Acne Scar Treatment

What Are The Types Of Acne Scars?

An acne breakout can leave behind the following types of acne scars:

• Ice-pick scars – narrow, deep-pitted scars
• Rolling scars – wider depressions with sloping edges
• Boxcar scars – wider depressions with sharp edges
• Atrophic scars – thin and flat or depressed scars
• Hypertrophic scars – raised, lumpy growths due to excessive collagen production
• Keloid scars – Keloid scars are a type of hypertrophic scarring that extend beyond the original wound boundary, often requiring specialized treatment.

Acne Scar Treatments

Acne scars can often be significantly improved or mitigated, though not always completely ‘cured’. Several treatment options exist to reduce their appearance. The effectiveness of these options depends on the type and severity of the scars. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment selection is necessary for best results.

Treatments for acne scars in Dubai include the following.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling treatment can be performed in both clinical and non-clinical settings, depending on the peel’s strength The purpose is to exfoliate the top skin layer, removing acne scar tissues. This results in reduced visibility of scars.
Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA peels are commonly used for medium-depth peeling, while other types, such as salicylic acid, may be used for superficial peeling, depending on the scar type and skin condition.

That said, you may still need multiple sessions of chemical peeling treatment to get satisfactory results.

Microneedling

Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses ultra-fine, short needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These punctures or minor wounds trigger the body’s healing response, stimulating collagen production. Microneedling is primarily an anti-aging treatment that, according to evidence, may also help reduce the visibility of acne scars.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, or laser peeling, is an ablative treatment that reduces the appearance of acne scars by removing tissues from the skin’s top layer. This helps reveal a newer, more rejuvenated skin surface with an even skin tone and texture.

Soft Tissue Fillers

Indented scars may be treated with soft tissue fillers containing fat or collagen. This treatment can reduce the scars’ appearance significantly. However, its results are temporary. Therefore, you will need repeat sessions to maintain the results.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses a hand-held device that sprays tiny crystals onto the skin. These crystals perform a sand-blasting-like function, removing dead skin cells to reveal a fresh skin layer and reduce the appearance of acne scars. This treatment also stimulates collagen production and may improve the appearance of depressed scars.

PRP(platelet-rich plasma)

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) may be effective in treating acne scars, particularly when combined with other treatments like Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, Microneedling, and Subcision. It typically helps manage atrophic scars, a form of depressed acne scars.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an injection-based treatment that can help to fill depressed acne scars. Dermal fillers can temporarily improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars by adding volume to the depressed areas. The most common dermal fillers used for treating acne scars include:

• Bellafil
• Restylane or Juvederm (Hyaluronic acid)
• Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid)

Autologous Fat Transfer

Autologous fat grafting is a procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of the body to another, and it’s a more involved process than injecting pre-made dermal fillers. During this procedure, a surgeon harvests fat from fat-rich areas of your body, processes and purifies it to remove impurities, and injects viable fat cells into the depressed areas of acne scars.

Once injected, those fat cells redevelop, smoothening the skin. However, the percentage of redeveloping fat cells may vary from person to person. Some people may need multiple sessions of autologous fat transfer to achieve the desired results.

What Are The Benefits Of Acne Scar Treatment?

Acne breakouts can leave behind prominent scarring, which can be unsightly and may lower self-esteem. And the worst part is that they can be permanent. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with this nightmare for the rest of your life, as several acne scar treatments are available to help you get a smooth appearance.

Acne scar treatments offer the following benefits:

• They are safer and more effective than ever.
• Most acne scar treatments are non-invasive or minimally invasive and cause little to no pain.
• Aside from a few exceptions, most treatments lead to a shorter recovery duration and almost no downtime.
  That said, getting acne scar treatment from a skilled practitioner is essential to avoid risks and prevent complications.

How Long Do The Results Last?

Most treatments offer long-term or even permanent results. However, The duration of results from dermal fillers can vary widely, from several months to a couple of years, depending on the type of filler used. It is pertinent to note that some acne scar treatments aim to reduce the appearance, while others can help remodel the skin structure to diminish the scars. The degree of scar reduction will vary based on several factors, including the type of scar, individual skin characteristics, and the specific treatment regimen.

Acne Scar Treatment Cost

The average starting cost of acne scar treatment in Dubai is around AED 1000. The exact treatment price can vary from person to person, depending on the factors listed below:

• The treatment area size
• The severity or prominence of scars
• The treatment method chosen
• The dermatologist’s expertise
• The location and reputation of the treatment facility or clinic