Acne scars can occur as the skin heals from pimples, nodules (larger and harder pimples), or comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). These scars appear as depressions or raised, red areas in the skin that last long after the acne is gone, and give the skin a typical bumpy or wavy appearance.
Specifically, acne scars can appear in the following forms:

Ice pick acne scars:

This is the most common type of acne scarring characterized by tiny pits usually less than 2 mm across that extend deep into the skin, giving the surface an appearance as if it were punctured by ice picks.

Boxcar acne scars:

This is another common type that is mostly found on the cheeks and temples. Boxcar scars are angular in shape and bigger in size (across) than the ice pick scars; they may be shallow or deep, but always have sharp, vertical edges.

Rolling acne scars:

These wave-like scars that are wider and shallower are caused by damages to the subcutaneous layer of the skin or the dermis.

Hypertrophic acne scars:

These raised and lumpy scars, that tend to appear more usually on the back, chest, but less commonly on the neck and face, appear often as a result of more severe acne types lesions, such as cysts or nodules. Most hypertrophic scars will shrink with time except the Keloid scars which tend to expand beyond the original wound site.

Acne Scar Treatment:

While the above typology may be of some help in identifying the nature of scarring and finding the most appropriate treatment method or approach, since most people have multiple types of scarring, it makes the best choice difficult in any case. This is compounded by the noise created by overambitious marketers who are easily identified by their empty, one-size-fit-all claims to sell their over-the-counter ‘, quick-fixes’ to the uninformed but anxious patients.

Without the professional guidance of a board certified practitioner, it is not only challenging but dangerous to use any treatment or approach in a given case. Yes, self help works, but not beyond its limits.

Contact us today to consult ‘free-of-charge’ one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.

Also, be prepared to be amazed to see the successful marriage of the skincare and laser treatments departments at our practice, and their achievement in providing total skincare solutions following our enterprise-wide holistic health philosophy.

Laser technology is here to stay as it significantly removes or totally reduces acne scars. Lasers resurfacing is best acne scar treatment and most effective, and certainly more reliably than such traditional treatments as chemical peeling or dermabrasion which lack the power to produce consistent results. Other treatments, though non-invasive, can hardly yield anything beyond minimal improvements.

Depending on the type, stage and severity of scarring, your skin type, general health, lifestyle, and, of course, your preferences, our practitioners may choose any of the wide range of methods or approaches, singly or in combination, to work out your comprehensive treatment plan.