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Acne Scar

Acne Scar

Acne scars can be a frustrating aftermath of acne, and they often occur due to severe acne or when acne lesions are picked or squeezed.  However they can occur with a genetic predisposition to scarring.

There are several types of acne scars, including:

  • Atrophic Scars: These are the most common and include ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. They appear as pits and depressions in the skin.
  • Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised scars that occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process.
  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots that remain after an acne lesion heals. These are not true scars but often mistaken for them.

Treatment Options:

  • Topical Treatments: Retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and vitamin C serums can help improve texture and fade discoloration over time. Consistent use of these products is necessary to achieve the results. At Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, one of the best dermatology clinics in Bangalore, we customize the medications as per the patient’s needs. It is important to add adjuvants like moisturizers and sunscreens and exfoliating cleansers to the prescription to optimize the results.
  • Chemical Peels: Peels with ingredients like glycolic acid can exfoliate the skin and improve scars’ appearance. At Subodha, we use superficial chemical peels containing AHA and BHA, generally a mixture of both to improve the texture as well as reduce the oil secretion of the skin. The post inflammatory hyperpigmented macules respond well to chemical peels. These peels need to be performed at regular intervals of 2 to 3 weeks to get the best results. A patient may require anywhere between 6 to 10 sessions to achieve it. There is no or minimal downtime with these chemicals. However, good sun protection is necessary. The cost of chemical peels vary between 1500 to 4000 depending on the peel performed.
  • Microneedling: This procedure involves tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production. The micro needling devices may vary, including Derma stamp, derma roller, and Dr pen. At Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, we prefer usage of Dr pen and Dermapen 4, as they give good control of depth and predictable results. Dermapen 4 is a patented Australian technology. It is fast, less traumatic and has minimal downtime. The recovery creams help in super fast recovery with no side-effects. Side-effects like redness and swelling can be expected for 24 to 48 hours. Skin feels smooth and rejuvenated following the procedure. Patients are instructed to avoid direct sunlight and use a good amount of post procedure, creams, and sunscreens. These treatments need to be done at regular intervals of 4 to 6 weeks up to 6 to 8 sessions to achieve decent results. The advantages of these procedures include minimal downtime and quick assumption of daily activities. The cost of these procedures vary depending on the  technology used. At Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, the price of Dr pen starts from 2k and Dermapen 4 is 10k per session. However, customized packages are available, which makes the treatment more affordable.
  • MnRF: Microneedling Radiofrequency treatment helps in improving the texture of skin by micropuncture and selectively ablating the dermis , improving collagen synthesis. The needle depth is adjusted as per the depth of the scar. The treatment sessions are spaced between 4 to 6 weeks. There is a minimal downtime of 3 to 4 days. The needle penetration marks will be visible on the skin in the initial recovery phase. Redness and swelling can persist up to 24 hours. However, patients can get back to their routine work with good protection and concealer if required. At Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, We use Ellisys Sense MnRF device, a US FDA approved device. It has the advantage of release of energy at two different levels in a single shot. This helps in completion of treatment at a faster speed and Patient comfort is better. It also has a vacuum section assistance so that the needle penetration is uniform, delivering a uniform energy throughout the treatment area. The needle depth can be controlled very well, and it can penetrate as deep as 6.5 MM. However, acne cars require only up to 2.5 mm depth. Some deep scars may require up to 3.5 mm depth, which is performed under local anaesthesia. The cost of MnRF for full face is 6000 per session, however, customised packages may work out more economical for the patients.
  • Laser Treatments: Fractional lasers and ablative lasers can significantly improve scar texture and appearance. A fractional CO2 laser is considered to be gold standard for acne scar treatment. This yields best results in combination with micro needling RF, if the scars are deep, however, superficial scars respond to fractional CO2 alone. Typically, the treatment requires application of numbing cream followed by laser treatment of the affected area. Full face treatments are preferred as they give rejuvenation benefits as well. You can expect a waiting time of 40 minutes with the numbing cream and procedure takes somewhere between 15 to 20 minutes. The side-effects like redness and swelling can last up to 24 hours. The laser marks, dotted appearance of the skin can last up to 4 -6 days. The skin can be extremely sensitive in the first week. Strict sun avoidance and usage of post procedure creams is necessary. This treatment is repeated once in 3 to 6 months. 3 to 5 sessions are recommended to achieve good results. The cost of fractional CO2 laser may vary between 8 to 10,000 per session, depending on the complexity of the scars.
  • Fillers: Injectable fillers can temporarily lift depressed scars. Hyaluronic acid fillers are preferred. Filler treatments for acne scars are done, especially when there is a faster requirement of result. However, these are not the mainstay of treatment. Skin booster injections help in collagen building and can lead to improvement of acne scars.
  • Subcision: A minor surgical procedure where a needle is used to break up scar tissue beneath the skin. This procedure is generally combined with micro needling, MnRF and CO2 laser. The deep pulled appearance of the scars are released helping in better reflection of light from the skin. 2 to 3 sessions may be required, depending on the complexity of the scar. The cost of this treatment may vary between 2K to 5k depending on the number of scars.
  • Excision of scars : Punch excision and reorienting the scars in relaxed skin tension lines with the help of thin sutures is done in selective cases. Replacing the punches  with a skin graft may be necessary if the scars are deep. Punch floatation is a technique that is followed if the skin surface is normal and the scar is depressed.

Each acne scar patient needs a customized treatment plan and our experienced dermatologists at Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic, will help you to achieve best possible results with proper planning of different procedures.

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