What is Acne Scar?
Acne scars are permanent textural changes and indentations that occur on the skin as a result of severe acne. The term “scarring” is not used for the temporary red and brown marks left early after acne has occurred as these marks will almost always improve without treatment.
Causes of Acne Scar
Causes of Acne Scar, In severe acne, large pus-filled spaces known as acne cysts are formed. These cysts destroy skin tissue which is not replaced during the healing process. When the cyst eventually empties and the area heals, it usually leaves behind an indentation (or scar) on the face.
Causes of Acne scars are most often the product of an inflamed lesion, such as a papule, pustule, or cyst. Inflamed blemishes occur when the follicle, or pore, becomes engorged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The pore swells, causing a break in the follicle wall. If the rupture occurs near the skin’s surface, the lesion is usually minor and heals quickly. More serious lesions arise when there is a deep break in the follicle wall. The infected material spills out into the dermis and destroys healthy skin tissue which is the major cause of acne scars.
To repair the damage done to the dermis, the skin forms new collagen fibers. Collagen is the fibrous protein that gives the skin its strength and flexibility. Unfortunately, the finished “repair job” never looks as smooth and flawless as before the injury.
Types of Acne Scar
Generally, There are two types of Acne Scars:
Atrophic: Acne Scar caused by loss of tissue
Hypertrophic: Acne Scar Caused by an excess of tissue
Within these categories, acne scars fall into one of four types: ice pick, boxcar, rolling and keloid scars.
Ice pick scar: Ice pick type of acne scars are deep, very narrow scars that extend into the dermis.
Boxcar scars: Boxcar acne scar types are round or oval depressions with steep vertical sides.
Rolling scars: This type of acne scarring causes rolling or wave-like depressions across the otherwise normal-looking skin.
Keloid scars: A keloid type of acne scar looks like a raised, firm mass of tissue.
Acne Scar Treatments
There are Acne Scar treatments to treat scars caused by Acne. A few of such methods include:
- Excision
- Chemical Peeling
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser treatment
Treatment of Acne Scars with Laser
Laser treatment for acne scars has been proven to be the best available treatment to remove stubborn acne scars completely.
The laser is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that offers a permanent solution to acne scarring. Laser scar treatment uses short pulses of micro-fine laser light, to reach deeply into the skin’s top layer. The body’s natural healing process sweeps away the damaged tissue. It then rebuilds it with new collagen, to reveal the new skin beneath. It is a fast and simple procedure that can be done in less time, depending on the size of the area to be treated.
Treatment of acne scars with the laser is possible in four to six sessions, over a period of one and half-two months are enough to diminish the scars completely. Moreover, the skin will appear replenished and rejuvenated with a more even texture. The Laser acne scar treatment works on many skin types, including very pale or very dark skin. Laser resurfacing will not just address the issue of acne scars, but will also improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Types of Lasers for Treatment of Acne Scars
Dr Sachin, the best Skin doctor in Jaipur, will assess the scars to decide upon the type of acne scar treatment required.
1)IPL laser: It is a non-ablative laser that does not vaporize any tissue. It is the heat energy that stimulates new collagen production in the skin.
2)Co2 laser: This is a relatively new acne scar laser treatment that provides better results than Fraxel laser treatments for the acne scars. Carbon dioxide laser emits short bursts of extremely high-energy laser that vaporizes the scarred tissue, layer by layer. Its results are good, but recovery time is delayed.
3)Fractional lasers: It is the best laser treatment for acne scars. In fractional laser treatment, only a small portion of the skin is treated with laser energy while the rest of the skin is spared. This stimulates faster healing of the skin tissues and production of collagen.
4)Q-Switch lasers: Lasers are concentrated beams of energy that can help break down cells. Pigmented cells are more likely to absorb its energy – and then break down from the heat – so these are very effective in skin problems that involve discoloration: acne marks, freckles, sun spots, and age spots. Lasers can break down the colored pigments in tattoos, or target skin darkening to achieve a fairer complexion.
Q-Switch laser can play an important role in proactive acne control.
Q-Switch laser treatment for acne scars is also good for Indian skin, and recovery time is fast.
Q-Switch combine with carbon peel: The carbon peel, also known as the is the latest in skin rejuvenation laser treatments for acne scars that tighten pores, exfoliates skin, cleanses deep pores, kills acne bacteria, reduces fine pigmented hairs, improves fine lines and wrinkles, reduces blackheads and congestion, and reduces oil flow.
Its incredible results and subsequent fame are derived from the use of carbon. The black substance acts as a target for laser light, which is attracted to darker colors. When the carbon is applied and massaged into the face, it enters into the pores. Once hit by laser light, the carbon heats up and ‘explodes,’ removing built-up dead skin and damaging the inner walls of the pore. The heat generated induces collagen growth, reducing pore size, and improving skin texture, which would otherwise not be possible without the use of carbon. So, these were some of the major and best acne scar treatments with the laser.
Advantages of laser treatment for acne scars
The advantage of laser treatment for acne scar is that it works in harmony with the structure of the skin tissue.
- Quick and painless procedure
- Results will appear rapidly
- Acne scar laser treatment destroys the acne-causing bacteria
- Oil production reduction
- Acne inflammation control
Side effects of Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
As such, no side effects are there of laser treatment for acne scars. Little bruising and redness may be there in the area of treatment, but it gets subside within 24-48 hrs. No long-term side effect is there. It is a completely safe method for acne scar treatment.
Precautions
- Avoid bathing in very hot water.
- Washing: wait at least for 12 hours to wash your face.cleanse face with mild cleanser.
- Makeup: avoid makeup for at least 24 hours.
- No sun exposure: avoid direct sun exposure post-treatment in order to reduce the chance dark or light spots.Use of sunscreen is recommended whenever to go out.
Also Read: Causes of wrinkles on the face and how to get rid of it!
You can think about visiting Dr Sachin Sharda’s Jaipur Skincity Clinic for the best laser treatments like Laser Acne Scar Treatments, Laser Stretch Marks Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser for Pigmentation and Laser Hair Removal in Jaipur.