Just about everyone in NYC has been affected with acne at one point or another. Scars and discolorations acne leaves behind, can make you self conscious about your skin. Here, I’ll review some acne scar treatments that can drastically reduce their appearance. Even though some acne scars are permanent, with proper treatments, some may go away over time.
First, let’s briefly review atrophic scars- that is indented scars that form when skin isn’t able to stimulate tissue or collagen, as when pimples or breakouts damage tissue beneath it. These indentations can form in three ways. Ice pick scars (more difficult to treat), rolling scars, and boxcar scars.
Now let’s discuss some acne scar treatments we perform here at our NYC office. I’ll begin wit my favorite- microneedling: multiple sessions of microneedling have shown to be efficacious for treatment of acne scars. The microneedling pen or device rapidly puncture skin to create controlled injury, which triggers the body’s healing process. Microneedling for scars is painless, as numbing cream is applied on skin before treatment is started. Like most treatments, it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
The next treatment for acne scars I’ll review are chemical peels. With the introduction of lasers for skin rejuvenation, chemical peels are not as popular as they once were. However, they’re cost effective, and you can’t compete with the downtime. These chemical solutions penetrate the dermis and correct damaged cells, restoring a vibrant appearance. Acne scars are improved after only a few sessions. Unlike microneedling, chemical peels remove the top layer of the skin.
Microdermabrasion – this minimally invasive and basic procedure is still a favorite. Microdermabrasion renews skin texture by removing the skin’s top layer, using a mechanical device. Microdermabrasion is not only considered safe but it’s beneficial for various skin concerns.
Dermal fillers – they work best with some types of scars. Dermal fillers improve the skin texture while reducing the appearance of some scars. Some fillers we use at Manhattan Microneedling here in NYC, are hyaluronic acid based, such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero. Dermal fillers are great for immediate results, and improvements are seen for the next few months. Effects are temporary, lasting anywhere from 6 to 9 months. However, with a combination of other treatments for acne scars discussed previously, a dramatic reduction in the appearance of acne scars can be seen, along with improvements in skin texture.
If you want to learn more about the many treatments for acne scars or anti aging for skin rejuvenation, contact our NYC office at 917.414.9819 and book your appointment today.