It’s Time to Save Face From Two Types of Acne Facial Scars

Acne facial scars can make many people want to hide their face from the world. 90% of adolescents get acne, with 12% to 14% of individuals carrying that acne into adulthood. Sadly, this skin condition can leave wreckage in the form of visible scars. Thankfully, innovative acne scar treatment products and procedures make it possible to confidently face off acne scars once and for all!

Two Main Types of Acne Facial Scars and How to Treat Them

There are two main types of acne scars for which variations of facial scars fall into: atrophic and hypertrophic. Take a look at how the two differ:

• Atrophic Scars

Atrophic acne scars are the most common type of scarring and result in 80% to 90% of cases. This type of scarring reflects a loss of collagen from the previous acne. Subcategories of atrophic acne scarring include boxcar, ice pick, and rolling scars. These scars manifest as depressions and pockets in the facial area.

• Hypertrophic

Unlike with atrophic acne, hypertrophic and keloidal scars occur as a result of excess collagen. Both hypertrophic scars and keloids typically appear thick and raised on the skin; they are sometimes red or pink in color. These type of scars are more commonly identified on individuals with darker skin tones.

What’s the Best Way to Treat Acne Scars?

Whether atrophic or hypertrophic, scars are not exactly cute. Yet there are a number of treatments available that can address mild to severe acne scarring. Take a look at some of the methods we use to reduce the appearance of acne scarring for our patients. In the process, these treatments can deliver additional benefits such as improving skin tone and elasticity.

Acne facial scar treatments include:

• Skin Resurfacing / Chemical Peel

Dr. Jon Chadwell utilizes deep chemical peels to target deeper acne scars. Lighter skin tones are better for this procedure. Patients with a history of facial warts, abnormal skin scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or harsh acne treatments are most likely not candidates. Deep chemical resurfacing recovery is similar to a surgical procedure, and recovery time may take up to a few weeks.

• Laser Treatments

Most people who go through laser treatments have seen improvement acne scarring. However, these treatments can sometimes produce undesirable side effects. Some patients have experienced burns, pain, and blisters. Plus, complete results may take up to 12 weeks and require several treatments.

• Radiofrequency Energy Treatments

Radiofrequency energy treatments, such as Fractora™, may be more desirable than acne scar treatment laser procedures. As a fractional skin resurfacing treatment, Fractora™ utilizes micro-needling to treat deeper layers of the skin. Patients especially love this option because it comes with few to no side-effects and virtually no downtime. After a few treatments spaced out over a three to four-month treatment, recipients report positive results.

• Topical Serums and Creams

There are a number of topical serums and creams that can improve the appearance of acne scars. Most topical solutions are more effective on mild forms of acne scarring. For the best acne scar removal products, we send patients to our Skincare Spa. Dr. Chadwell can match patients with the perfect product for their specific needs.

If you suffer from acne facial scars, take the next step toward showing your face to the world by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Chadwell. Call us at (574) 280-4818 anytime.