What is Acne Scar?
Acne scarring is a long-term complication often caused by delayed treatment or ineffective methods. In many cases, acne scars are caused by degradation and inadequate production of collagen. At Zion Aesthetic Clinic, we offer a range of acne and acne scarring treatments.
Types of Acne Scars
Boxed Scars
Boxed scars are one of the most common types of acne scars. Sharp edges and deep depressions in the skin characterise them, giving them a box-like appearance. These scars form when there is a loss of tissue underneath the skin’s surface due to severe inflammation.
Ice-Pick Scars
Ice-pick scars are deep, narrow scars that look like small holes in the skin. Severe acne or picking at existing pimples typically cause them. These scars are difficult to treat because they extend deep into the skin’s dermal layer.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars have sloping edges and a wave-like appearance on the surface of the skin. They happen when tissue bands form between skin layers, pulling the surface down and creating a rolling effect.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised and often red in colour. The body forms them when it produces too much collagen during the healing process, causing a raised scar above the skin’s surface. These scars are more common on the chest and back than on the face.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not technically a scar but can develop as a result of acne. Dark spots or patches can be left behind after acne heals when the skin produces excess melanin in response to inflammation.
PIH usually fades on its own over time, but topical treatments such as retinoids or hydroquinone may help speed up the process. Sun protection is also crucial to prevent further darkening of PIH.
How are Acne Scars treated?
Several factors that a doctor will consider when recommending the ideal treatment for acne scars. These factors include the individual’s skin type, the type of scar present, and the expected downtime or recovery period.
Skin type is an important consideration as different treatments may work better for certain skin types. For example, individuals with darker skin tones may be more prone to developing hyperpigmentation from laser treatments, so alternative options such as chemical peels or microneedling may be recommended.
The type of scar also plays a role in determining the most effective treatment. Three main types of acne scars: atrophic (depressed), hypertrophic (raised), and keloid. Each type may require a different approach in order to achieve optimal results.
For instance, atrophic scars may respond well to fillers or laser treatments, while hypertrophic and keloid scars may benefit from steroid injections or surgical removal.
Another important consideration is the expected downtime or recovery period. Some treatments may need more time for recovery, which may not work for people with jobs or other responsibilities. In some cases, a doctor may suggest less invasive treatments like chemical peels or microneedling, which have shorter recovery times.
In addition to these factors, it is also important for doctors to assess the severity of the acne scars and any underlying skin conditions that may impact treatment options. This personalized approach ensures that the chosen treatment will be most effective for the individual’s specific needs.
Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore
CO2 fractional laser is the most well-known treatment for acne scars.
However, at Zion Aesthetic Clinic, we utilise a more advanced and combined approach with medical grade lasers to achieve good outcomes while minimising recovery time.
Erbium-YAG laser
The Er:YAG laser safely and effectively provides the minimal penetration depth required for light resurfacing of acne-scarred skin, helping to improve skin texture and tone. Unlike chemical peels and dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing allows the penetration depth to be precisely controlled. The laser gently vaporises micron-thin layers of the acne-scarred surface to reveal healthy, undamaged skin below.
Long-pulsed Nd YAG laser
For active acne, the long-pulsed Nd YAG laser reduces acne inflammation through photoselective absorption and controlled heating effects. The laser safely penetrates the skin to an optimal treatment depth to thermally and selectively destroy overactive sebaceous glands. In addition to its thermal penetration effects, the Nd:YAG acne laser treatment also accelerates the healing process and stimulates collagen remodelling, aiding in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring, and post-acne redness.
Fractional Picopulse Laser
Fractional picopulse laser uses ultra-short picosecond pulses of laser light in a fractionated format to reach deeper into the skin’s sub-layers to create micro-cavities in the skin. It creates bubbles under the skin to activate the Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) effect of breaking down the scarring tissue under the skin. This leads to collagen remodelling and production and scar healing.
A combination of the above lasers are usually performed as deemed appropriate by Dr Ng in order to achieve the best results for each individual’s skin condition and type of scars.
Treatments are performed monthly, and regular treatment sessions of 5-10 sessions are usually recommended, depending on the severity of each individual’s acne scars, in order to achieve satisfactory improvement of the acne scars.
Once scar improvement is achieved with the fractional laser techniques, the result is usually permanent.
What can I expect from the Acne Scar Removal treatment?
The results of acne scar removal treatments will vary for each individual depending on the type and severity of their scars. However, most individuals can expect to see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their scars.
It is important to note that multiple treatment sessions may be required for optimal results, and patience is key when it comes to seeing improvements with acne scar removal treatments. Results may also continue to improve over time as the skin continues to heal and produce new collagen.
In addition, following proper aftercare instructions and avoiding sun exposure can help maintain the results of your treatment and prevent further scarring.
Benefits of Acne Scarring Treatment
- Permanent results
- Non-invasive treatment with no injections
- Lasers usually complement each other
FAQs
The treatment is usually very well tolerated with topical numbing cream applied 30 mins before the procedure. Most patients describe it as a “heat” sensation.
Clinical studies have shown that the above laser techniques cause less downtime and reduced risk of post treatment redness. The treatment settings are also more adjustable and versatile and can be modified to treat shallow to deep atrophic scars as well as raised hypertophic scars.
Mild redness and swelling sensation can be expected immediately after the laser treatment. This resolves over 1-2 days. There subsequently will be light scabbing of the skin which will fully resolve within 1 week. It is recommended to moisturise regularly and be disciplined with sunscreen during the 1 week recovery period.
While complete removal of scars is not always possible, significant improvement can be achieved with the right treatment plan and multiple sessions.
Different types of scars respond differently to treatments, so it is best to consult a doctor for personalised recommendations.
Inflammatory acne, such as cystic acne, has a higher likelihood of leaving scars.
The number of sessions needed varies for each individual and depends on the severity of their acne scars. It is advised to ask your doctor as it varies for each individual.
Comfortable Process
Zero downtime