Acne Scar Treatment In Delhi
The major side effect of acne is acne scarring. In most cases, the scars are often permanent and are characterized as deep pits that provide uneven skin texture. Acne can appear in the form of pimples, blackheads, cysts, papules, nodulocystic acne, whiteheads etc. So, when people try to squeeze out the acne this causes more damage to the skin and results in inflamed skin, formation of dark spots and scars. The scar is composed of fibrous tissue, and they appear and feel different from normal skin because the scars are composed of cross-linked collagen (to heal the injury) molecules that form the unidirectional alignment. Acne scars often cause emotional discomfort and long term psychological impact on an individual’s confidence and self-esteem.
Different Types Of Acne Scars
1. Atrophic scars
They are responsible for causing hyperpigmentation and provide a sunken or pitted like appearance. These scars are formed when enough collagen is not produced. These can be further divided into:
1.1 Rolling scars
Appear as depressions and are mostly rounded with sloping edges.
1.2 Ice pick scars
Narrow, deep scars that are V shaped in appearance.
1.3 Boxcar scars
Round or oval-shaped and most commonly appear on cheeks and temples. Their depth ranges from shallow to medium, and they also have well-defined edges. They resemble chicken pox scar.
2. Hypertrophic and keloid scar
They form as a result of more collagen production at the site of the inflammation, and they often appear as raised and pigmented in appearance. They form as a result of too much collagen production and most commonly occur in the body area, such as chest, shoulders, back (upper).
Acne Scar Treatment Options
Various advanced techniques and treatments are available that help to treat acne scars. Each type of scar requires a different treatment. These treatments help one to achieve better skin health by diminishing the appearance of scars.
- Pregnant women: Stretch marks resulted from pregnancy have a frequency between 45 to 88%. So, the occurrence of stretch marks is more in women than men.
- Adolescents: About 5 to 85% of teenagers develop stretch marks as a result of growth spurts. There are 35 to 40% of boys and 70% of girls who are affected by this. Growth spurts mainly occur during 16 years of age among boys and girls.
- People suffering from obesity: There are 43% of people suffering from obesity are suffering from stretch marks problems.
- Females, individuals with a medical history of stretch marks, and those who rapidly gain weight and lose weight are at more risk of developing stretch marks.
Various Treatments That Can Help To Treat Acne Scar Problems Are:
1. Acne Scar Laser Treatment (Fractional CO2 Laser)
Laser removes the top damaged skin layer, resulting in new skin cell production. So, this treatment promotes skin rejuvenation and helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars. The fractional CO2 lasers target the laser energy in the dermis skin layer and stimulate new collagen production. Laser heat also damages the dark skin pigment and hence, helps to improve red or brown acne marks.
The wound healing boosted by the laser procedure helps to repair the scar tissue, and the damaged scar tissue area is replaced by new elastin and collagen-producing cells, and the skin becomes smooth in appearance.
At Clinic Skin Essence, this procedure is done by Dr. Anu Kapoor, an experienced dermatologist. The patient is given some pre and post procedure guidelines to ensure the best outcome.
Before the procedure
- Avoid sun exposure and apply a sunscreen regularly
- Avoid retinol-based skin products for a couple of weeks
- Quit smoking for 1-2 weeks
After the procedure
- Do not rub or scratch the treated skin
- Limit the sun exposure and wear a good sunscreen every day
- Use makeup/creams only as per the dermatologist’s prescription.
2. Microneedling Radiofrequency
It is an advanced version of traditional microneedling. Instead of a handheld micro-needling (derma roller) device here we use a handpiece that creates microchannels in the skin and then delivers radiofrequency energy in the dermis layer of the skin. It not only improves the skin texture but also helps in skin tightening.
3. Dermabrasion
The treatment removes acne scars by promoting new skin regeneration and revitalization as it works in the deeper skin layer. This treatment also unclogs the pores and helps to remove the dead skin cell and excess oil from the skin. So, it is also beneficial in preventing new acne breakouts.
4. Chemical peel
This treatment stimulates cell renewal using special chemicals and ingredients that help to remove pigmentation and provide a refined and smooth skin. Salicylic acid, TCA, and glycolic acid peel are the most commonly used peels for acne scar treatment.
5. Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers help to treat depressed scars by raising the indentations and fill up the hollows created by acne scars. So, this is quite an effective treatment for boxcar scars and rolling scars.
6. Subcision
It is a great technique to treat depressed acne scars. It uses a hypodermic needle to break the fibrotic strands beneath the skin. It triggers skin’s healing response and also promotes collagen production. Eventually one gets a smooth skin texture.
7. Dermapen 4
This works best not only for acne scars but also for surgical scars and stretch marks as well. The dermapen creates very tiny punctures in the skin and improves collagen & elastin production in the skin. It is an advanced micro needling device that allows deeper penetration by causing minimal injury.
8. TCA CROSS
TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid and CROSS means chemical reconstruction of skin scars. It stimulates collagen production by triggering an inflammatory reaction on the skin. For better results it can be combined with other scar treatments as mentioned above.
After Treatment Results
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
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Frequently Asked Questions
The skin expert during the consultation period will conduct proper skin examination and will suggest the treatment that is best suited according to individual skin condition, treatment goals and desired outcomes.
It depends on the severity of scars and the treatment modality being used. The main aim of all acne scar treatments is to eliminate scars by collagen remodelling. So, with successive sessions one can see better improvements in skin texture.
Protect the skin from sun damage and tanning.
Consume antiviral medications if prescribed.
Do not irritate the skin by applying makeup. Use makeup only as per the doctor’s advice.
Do not consume blood-thinning medications supplements for a few weeks.
No. A numbing cream is applied before the procedure to make it a comfortable procedure.
Dermal fillers provide an instant but temporary solution for acne scars. The results can be seen just after the 1st session and will last for about 8 months to 1 year. After that maintenance sessions will be required.