Scars / Acne scars

Scars can develop as the result of acne or other types of inflammations or trauma, such as infections, chickenpox or surgery. Rarely, but more commonly in darker skin types, scars can develop spontaneously. Most scars improve with time. However, early intervention may affect the way a scar remodels itself and may minimize its appearance.

Raised scars respond to steroid injections while vascular scars are better treated with a vascular laser to decrease their blood supply in conjunction with occlusive dressings. These treatments often lead to lighter, flatter and softer scars.

Depressed scars can be removed surgically, especially when small. Alternatively, one can utilize a needle under the skin to stimulate collagen synthesis (subcision). Non-vascular laser treatment can be used in two ways. The CO2 and Erbium lasers can be used to resurface and soften the edges. Also, a non-ablative resurfacing laser may be used to stimulate collagen to give a more raised appearance. Lastly, one can inject collagen into the scar.

 

Before and After subcision and Radiesse for acne scarring
Photo Niels Krejci, MD