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Helpful Skin Treatment Resources
Acne Scars
Before & Afters
For those who seek to boost their confidence by revising their acne scars due to active acne, icepick and boxcar scars, and other skin scarring, check out some of our patients and how we helped them heal.
Non-Acne Scars
Before & Afters
For those who seek to boost their confidence by revising their non-acne scars from accidents, surgery, or other procedures, check out some of our patients & how we helped them heal their scarring.
Real People, Real Healing.
Patient Testimonials
We generate results for our customers
“Highly HIGHLY recommend this place for anyone who is struggling with acne scarring. All of the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, they really take the time to figure out what you need instead of pushing a bunch of expensive treatments on you. If you’re clear about what you want fixed, they’ll know the exact way to get it done, nothing more, nothing less, no fluff. Sarah was especially amazing during the treatment, she took extra time and got every single one of my scars – even the really small ones. She even touched up on a small scar on my nose which they didn’t charge me for. Plus her voice is very soothing so it makes the treatment a lot less stressful than I thought it would be. You can tell she genuinely cares about the patients.”
Chris H.
“Working with my crazy travel schedule, they adapted to my needs and made sure I got the best treatment possible for my skin. I can tell their team is dedicated to their work and passionate about every patient. Bottomline, I could see incredible differences in my skin after every treatment, and, by the end of my final Sculptra treatment, my scars were barely noticeable. I would 100% recommend the Scar Healing Institute and their specialized and revolutionary scar treatments to anyone seeking the best of the best.”
Sophia B.
“Before coming to the Scar Healing Institute I was very self conscious about my skin and would avoid looking in mirrors, taking photos of myself, and tried countless products that never filled the pothole scars left by my severe cystic acne. I came to this clinic defeated having tried and spent thousands on previous treatments. However, Dr. Hazany used a subcision and trifecta acne treatment approach that ended up elevating my sunken scars. Not only is Dr. Hazany an expert but his assistant Curtis along with the other staff are kind, they understand and can explain all the questions you have, and have awesome hospitality.”
Kevin J.
“I have suffered from pretty severe acne scars for the past 20 years. I pretty much gave up my journey until I discovered the Scar Healing Institute. Having a darker skin type (I’m African American), I felt like there weren’t many doctors who had the critical expertise in how to handle my skin. The docs here at the Scar Healing Institute developed a plan specifically for my skin. I still can’t believe that after 20 years, my skin could ever look this good. I am beyond happy with the results. The trip I made from Houston, TX was definitely worth it!”
Tasha J.
“I was diagnosed with discoid lupus erythematosus in high school. I didn’t see a dermatologist for years since I moved to the mainland for college, and unfortunately my blemish on my right cheek got worse. I decided it was time to get it back under control and saw a different dermatologist from 2019-2020 but there was little progress and I was very disappointed. I found one of the dermatologists at [SHI] via social media and reached out to see if they could help me. And they did!!! Lupus is something that can’t be cured but managed.. so I am very happy and impressed with the progress thus far! ”
Jen C.
“The doctors are experts in different types of scars and offer personalized approaches that involve multiple techniques. I had subcision with sculptra and am so pleased with the results. The scarring is now completely flat after one round of subcision. I still have a bit of redness as the area heals, but that is easily covered with makeup and will eventually fade. The doctors and staff are always so kind and helpful! I was incredibly nervous before the procedure and everyone was very reassuring. I would strongly recommend anyone struggling with scarring to reach out to the Scar Healing Institute.“
Laura V.
“After doing a lot of research, I came across this place and decided to go in for a consultation. Sarah (PA) and the team were welcoming, informative, and made me feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to treat my scar. After a few rounds of treatment, they delivered amazing results that far surpassed my expectations going in. Not only did they take care of the scar on my thigh, but they also removed keloids I had developed from ear piercings and had previously been too scared to get treated. It is a process, but the results are absolutely worth it. My visits to the Scar Healing Institute have all been pleasant and the team is one of a kind! Thank you to Sarah and her team!”
Anthony S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost everything you need to know about skin scar treatments and scar healing
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.
Fine lines and wrinkles appear on the face mainly due to the loss of collagen. The best way to improve this condition is collagen stimulation. There are a number of collagen stimulating treatments which ensure reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as well as make the skin look younger.
Some of such effective collagen stimulating treatments are Collagen Microneedling, Sculptra, Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, Laser Therapy, Sculptra, etc. All these are specially formulated treatments carried out under the guidance of expert dermatologists.
Collagen is responsible for keeping the skin tightened and smoothened. When the skin starts aging, the collagen amount decreases which gives rise to fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen accounts for about 80% of the human skin structure providing strength and firmness to the skin.
Especially type I and III collagen increase the skin elasticity more, thereby, minimizing the skin wrinkles and bringing a youthful glow. The best collagen stimulating treatments can effectively tighten the loose, saggy skin.
Having foods rich in amino acids and Vitamin C can increase the levels of both collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body. These two are crucial components to reduce skin aging. Foods like red peppers, kale, eggs, fish, dairy products, oranges, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, and broccoli are all rich in Vitamin C.
In addition to this, factors such as good sleep, weight lifting, and steam bath are some natural methods to boost collagen. Nevertheless, they are not as effective as collagen stimulating treatments.
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.
