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If you’re a regular here, you’ll know that our main mission is to help you look like you – and only you get to define what that looks like. We’re all for celebrating the beauty in all skin, be it scars, stretch marks, or anything else that makes you uniquely you. But we also understand that not everyone feels the same way about these skin features. And if you’d prefer to do something about them, that’s totally okay too. We’re here to help, and no judgement is involved.
If you’ve got some acne scars that you’re thinking of addressing, we totally get it. In fact, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that talks about the different kinds of acne scars, some of their root causes, and a few treatment options. The world of acne and scar treatments can be quite confusing – there are just so many different technologies and theories out there. It can be really overwhelming trying to figure out the best approach for you.
That’s why having a good skincare provider who knows you and your skin well is so important. When it comes to dealing with acne and scars, having a provider who understands your skin’s unique needs and characteristics can often be the key to finding a successful treatment. We’re here to guide you through the process, helping you navigate the options and figure out what might work best for you.
What Causes Acne Scarring?
Acne scarring, like acne itself, can have many causes. A breakout can lead to scarring if it causes damage to the skin’s tissue. As your body works to repair this damage, a scar can form. People with cystic acne are often more likely to develop scars following a breakout. There are two other key factors: genetics (yes, you heard that right!) and whether you have a habit of picking or popping your pimples and acne. To all the pickers and poppers out there, we know you’ve probably been told not to do this a thousand times, so we won’t harp on about it too much. 😇
Scars come in two main types: atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic scars, which create depressions in the skin, form when your body doesn’t produce enough collagen while trying to repair damaged skin. On the other hand, hypertrophic scars are raised and occur when your body produces too much collagen during the skin’s healing process. The treatment plan we recommend for you will greatly depend on the type of scarring you have.
After a breakout, you might notice small, flat patches of discolouration where your acne once was. This is likely post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These aren’t actual scars, but rather marks left over from your skin’s healing process. In some people, the body overproduces melanin while healing a wound or skin trauma, resulting in pigmented spots where the injury was initially. The upside is that these marks are usually easier to address than true acne scars. They’re typically treated with a combination of peel treatments and prescription-grade skincare products.
Our Top Three Solutions for Acne Scarring
The treatments we recommend hinge on the type of scarring you tend to get, along with a multitude of other factors like whether you’re still dealing with active breakouts. Having a consultation is a crucial step to success. It’s essential to remember that some individuals might need continuous treatment rather than a one-off approach.
Dermal Fillers and Threads
For individuals who have deep, indented scars, we may suggest either the injection of dermal fillers or the insertion of smooth threads, or potentially a combination of the two.
Hyaluronic filler can be injected straight into the indented scars. The objective here is to fill up the dips, creating a more even appearance to the skin. However, it’s important to understand that this method does have its limitations. High-risk areas such as the temples and forehead should only be treated by a highly skilled and experienced practitioner. The risk of achieving a uniform result is high as filling in small scars is a detailed, time-consuming process. This method is best suited for large, crater-like scars.
For most indented scars, a more effective option is likely the insertion of smooth threads. Smooth, dissolvable sutures can be inserted into and around the scarred skin. They generate a dual lifting and filling effect, tightening the skin and smoothing its appearance. After the threads are inserted, the skin continues to produce collagen in the treated area, which contributes to further improvement of the scars.
Micro & Nano Fat Grafting
Micro and nano fat grafting are two innovative treatments for acne scarring. These techniques involve taking small amounts of fat from another part of your body, such as your abdomen or thighs, and then processing this fat to create a liquid that can be injected into the areas of your face where you have acne scars.
The fat is treated in such a way that the cells become very small – ‘micro’ or ‘nano’ – which makes them perfect for injecting into the skin. Once injected, these cells can help to fill in depressions caused by atrophic scars and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein which aids skin strength and elasticity.
Over time, this technique can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars, giving a more even and smoother skin texture. The beauty of this treatment is that it uses your own body’s natural resources to heal and rejuvenate your skin.
This treatment is often best suited to those with atrophic scars, which are typically indented or ‘pitted’ in appearance. It’s important to have a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine if micro and nano fat grafting could be the right treatment for your specific type of acne scarring.
Morpheus8
Our latest tool for tackling acne and acne scars is Morpheus8. This RF (radiofrequency) microneedling technique helps to renew the skin’s surface and break down scar tissue, destroying the bacteria that triggers acne in the process. We usually recommend three sessions, with each one spaced 4-6 weeks apart. We won’t sugarcoat it – the Morpheus8 treatment can be a bit uncomfortable. But the potential results can be really quite remarkable. If you’re interested in finding out more about this treatment, you can read all about Morpheus8 here.
This is best for: both atrophic and hypertrophic scarring and those dealing with active acne. It may also help to improve some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Treatments for Acne Scarring at Centre for Surgery
At Centre for Surgery, we are deeply committed to providing cutting-edge treatments to address acne scarring. We understand that acne scars can be more than just a physical concern; they can also significantly impact a person’s mental health and self-esteem. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to meet the specific needs and skin types of our patients.
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Our team is comprised of highly skilled professionals who have extensive experience in dermatology and cosmetic procedures. Using the latest research and technology, we provide a range of treatments from micro and nano fat grafting, Morpheus8 RF microneedling, to dermal fillers and smooth thread insertion, designed to reduce the appearance of both atrophic and hypertrophic scars.
Each treatment plan is individualised, ensuring we meet the unique needs of every patient. During a consultation, our experts will assess the extent of your scarring, discuss your desired results, and propose the best treatment options for you.
At Centre for Surgery, we understand the importance of ongoing care. That’s why we provide comprehensive aftercare to monitor your progress and ensure you’re completely satisfied with the results.
We are not just about treating the symptoms. We aim to understand the underlying causes of your acne scars, helping to prevent future breakouts and improving the overall health of your skin. So, if you’re considering treating your acne scars, consider us as your trusted partner on your journey towards healthier, more confident skin.
