If You Have Acne Scars, You Also Have Treatment Options

Acne scars are frustrating. Just when you've cleared your skin from breakouts, proof they existed remains long after. And if you've struggled with acne for a long time, you're always worried about when the new blemishes will appear while you're still dealing with the aftermath. That's why several cosmetic procedures have been created to help reduce acne scars, many of which can also help reduce future breakouts. These include microneedling, PRP, IPL and photo facials. Keep reading to discover more about each of these treatments offered at Aesthetic Envy in the Sacramento area can help you achieve clearer, smoother, and more radiant-looking skin.

Causes of Acne Scarring

Acne scars commonly result from pimples, which are inflamed acne lesions such as cysts, papules and pustules. And if these become inflamed, it can damage the skin and result in scarring. Acne scars can take several forms. It may not be reasonable to expect to prevent acne scars entirely. However, there are ways to reduce the possibility of developing them. Good skincare habits and avoiding picking or squeezing pimples are important in preventing acne scars. Additionally, avoiding harsh skincare products that irritate the skin, and using gentle, non-comedogenic products, can also help.

Microneedling

Microneedling is minimally invasive, a treatment that includes making small punctures in the skin using a device with tiny needles. The process of pricking the skin surface encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which can help improve acne scars' appearance over time. Microneedling is often combined with PRP to enhance the results.

Benefits of Microneedling

1. Improved skin texture: Microneedling can help to smooth out rough, uneven skin texture caused by acne scars.
2. Stimulated collagen production: Small skin punctures stimulate collagen production, which plumps the skin and reduces scars. Collagen is essential to maintain elasticity.
3. Reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation: Microneedling can also effectively reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, including acne scars.

What to Expect

A microneedling treatment typically takes about 30-60 minutes. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you can expect some redness, swelling and tenderness in the treated area, which usually lasts a few days. Some mild scabbing or crusting may occur, but this should resolve within a week. Most patients return to typical activities within a few days. However, protecting the skin from sun exposure is crucial and avoiding using harsh skincare products until it has fully healed.

Results

Results can typically be seen within a few weeks of the procedure, and they continue to improve over the following months as the skin continues to heal and regenerate. The full results of a microneedling procedure can take several months to become apparent.

PRP Therapy

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma therapy, involves using a patient's own blood to extract platelets, which are then injected back into the skin to promote healing and rejuvenation. When combined with microneedling, PRP can help increase the stimulation of collagen production and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin more quickly.

Benefits of PRP Therapy

1. Stimulated collagen production: Platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that can stimulate collagen production, which can help to improve the appearance of acne scars.
2. Improved skin texture: PRP can help to smooth out rough, uneven skin texture caused by acne scars.
3. Reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation: PRP can also effectively reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, including acne scars.

What to Expect

The treatment typically takes about 30-60 minutes. After a PRP procedure, patients can expect light redness and swelling, usually lasting a few hours to a day. There may also be some mild discomfort or tenderness, but this should resolve within a few days. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately, although avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting the skin with good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is imperative.

Results

Results can typically be seen within a few weeks of the procedure, and they continue to improve over the following months as the skin continues to heal and regenerate. The full results of a PRP procedure can take several months to become apparent.

IPL Therapy

IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmented areas of the skin, including acne scars. The light energy breaks up the pigmentation, which is then absorbed by the body and eliminated. IPL can effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars, improve skin texture and reduce redness.

Benefits of IPL

1. Reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation: IPL can help to break up the pigmentation in acne scars, reducing their appearance.
2. Improved skin texture: IPL can also help to smooth out rough, uneven skin texture caused by acne scars.
3. Reduced redness: IPL can effectively reduce redness associated with acne scars.

What to Expect

The treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes and can be performed in a dermatologist's office. After an IPL procedure, patients can expect redness and mild skin swelling, which usually lasts a few hours to a day. There may also be some mild discomfort or tenderness, but this should resolve within a few days. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, although avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting the skin with good sunscreen is essential.

Results

Results can typically be seen within a few weeks of the procedure, and they continue to improve over the following months as the skin continues to heal and regenerate. The full results of an IPL procedure can take several months to become apparent.

Photo Facials

Photofacials use a more targeted light source to treat specific areas of the skin. They can be effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars, as well as improving overall skin tone and texture.

Benefits of Photofacials

1. Reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation: Photofacials can help to break up the pigmentation in acne scars, reducing their appearance.
2. Improved skin texture: Photofacials can also help to smooth out rough, uneven skin texture caused by acne scars.
3. Reduced redness: Photofacials can effectively reduce the redness associated with acne scars.

What to Expect

The photofacial treatment typically takes about 30-60 minutes. After a photofacial procedure, patients can expect redness and mild swelling, which lasts only a few hours to a day. There may also be some mild discomfort or tenderness, but this should resolve within a few days. Patients can return to normal activities immediately while avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting their skin with sunscreen.

Results

Results can typically be seen within a few weeks of the procedure, and they continue to improve over the following months as the skin continues to heal and regenerate. The full results of a photofacial procedure can take several months to become apparent.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

While many types of acne scars can be treated, the effectiveness of treatment may vary depending on the severity and type of scarring present. If you're in Northern California, contact Aesthetic Envy by clicking here or calling 916-333-4906 to book your consultation, which can help determine the best skincare solution for you. You don't suffer any longer from acne scars!