A common side effect of acne is atrophic scarring, a common skin problem. We have the information for the best acne scar treatment for your skin.
Acne scar treatment: Needles, lasers and radio frequency
Types of Atrophic Scars
Before choosing an acne scar treatment, it is important that you understand the general types of atrophic scars. There are three main types of atrophic scars:
Icepick Scars
Icepick scars generally are less than 2mm in width, and narrows as it goes deeper into the skin. They are reversed triangle-shaped scars that fit deeply into the dermal and subcutaneous fat layers. As these scares are generally deeper, they also take a longer time to treat.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars are wider than 4-5mm, and are round like a plate. As the depth of lesion is not as deep, these scars are generally easier to treat.
Boxcar Scars
Like its name suggests, boxcar scars are wide like a box, and resemble chicken pox scars. They also spread more widely and uniformly than icepick scars. You should also note that the border around these scars may not be completely reduced even after treatment.
Acne Scar Treatment: What You Should Choose
Depending on type of scar, the recommended treatment differs. Most patients suffering from acne would have all three common types of scars mixed at different frequencies. Generally, it is difficult to solve with only one kind of procedure or laser therapy. Therefore, a variety of treatment is recommended.
MTS (Microneedle Therapy System)
MTS is most suited for ice pick and boxcar scars. Our skin is capable of regenerating itself when damaged, and MTS achieves this using fine needles.
MTS is performed using rollers with fine needles. If the needle is shorter than 2mm, it can also be used as a home care device.
MTS stabs the skin with fine needles, damaging the skin and stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen or elastic fibers. This helps collagen to regenerate.
During the process of prickling, several ingredients that help with skin regeneration are also injected directly into the skin. However, this is no longer such a popular dermatology procedure, as people now generally prefer laser procedures.
Ablative Lasers
Ablative laser first removes some of the epidermis, inducing skin regeneration and promoting collagen regeneration in the dermis. There are two types of ablative lasers: CO2 lasers and Er: YAG lasers. However, as this procedure involves skin removal, it may cause longer down and recovery time.
Non-ablative Lasers
The preferred acne scar treatment today is non-ablative laser.
A typical example is fractional laser. Fractional lasers produce minute heat (thermal) pillars in skin. This stimulates skin regeneration by producing microthermal injury in the skin.
Although recovery is faster than conventional ablative lasers, fractional lasers can induce flushing and heating sensations after treatment. Crusting can also occur depending on the strength of the procedure.
Some people may also experience skin hypersensitivity. You should communicate clearly with the doctor before and during the procedure to minimize side effects. This procedure is usually done in intervals of more than 4 weeks.
Needle RF
The most frequently used acne scar treatment these days is needle RF (radio frequency).
High frequency comes out from the tip of a fine insulator coated with gold, and actively stimulates the collagen regeneration of tissue. It also reduces pores and improves acne scars. Product names for this technology include Infini, Secret and Intracell.
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