Acne Scars
Acne scars are commonly seen in anyone who is struggling with serious bouts of severe and inflammatory types of acne, such as nodulocystic acne or cystic acne, acne conglobata, acne fulminans. It may also be a side effect of a long-term episode of infantile acne. Milder types of acne may also leave residual scarring, although they tend to be lighter.
Types of Acne Scars
There are several types of acne scars:
- Ice Pick – Deep, narrow, and pitted scars
- Rolling – Less defined with a wavy appearance
- Boxcar – Pitted scars with defined edges, creating a crater-like appearance
Hypertrophic – Elevated scar tissue, creating a bumpy appearance
Although technically not scarring, many people battling acne are bothered by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which refers to red or brown marks after an acne breakout.
In theory, scarring isn’t all that bad since it’s the first sign that the skin is healing naturally.
Still, many people seek acne scar treatments because, beyond its aesthetic effects, acne scarring can have a devastating impact on a person’s psychological, social and emotional well-being.
Collagen Induction Therapy
Collagen Induction Therapy also known as Micro needling is a cosmetic procedure. It involves micro-punctures to the skin with tiny sterilized needles. The small wounds stimulate body to make more collagen and elastin there by reducing acne scars
The treatment is only recommended for patients whose active acne lesions have subsided.
Treatment areas
Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), may be performed on most areas of the body and face. Frequently used on the face and neck for acne scarring.
Healing and Risks:
Healing time. It may take days or weeks to heal, depending on the depth of the scars being treated. You may have some minor pain after the procedure, and your skin may be red for a few days.
Peeling. Your skin may feel tight and flake a bit while it heals.
Bruising and bleeding. Slight bruising and microbleeds are common and self resolves.
Possible scarring. Microneedling is not recommended for people who’ve had keloids, scars that look like large bubbles on the skin.
Infection. Unlikely to very low if you are healthy.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure, so insurance does not reimburse or cover the procedure. During your consult our doctor will assess the area to be treated and make recommendations.
Laser Genesis
How it works
Laser Genesis is a near-infrared (NIR) Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064-nm. Laser genesis gently heats the upper dermis well below your skin's surface to help improve the appearance of wrinkles through collagen stimulation. Additional heat is generated in dilated capillaries to reduce redness. Like all laser treatments, laser genesis makes your skin more sensitive to the sun and UV light. You must avoid any form of direct sun exposure and tanning beds. Wearing sunscreen with a high sun protection factor or SPF will not only shield your skin from the harsh sunlight but also extend the benefits of your laser treatment.
Treatment areas
Most commonly affected areas are the nose, forehead, and cheeks but can be used on the entire face and neck. Laser genesis is safe to use on all skin types. It’s typically recommended to receive between 3 to 10 Laser Genesis treatments, spaced about 4 weeks apart.
Results you can expect
Will fade scarring, gently treat diffuse redness, stimulate new collagen, reduce appearance of fine lines, and naturally promote a healthy look. You will experience slight redness that will resolve within a few hours post treatment. The results are gradual and subtle. It also varies depending on the skin issue you are addressing as well.You can expect to see consistent results after each treatment.