating a smoothing and lifting effect.
The active ingredient in Restylane is hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring sugar in the skin that helps with hydration, fullness, and elasticity.
Restylane filler is good for smoothing smile lines, erasing wrinkles, treating marionette lines, smoothing crow’s feet, restoring volume to the face and hands, as well as augmenting the lips and enhancing the cheekbones.
Restylane filler can last for up to 1 year, depending on the specific product and treatment area. Generally, it can last anywhere from six to eighteen months, with more mobile areas like the lips lasting a shorter time than denser fillers.
The effects of Juvederm for acne scars usually last from 9 to 12 months, while certain products like Voluma may have longer-lasting effects of up to two years. So, the duration of the effects can vary depending on the specific Juvederm product.
Yes, fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, and Sculptra can be injected into the skin to fill in and lift depressed scars, creating smoother skin. This is because the fillers plump up and smooth the skin’s surface, similar to how they treat lines and wrinkles.
The best injections for scars are corticosteroid solutions, which can be directly injected into hypertrophic scars or keloids to reduce their size by breaking down collagen fibers. This can help reduce the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin.
Yes, dermal fillers can help break down scar tissue and make a permanent improvement to the appearance of scars. The injections can help break up scar tissue and boost collagen production, resulting in natural repair.
Yes, Juvéderm can work for boxcar acne scars by encouraging collagen regrowth and smoothing the skin texture, but it is not suitable for treating hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Yes, alternatives to HA fillers for scar treatment include autologous fat transfer.
HA fillers work by restoring volume with hyaluronic acid, mimicking the natural substance found in the skin to provide immediate volume and stimulate collagen production. This helps in scar treatment by filling in and promoting skin regeneration.
The cost of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers is approximately $794 on average, while non-hyaluronic acid fillers average around $1,039. Lip augmentation with dermal fillers has an average cost of $743, as per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The best fillers for scars approved by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Radiesse. These are recommended by highly acclaimed cosmetic surgeons in North America.
Yes, you can put injectable fillers in a scar to improve its appearance and fill in the depression. Bellafill® is a long-term filler approved for treating distensible acne scars.
“Pregnancy scars” are a casual term to describe stretch marks that arise from excessive pulling of the abdominal skin as the baby grows. Although hormonal changes during pregnancy increase skin elasticity to adapt to the growing belly and breasts, the rapid stretching of skin causes tears in the dermis, which is replaced by scar tissue. Stretch marks are not the only type of scars that can form from pregnancy. Scars from birth by cesarean section (C-section), for instance, are also common. Briefly, C-section is a procedure in which the surgeon delivers the baby through an incision made through the uterus and overlying abdominal skin. The incisional scar tends to heal and fade on its own but can persist and worsen over time like C-section scars. For the purposes of this blog, however, we will be focusing specifically on stretch marks.
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.
There are a plethora of cosmetic treatments that can reduce the wrinkles and fine lines with a side effect, increased collagen production. Sculptra, Microneedling, Laser Resurfacing treatments are such collagen stimulating therapies that can give the desired results.
Caffeine suppresses collagen production by preventing cell growth and interfering with cartilage development. This in turn affects the ability of the body to produce new collagen. With coffee, the molecular structure of collagen gets disrupted.
While numerous collagen products are popping out everywhere, if you are on collagen supplements, their desired health benefits get lowered. Also, excessive intake of coffee may bring aging symptoms to the skin.
Tapping is a type of facial relaxation technique that improves lymph flow and blood circulation to prevent wrinkles. It gives a natural, flushed glow to the skin. Since stress hormones break down Collagen, face tapping stimulates blood circulation thereby preventing aging and wrinkles.
In order to heal from regular damage, the skin cells need good blood circulation that’s linked to collagen production.
It’s very unfortunate that collagen levels tend to diminish with age and there’s no way to prevent this. Collagen loss starts in the early twenties. However, the good news is that you can restore or rebuild the lost collagen with some cosmetic treatments.
One of the most effective cosmetic treatments is Collagen Stimulating treatment. Some effective collagen stimulating treatments that can rebuild the lost collagen and improve wrinkles/fine lines are Microneedling, Sculptra, Laser Treatment, etc.
Sculptra is better than Dermal Fillers as it boosts Collagen production within the skin instead of adding just fullness or volume as fillers do. Although it seems like dermal filler, the ultimate goal of Sculptra is to add volume to the face while reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Injected in the deep strategic areas, Sculptra treats the primary cause of the loss of facial plumpness, that is, collagen loss instead of simply affecting the specific areas where the wrinkles and lines are prevalent.
Yes, some specially formulated collagen skin creams work well on wrinkles. They help to fill in the fine lines and wrinkles. Actually, when the skin is plump and hydrated, it prevents wrinkles from forming.
Collagen creams function as moisturizers and can be used along with other skin care regimes as a part of an anti-aging routine. However, they can’t vanish the wrinkles completely but can improve their condition.
What is Acne?
How does acne form on the skin?
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 these scars from leaving a negative mark on your life.
What are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are a common consequence of acne. They can occur as the result of inflammation within the dermis, damage to the collagen fibers, or abnormal healing. Acne scars take on many different shapes and sizes, and their appearance can vary depending on their type.
Some common symptoms of acne scars include:
- Discoloration or redness in the affected area
- A raised or sunken appearance to the skin
- Thickening of the skin in the affected area
- A rough or pitted texture to the skin
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 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.
What are the causes of Acne Scars?
Acne scars are caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and the type of acne you have. Here are some of the most common causes of acne scars:
- Genetics: If you have a family history of acne or other skin conditions, you may be more likely to develop acne scars.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs can all increase your risk of developing acne scars.
- The type of acne you have: Some types of acne are more likely to lead to scarring than others. For example, deep cystic acne is more likely to cause scars than milder forms of acne.
How do your Prevent and Manage Acne Scars?
Acne scars can be a real pain, not just physically but also emotionally. They can make you feel self-conscious and cause you to lose confidence in your appearance. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent and manage your acne scars. By following these tips, you can help prevent and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Keep your hands off your face: By touching your face, you can make acne scars worse. So, it’s important to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
- Get to know your skin: It’s important to understand your skin type so you can treat it accordingly. If you have oily skin, for example, you may need to wash your face more often than someone with dry skin.
- Get professional help: If home remedies haven’t been working, it may be time to see a dermatologist or healthcare professional to understand the overlying or underlying causes of your acne. We can help find a solution to your acne or recommend other treatments that may help improve the appearance of your scars.
How Can I Prevent Future Scarring from Happening?
Scarring is more common with poorly resolved cystic or nodular acne. In addition, it has an even greater likelihood of occurring when irritated or squeezed. Therefore, the first step to prevent scarring is to simply leave your acne lesions alone. It is difficult at first, but is worth the patience at the end.
At the same time, it is also important to ensure that your acne lesions do not become over-inflamed. The prolonged inflammation of your active acne will also increase scarring. Steroid injections, notably kenalog injections, are highly effective in quelling inflammation of your acne and thereby limit scarring.
How Do I Know What Type of Acne Scar I Have?
Our specialists at Scar Healing Institute can help identify your acne scar or scarring. We will work with you to create a plan that will help you achieve both mental and physical healing. Find out more!
If you are concerned that you may have acne scars, it is important to consult with a dermatologist or other skin care professional. Our dermatologists will be able to assess your skin and determine if you have any scarring.
