Acne Scar Removal

For many of us, puberty was a difficult time. Our voices and bodies were changing, we experienced heightened emotions and for some, acne was a problem. Sometimes acne can leave behind scarring long after puberty has passed, causing self-esteem issues and embarrassment. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help remove acne scars and restore a smoother complexion.

What Causes Acne Scars?

First of all, it is important to distinguish between acne scarring and erythema, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Acne is the result of the skin’s overproduction of oil, leading to clogged pores that become inflamed. As the skin attempts to heal itself, it can leave behind discolored areas. Acne scarring, however, can be much more evident on the skin, and harder to mask.

Types of Acne Scars

There are several types of acne scars, depending on how acne initially affected the skin:

● Atrophic scars are caused by cystic acne and leave flat depressions on the skin.
● Rolling scars have sloping edges that can make the skin appear wavy or uneven.
● Ice pick scars are narrow indentations that point down into the surface of the skin, giving them this name.
● Boxcar scars are depressions that resemble a box shape with very clearly defined edges. These scars can also be caused by chickenpox.

How to Treat Acne Scars

There are several treatments designed to treat the different types of acne scars, varying in degrees from over-the-counter creams to laser and surgical treatments. Chemical peels utilize acids to remove the outer skin layers to reveal the smoother skin underneath. Dermabrasion uses a sanding tool to remove the outer, scarred layers of skin. Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid can be injected into the affected areas to fill in scars. Other types of treatment can include laser therapy, microneedling and skin grafting.

If you have bothersome scarring resulting from acne, Dr. John Anastasatos and the team at Los Angeles Plastic Surgery can evaluate your specific needs and recommend the proper treatment to not only restore your skin, but your confidence as well. Call to schedule your consultation today.