WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS?

Acne scarring typically occurs when severe symptoms are left untreated for a prolonged period of time. Scars can also form if the skin is constantly picked at or squeezes their acne.

Scarring results from the depth of injury. When inflammation, infection or trauma affects the deeper layers of the skin, scar tissue formation occurs.

Scarring comes in many different shapes, sizes and even colours. There are five different types of acne scars:

  • Rolling: Indented, superficial, wave-like scars
  • Keloid: Raised scars that extend beyond the original wound
  • Boxcar: Deeply indented, round pitted scars
  • Ice-pick: Deeply indented, narrow pitted scars
  • Pigmentation: Discoloration of a scar is referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation but is not a true scar

It should be noted that not all scarring is the same and are awarded different levels of severity. Scarring may be graded as:
Grade 1: Slightly visible inconsistencies in the complexion.
Grade 2: Visible mild rolling scars.
Grade 3: Visible moderate rolling, boxcar and hypertrophic scars.
Grade 4: Visible severe icepick or keloid scarring.

TREATMENT SOLUTIONS

SKIN NEEDLING

Skin Needling is highly recommended for treatment for acne scars. Laser Skin & Body offers a variety of options that are specifically designed to target particular subgroups and depths of scarring. It produces micro channels that rejuvenate the skin and can break up existing scar tissue of any grade. These channels encourage the generation and distribution of new collagen that will progressively build healthy, thicker and firmer skin around the affected areas. This significantly reduces the depth and appearance of scarring and provides a far smoother and even skin surface.

Side effects of the needling process are typically minimal and can include swelling, peeling and mild bruising. The risk of post-procedure infection is highly unlikely as the micro channels typically close within minutes.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion is perfect for mild scarring but is also suitable for all grades. Microdermabrasion is an effective method for helping reduce the appearance of dark brown and red marks left by acne, and can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of Skin Needling. Microdermabrasion also assists in the removal of dirt and debris that causes congestion, which can lead to scarring.

The non-invasive procedure is highly popular and doesn’t require any downtime.

CHEMICAL PEELS

Laser Skin & Body offer varying degrees of Chemical Peels, from superficial to medium depth. Chemical Peels assist in managing mild to medium scarring, with a series of sessions required to achieve optimum results. The appropriate Chemical Peel can soften and smooth scarring whilst stimulating cellular renewal for a refreshed and re-texturised complexion.