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.
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.
