How Long Does It Take to See Results From Acne Scar Treatments?
Acne breakouts can be a difficult and long battle to tackle. Severe acne induces damage the the skin and underlying tissue that causes the skin to develop scars. Considering that most acne begins during our adolescence, the resulting acne scars are something that may persist for several years without treatment. The history behind these scars can bear a psychological toll or affect the self-confidence of those affected. Naturally, many hope to treat these scars as soon as possible.
It is important to note that acne scar treatment is a gradual process. The Scar Healing Institute prioritizes safe, conservative treatments that show wonderful results without additional harm to the skin.
Safe & Effective Treatment
The Scar Healing Institute values safe and gradual treatment. Our medical providers have formulated a system that focuses on long-lasting and effective treatment for acne scars that provide worthwhile results.
SHI Scar Phase Out System
SHI CROSS
Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scarring (CROSS) involves the use of a high concentration of chemicals, typically phenol. This type of acne scar treatment induces controlled inflammation that breaks down scar tissue and stimulates collagen production, helping to raise scars to the level of healthy skin. This technique targets only the scar, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The SHI CROSS does an excellent job for targeting any type of atrophic scarring, but ice pick scars and boxcar scars have shown great response to this treatment.
SHI STIM
We utilize Poly-L-Lactic Acid biostimulatory filler injections to restore volume and thickness to the skin in areas affected by collagen loss. This treatment involved the inserting of a needle beneath the skin to distribute the right amount of the Poly-L-Lactic Acid. SHI STIM helps to restore volume and supports the results of larger procedures targeting depressed acne scars.
SHI LIFT
Subcision involves inserting a hypodermic needle or cannula beneath the skin to break up the fibrous bands that anchor scars to deeper tissue. This type of acne scar removal can address superficial, mid, or deep layers of skin, depending on the severity of the scarring. This procedure is ideal to treat rolling scars.
Subcision also stimulates collagen, helping to lift scars to the level of surrounding healthy skin. Post-procedure recovery typically includes swelling, and swelling, with full healing taking 1-2 weeks, though visible results can take several months to fully appear.
Dermabrasion is a resurfacing treatment that uses a rotating abrasive tool to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, smoothing rough texture and improving the appearance of scars, best suited for boxcar scars specifically. By removing damaged skin, it stimulates collagen production, promoting healthier, more even skin. Recovery time varies, with redness and swelling usually subsiding within a few weeks and results becoming more noticeable over time.
A punch excision is a surgical technique that uses a small, circular tool to remove scar tissue. The wound created is typically closed with sutures or left to heal naturally, depending on the size and location of the excised area. This type of acne scar removal is particularly effective for atrophic scars, like deep acne scars, that may not respond well to other treatments. Unlike broader surgical excision, this is a precise technique that targets only the scarred tissue, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin.
SHI LASE
Laser treatment utilizes high-energy beams to stimulate collagen production and eliminate dead skin cells, helping to improve the texture of scars. Non-ablative laser therapy is often performed for addressing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation that develops as a result of acne breakouts. At the Scar Healing Institute, we offer a range of lasers, including Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, CO2, Thulium, Pico, and Fotona4D, each designed to address different aspects of scarring.
Hypertrophic scars are caused by too much collagen production as a response to injury or irritation, resulting in scars than raise beyond the height of the rest of the skin. For these raised acne scars, most common treatment is to begin with steroid injections to help flatten the raised tissue. After making the skin’s surface even, laser resurfacing can be considered to refine the overall skin texture.
When Can I See Results?
The immediate downtime after most treatments for acne scars ranges between 1-3 weeks. At this point, any irritation, bruising, or swelling has subsided, and one may find it difficult to see immediate results. Significant improvement can be observed in 3-6 months but can vary depending on scar depth, treatment type, and your skin’s unique response. Most of the procedures used for treating acne scars stimulate the skin, triggering a healing response that encourages the body to lay down collagen fibers in the areas of treatment. This process requires time and patience and the skin heals.
It’s important to be patient and realistic, as scar treatments don’t work overnight, and healing and collagen production takes time. Additionally, most patients with acne scarring require more than one treatment to achieve the results they would like to see. The characteristics of skin varies from patient to patient. Similarly, not all acne scars respond the same to treatment. For deeper scars, repeated treatments may be necessary to help gradually lift the scars over time.
Acne Scar Treatment at the Scar Healing Institute
The most safe and effective treatment for acne scars begins at the Scar Healing Institute. Our scar experts are dedicated to creating a treatment plan tailored to your specific acne scarring types. With over 10 years of scar healing experience, our providers have seen many types of acne scars across various skin tones. With many treatment options, our team works together to implement the Phase System with your acne scars in mind. Our goal is to provide the most efficient timeline of treatment, without overwhelming the skin and posing risk of developing scars or damage.
Beginning scar treatment may feel daunting or overwhelming. Our providers are ready to help guide you through your scar healing journey every step of the way. We focus not only on treating acne scars, but healing the history behind them and allowing you to feel confident in your own skin. The commitment you make with scar treatment is a long-term investment that will provide you with beautiful results that last.
