No longer suffering from acne but still dealing with the long lasting side effects of acne scarring? Well, you’re not alone. A vast majority of the patients we see at Victorian Cosmetic Dermal Clinics Melbourne come to us in hopes of getting rid of stubborn acne scars that affect up to 30% of those with moderate or severe acne vulgaris.
As if an active breakout isn’t enough, acne scarring can cause a dip in self esteem, confidence and may even have a negative impact on one’s overall mental health. Thankfully, at VC Dermal Clinics Melbourne, our highly skilled clinicians are equipped with all the tools and knowledge needed to combat acne and other types of scarring including icepick scars and boxcar scarring.
Today, we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about acne scarring and the steps you can take to eliminate them for good. Reason to find out more!
What Is Acne Scarring?
In essence, acne scars are the result of inflammation of acne blemishes. In some cases, blemishes are minimal and the shallow scars created heal quickly. However, in more severe cases where new collagen is laid down to heal a full-thickness injury, patients may notice deeper scar formation that doesn’t easily fade away or disappear. Acne scarring comes in a variety of different forms that include:
Ice-Pick Scars: Ice-pick scars are deep, narrow and pitted scars.
Boxcar Scars: Boxcar Scars are characterised by broad depressions in the skin with sharply defined edges.
Rolling Scars:Rolling scars are characterised by broad depressions with a sloping edge.
Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars: – Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars lumpy scars that may be red, pink, skin-coloured or darker than the surrounding skin.
Does Everyone Experience Acne Scarring?
Thankfully, not everyone who suffers from acne will also experience acne scarring. It is estimated that only 20% of people with acne will develop scarring, and if you do, the good news is that not all acne scars are permanent!
There are a variety of treatments available that are incredibly effective in fading acne scars to the point where they are barely noticeable.
Who Gets Acne Scars?
As mentioned above, dealing with acne doesn’t automatically mean you will end up with acne scarring. However, some factors may contribute to a higher risk of acne scarring including:
Inflammatory Acne : This type of acne typically involves cysts and nodules which penetrate deep into the skin causing damage and scarring.
Delayed Treatment Of Inflammatory Acne: The longer that inflammatory acne is left untreated, the greater the risk of scarring.
Picking, Popping or Squeezing Pimples: If you pick at, pop or squeeze pimples, you increase the risk of scarring and inflammation. This is why it is always advised to avoid picking, popping, or squeezing a breakout to prevent damaging the underlying tissue which can lead to scars.
Genetics: If you have family members who have developed acne scarring, you may be more prone to experiencing it yourself. Has a blood relative who developed acne scars
Genes play a large role.
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How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars
Now, let’s dive into what you’re really here for and explore the various tried-and-tested methods of acne scar removal. At Victorian Dermal Clinics Melbourne, we offer four highly effective treatments for the removal of acne scarring:
Skin Needling for Acne Scarring
Skin Needling is a revolutionary treatment that has yielded amazing, natural results particularly for skin conditions such as acne scarring. Skin Needling involves gently penetrating the skin with microfine needles which cause micro trauma to the deep layers of the skin. This micro trauma triggers a restorative response within the skin cells, causing remarkable healing and rejuvenation. Skin Needling is a pain free treatment option, uses no topical pharmaceuticals and treatments can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
Chemical Peels for Acne Scarring
Chemical peels work beneath the surface of the skin to turn over new skin cells and promote new skin cell growth, which can help lessen the appearance of acne scars over time. VC Dermal Clinics use evidence-based, medical grade chemical peels that suit all skin types and skin conditions. Our high-quality chemical peels are composed of natural, active ingredients that have been formulated to work on the surface of your skin as they address any underlying skin conditions.
Microdermabrasion for Acne Scarring
Microdermabrasion carried out professionally goes deep into the skin’s surface. This treatment is a gentle and systematic means for cleansing and improving the natural appearance of the skin. However, for those conditions which have left severe scarring, microdermabrasion might not be the only treatment needed. In these cases, a combination therapy is warranted for reduction of acne scarring. During consultation, our clinicians will be able to assess your skin to give you advice on what the different therapy combinations that we think will suit your goals the best. To book a consultation, simply head to our contact page.
Low Intensity Laser Treatment for Acne Scarring
Lastly, our low-intensity laser therapy offers remarkable results for many different skin conditions including acne scarring. This pain-free technology is safe and effective without exposing the entire facial skin to the laser. We are able to hone in and target specific areas and focus this treatment exactly where required.
The “Cold Laser” we use does not produce heat, and as such there is no irritation or exposure to heat on the surface of the skin. As a result, treatment can be performed at any time, without the fear of excessive facial redness or “downtime”. Low Intensity Laser Therapy or LILT therapy can dramatically heal and restore the skin to its natural condition by targeting damaged cells and triggering them to heal.
Are You Ready To Get Rid Of Acne Scars For Good?
Although acne scarring can be incredibly frustrating, there are many treatments that can make them less noticeable. At Victorian Cosmetic & Dermal Clinics in Melbourne, we offer a variety of treatments that work independently or in combination with other treatments to give you clearer, brighter skin that you can be proud of.
Ready to step into a new era of beautiful skin? Simply call us today to book a consultation.