Our modern acne scarring treatments are designed not only to diminish the visibility of scars but also to restore the natural smoothness and elasticity of your skin.
At Skin Medical, led by Dr Sabika Karim, we recognise that acne scars can linger long after the acne itself has resolved, manifesting in various forms such as pockmarks, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin texture. We offer evidence-based treatment plans for patients struggling with acne, including more complex cases such as cystic acne. Our approach is always tailored to your skin condition, goals, and medical history, with an emphasis on safety, long-term skin health, and visible results.
Our team can support you in:
Managing and reducing active acne or cystic acne breakouts
Preventing long-term skin damage and acne scarring
Treating blackheads and whiteheads effectively
Addressing post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness
Acne scars develop due to inflammation within the dermis caused by acne. There are several distinct types of acne scars:
Ice Pick Scars: Characterised by narrow, V-shaped pits in the skin.
Boxcar Scars: Depressed areas with sharp edges, similar to the scars left by chickenpox.
Rolling Scars: Broad depressions with sloping edges, giving the skin a wavy appearance.
Hypertrophic Scars: Raised, firm scars that occur when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots resulting from increased melanin production in response to inflammation. Each type of acne scar requires a specific approach for effective treatment.
Acne scars result from the body’s inflammatory response to a P. acnes bacterial infection. When the body battles this infection, inflammation causes the pores to swell, pushing bacteria-infected material beneath the skin and into the surrounding tissue.
As the body heals these wounds, it produces collagen to repair the skin damage. However, this collagen distribution is often uneven, leading to a lumpy or undulating skin texture. This inconsistent collagen can result in the various types of acne scars that many individuals seek to treat.
As acne scars come in various forms, their treatments are equally diverse. At Skin Medical, we offer a range of advanced options to address these scars effectively:
Dermal fillers can be used to treat different areas of the face, including the lips, chin, jaw, cheeks, forehead and nose, and are ideal for dealing with specific issues such as loss of volume, deep lines, tear troughs, and jowls.
Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments containing ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting cell regeneration and collagen production. These are particularly effective for milder scars.
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin’s outer layer, exfoliating it to promote cell turnover and collagen production. Superficial peels are suitable for mild scarring, while deeper peels may be necessary for more pronounced scars.
This treatment uses a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing response and triggering the production of collagen and elastin which can be effective at treating certain acne scarring.
It is also possible to combine Microneedling with Radio-frequency (RF) energy, this treatment delivers controlled heat deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production and remodelling scar tissue. It is effective for all types of acne scars.
Laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, target specific layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of acne scars. These treatments require minimal downtime and generate minimal discomfort.
Injectable dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or collagen-based fillers, can temporarily fill the space left by depressed acne scars, providing immediate improvement in the skin’s texture and appearance.
While dermal fillers offer quick and consistent results, they require regular maintenance injections to sustain the effects.
Most of our treatments are suitable for a variety of skin types, though some adjustments may be necessary based on individual characteristics. Dr. Sabika Karim will tailor each treatment to ensure it meets your specific skin needs.
The number of sessions required varies according to the severity of the scarring and the chosen treatment path. Generally, patients need multiple sessions spaced over several weeks to achieve noticeable results.
Treatment options for acne scarring at Skin Medical include topical treatments, chemical peels, Microneedling, laser therapy, dermal fillers, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and fractional Radio-Frequency. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of scarring, as well as your individual skin characteristics.
With appropriate treatment, acne scars can fade over time. However, the degree of improvement varies depending on factors such as the type and severity of scarring, the chosen treatment modality, and your individual skin response.
Finance available: 0% interest over 12 months. Terms & Conditions apply. Please speak to us or visit the clinic for more information.
