Acne Scars

What Causes Scarring?

When an acne breakout develops, your skin becomes inflamed as part of your body’s self-defense mechanism. However, when the inflammation gets too severe, the chances of a scar developing increase. This often occurs when you pick at whiteheads and blackheads or when the breakouts consist of pus-filled pimples or nodules.

There are several types of acne scars:

•    Hypertrophic scars are raised scars common to the chest and back
•    Atrophic scars are round, shallow skin depressions
•    Icepick scars are deeper skin indentations

You can decrease the chances of scarring from acne by taking care of your skin, such as resisting the urge to pick at the blemishes, wearing sunscreen, and applying medicated creams.

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we have treated well over 100,000 San Diego residents over the past 30+ years for skin conditions like acne and acne scarring, and we have a wide array of solutions to banish your blemishes, including:

• Laser and other light therapies             
• Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero, Bellafill, and other dermal fillers
• Photodynamic Therapy
• IntraCell Radiofrequency Microneedling
• Potenza Radiofrequency Microneedling
• Subcision

When you visit our San Diego office to discuss your condition, our specialists will address your concerns and/or learn your aesthetic goals before creating the right acne scar treatment plan for you. To see how we can help you, schedule a consultation today at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

When performed by an expert dermatologist, laser skin resurfacing with a variety of lasers, including the Ultrapulse CO2 laser, Accupulse, Sciton, and Fraxel Re:Pair, ResurFX fractionated non-ablative resurfacing, and pulse dye laser, effectively minimizes acne scars by selectively targeting the top layers of your skin where the scars have formed. The result? A restored youthful glow and clear, healthy skin.

Photodynamic Therapy

Sometimes, in addition to enduring acne scars from previous breakouts, you may also be suffering from continued acne breakouts. In this case, we have the ideal solution –Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).

PDT involves the use of photochemical reactions to topical photosensitizing agents. Once your skin is ready for treatment, a selection of four precise wavelengths of lasers (PDL, IPL, Blue Light, and Red Light) are applied directly on the acne lesions and scars. This activates the photosensitizing agent, which reduces both acne and acne scars.

Bellafill and other dermal fillers

Although Bellafill is a dermal filler often used to reduce smile lines, it is also FDA-approved to correct depressed acne scars. Effective for all skin types, it provides volume and plumpness to the skin, which improves the appearance of acne scars.

Bellafill is unlike other dermal fillers because it does not gradually dissolve, so it can be permanently placed into the skin to correct scars and uneven texture on the cheeks.

Dermal fillers like Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero, or Sculptra can also effectively lift and smooth away creases and indentations caused by poorly healed blemishes and acne outbreaks.

Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling is highly effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars. Potenza and IntraCell are radiofrequency microneedling treatments that uses innovative radiofrequency energy to target a wide variety of scars. It can be adjusted to treat acne scars, surgical scars, trauma-related scars, and others.

Subcision

In some cases, a minimally-invasive procedure called subcision may be necessary to correct depressed acne scars. The treatment involves removing the fibrotic strands that pull the skin down, allowing the depression to lift and creating a smoother surface.

Contact the Acne Experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, California, we are dedicated to maintaining your healthy skin and appearance. Our board-certified dermatologists are pioneers in laser technology and research in the dermatologic industry, and through the use of state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge laser techniques, we can correct your acne scars, so you can achieve your aesthetic goals. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has more information on all the new state of the art treatments we do here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in SD.

Schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable, friendly staff to address your concerns and give you the youthful appearance you deserve. Contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today to find out which skin-rejuvenating treatment will help you achieve clearer, smoother skin.