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Each case will be individual and can include a range of symptoms, although there are essentially three types of acne scars.
- Ice pick scars look as if the skin has been punctured with a sharp object.
- Rolling scars bring a raised, uneven appearance, from underlying scar tissue.
- Boxcar scars have the opposite effect, forming round, or oval depressions.
Traditional facial rejuvenation techniques such as chemical peels can help. Improved medical techniques and technology have however brought us to a stage where all types of acne scarring have sound treatment options.
Radiofrequency Treatment
Fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) treatment takes a laser like approach, with a non laser device. RF energy is used to effectively, yet safely heat the dermis, tightening your skin and increasing new collagen formation.
Treatment can bring a little discomfort, although anaesthetic ointment and cooling are used and this subsides quite quickly. There is little downtime and by the following day, you can wear make up if you wish.
An advantage with FRF is speed, a full face treatment can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. Improvement should also show quite quickly, although acne scarring can be deep and may require several sessions, with a few weeks in between.
UltraPulse Lasers
Two types of lasers are used, the Active Fx, which focuses on resurfacing your skin and the Deep Fx, which targets deeper, supporting structures. They can be used separately, or in unison, according to individual need.
CO2 lasers have become the gold standard for skin resurfacing, particularly fractional lasers. The laser emits a group of microbeams, rather than one large beam, better for efficiency, safety and healing time.
Depending on the intensity and penetration required, you may experience temporary discomfort, or swelling for a few days, possibly short term bleeding. These will soon go and treatment itself is a quite quick process.
One sessions may be sufficient, or another a few weeks later for deep scarring. The results patients see tend to be worth the inconvenience, this is an exceptional treatment.
Surgical Techniques
In relation to acne scarring, or similar conditions, you may hear these referred to as punch techniques, although this doesn’t entirely reflect the main options.
Excision is used to treat mild ice pick scars, they are surgically removed, before the remaining wound is sealed. This will create a smoother, more even area.
Elevation is used to treat boxcar scars. The base of the scar is removed, leaving the sides of the scar in place, before the base is reattached to the sides at a higher level, making the scar more even and less noticeable.
Grafting is used to treat deep ice pick scars. As with standard excision, the scar is removed, then the wound is packed and closed with skin from elsewhere on your body.
Subcision is an approach to treating rolling acne scars. The upper layer of the skin is removed, which allows new collagen to form, level with the surface of your skin.
Varying techniques could be used on different areas, laser, or radiofrequency treatment may be called on to support surgery. Scars are by nature unique to each of us and deserve solutions to match.
Our team will be pleased to offer advice on acne treatment of all forms, including recent, or historic scarring. You can contact them, or arrange a consultation on 020 8441 1043, or send an email via the Make An Appointment button below.