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About Acne Scar Therapy
Acne scarring is a frustrating problem for both patients and physicians. It has a high prevalence (up to 95% in studies) and can be psychologically devastating to patients with severe cases. The cause of acne scarring is complex and poorly understood. The team at Vivida Dermatology has a special interest in the treatment of acne scars in patients of all races and skin types. We understand that every acne scarring patient cannot be approached in the same way—each case must be carefully evaluated, treated by the most appropriate modality, and monitored closely postoperatively for side effects.
Acne Scar Therapy Q&A
Vivida Dermatology offers comprehensive treatment of acne scarring. Treatments offered include: subcision, Fractional CO2 laser, chemical peels, fillers injected underneath scars, and mini-excisions of large scars. Our providers have participated in clinical studies on various acne scarring treatments. During your consultation, your specific scars are categorized (rolling, boxcar, icepick, hypopigmented, etc) and a treatment plan will be tailored for your specific skin tone and scars, which can significantly improve the appearance of the skin.
Fractional CO2 Lasers
Fractional lasers have revolutionized the treatment of acne scarring. The procedure involves the delivery of a laser beam which is broken up into hundreds of very small columns, which put tiny holes in the skin. As these small wounds heal, new collagen is laid down underneath the skin (a process called “collagen remodeling”), which can smoothen out the surface of the skin. Advantages over traditional CO2 resurfacing include faster healing time and a slightly lower risk of complications. As part of a comprehensive acne scarring treatment plan, fractional laser resurfacing can improve skin which has been damaged by prior severe acne.
Subscision
Subscision is an excellent treatment for “rolling” or “boxcar” type acne scars, which often have fibrous attachments holding the base of the scar down to the underlying deeper tissue. After the surrounding skin is numbed with a local anesthetic, a small needle is carefully inserted under the skin to sever and release these attachments beneath the scar. During the healing process, collagen remodeling occurs and new collagen is laid down underneath the scar, further improving the smoothness of the skin. Occasionally a filler substance can also be injected under the scars after subscision to make the scar look less visible and to produce the results wanted. Dr. Fife is an expert in subscision techniques, and was asked to direct a clinical study involving subscision and filler injections for acne scarring for Northwestern University.
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by producing a controlled injury to the top layers of the skin, which is followed by a healing response that produces smoother, softer, more youthful skin. Superficial chemical peels are useful for decreasing the signs of aging such as fine lines, but can also be used to treat brown spots, melasma, acne, acne scarring, and keratoses. Superficial chemical peels are safe in all types of skin, including ethnic skin. There is virtually no downtime after such peels.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an excellent technique for improving skin damaged by acne scars. Different from “microdermabrasion,” dermabrasion is a procedure in which layers of skin and underlying scar are precisely removed with a small, hand-held medical-grade sander. Different sized diamond-studded tips can be used which precisely match the size of the patient’s specific scars or the area to be treated. The procedure requires local anesthesia for comfort, and the skin usually heals in 7 to 10 days.
Mini-Excision of Scars
Certain scars such as very deep scars or scars that project outward from the skin are often best removed surgically. The scar is cut out completely and the skin edges are carefully brought together with sutures. The final scar is much less visible than the original acne scar.
Filler Injections
Combination Treatments
Resurfacing Devices
Filler Injections
Injectable filler substances such as collagen, Restylane, Juvederm or Radiesse can be injected under acne scars to smoothen out the skin. The improvement in the appearance of the skin is immediate and lasts for many months as the material slowly degrades. Part of the improvement may be permanent.
Combination Treatments
Often a combination of procedures is required to provide the maximum amount of improvement in acne scarring. Fractional laser therapy may be combined with chemical peels, subscision, and/or fillers to provide you with the best improvement to your scarring as possible. A treatment plan is organized for each patient’s specific scars. This comprehensive acne scarring therapy will give the highest chance for improvement in acne scarring.
Resurfacing Devices
Uses fractional laser technology to deliver pulsed energy to the skin for overall skin rejuvenation treating: fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, skin resurfacing, photo-rejuvenation/IPL , discoloration and sun spots
Sciton Profractional
Retexturizes and remodels photoaged or sundamaged skin, revitalizes skin that had been marked from acne scars in earlier decades, and rejuvenates skin that has lost its glow. It works by replacing old tissue with new. Results are dramatic
Retexturizes and remodels photoaged or sundamaged skin, revitalizes skin that had been marked from acne scars in earlier decades, and rejuvenates skin that has lost its glow. It works by replacing old tissue with new. Results are dramatic
Secret RF
The Secret RF procedure combines micro-needling and radiofrequency to improve fine lines, skin texture, laxity, and pore size with almost no downtime! The Secret RF can also be used to treat acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks The device’s handpiece contains 25 or 64 fine needles, depending on the size of the treatment area, which create a controlled micro-injury to the skin while simultaneously delivering radiofrequency pulses which heat the surrounding area. This stimulates the body’s healing system to rebuild the collagen and elastin in the area while tightening the skin. This innovative treatment is done comfortably with the use of topical anesthesia. Downtime is almost nonexistent in most patients.
The Secret RF procedure combines micro-needling and radiofrequency to improve fine lines, skin texture, laxity, and pore size with almost no downtime! The Secret RF can also be used to treat acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks The device’s handpiece contains 25 or 64 fine needles, depending on the size of the treatment area, which create a controlled micro-injury to the skin while simultaneously delivering radiofrequency pulses which heat the surrounding area. This stimulates the body’s healing system to rebuild the collagen and elastin in the area while tightening the skin. This innovative treatment is done comfortably with the use of topical anesthesia. Downtime is almost nonexistent in most patients.
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive procedure by which a hand-piece containing several tiny needles is used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin. This stimulates the body’s healing system to produce collagen and elastin, improving the appearance of fine lines, scars, and texture irregularity.
Opus
Treats the superficial to complex textural and skin-quality concerns that are traditionally corrected with conventional fractional resurfacing lasers or ablative resurfacing lasers, but with an average of 50% less downtime.
Treats the superficial to complex textural and skin-quality concerns that are traditionally corrected with conventional fractional resurfacing lasers or ablative resurfacing lasers, but with an average of 50% less downtime.