Depressed Acne Scars
Regardless of the severity of your acne scars, there are many ways to reduce or eliminate them. These include a variety of topical products and treatments, such as acne creams, topical retinoids, and chemical peels. However, there are some complications and classifications you should be aware of before starting any treatment.
Pathogenesis
Having acne can be a depressing experience. However, you can nip the problem in the bud with the help of a dermatologist. Besides, there are several effective treatment options to choose from. Some people are lucky enough to never experience acne while others must deal with acne on a regular basis. Aside from the obvious physical ailments, acne can also affect one’s mental state of mind. Acne can cause anxiety and social phobia which can negatively affect a person’s confidence level and over all well being.
As a matter of fact, some people report suicidal thoughts after experiencing a bout of acne. In addition, a lack of self-esteem can be a hindrance to achieving your life’s goals. It can also lead to several other psychological ailments. The most common among them is depression.
In addition, there are many ways to cure acne, from topical medications to surgery. The best bet is to visit your local dermatologist. You’ll likely need to undergo several tests and trials before you’re ready for a full-scale treatment. The most important part of the process is to be patient. This is especially true if you’re suffering from a chronic condition. Getting a diagnosis and treatment plan in place can help you move forward in your life.
You may also want to consider seeing a dermatologist if you’re considering a cosmetic procedure. Having a skin specialist on your side can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly missteps. Some dermatologists can also provide emotional support. Depending on the severity of your acne, a visit to a cosmetic surgeon may also be in order.
The best part is that you won’t have to pay for it. Some dermatologists offer a free consultation. Besides, there are a number skin care centers that offer a wide array of cosmetic treatments to help treat acne. As far as avoiding scars is concerned, you can also do your part by eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking. Lastly, the best way to treat acne is to be patient.
Classification
Unlike hypertrophic acne scars, depressed scars are permanent. They caused by the loss of collagen during the healing process. This may be due to replacement of collagen fibers with fibrotic tissue, or a combination of both. In any event, they affect the well-being of those with them.
There is no one-size-fits-all way to cure the problem, but there are some things you can do to make the scars less visible. For starters, you should keep a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Another thing you can do is get your skin microdermabrasion or chemical exfoliation done to improve skin texture.
If you are considering a more aggressive approach, you may want to consider laser treatments such as photothermal action or fat tissue transplantation. The latter works primarily by stimulating the growth of dermal collagen. You can also get these treatments by using radio frequency, micro-needle, or microdermabrasion. Aside from the scars, you can also treat the skin with chemical peels.
One of the hottest trends in acne scar treatment is the use of ultra-pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser. This method uses array-like microbeams to stimulate the growth of dermal collagen. It has shown that different laser parameters can use to treat different forms of depressed acne scars. It is unclear, however, whether the technique is safe or not.
The most successful method of removing depressed acne scars is subcision. Subcision works on the principle that fibrous bands of tissue are the root cause of most depressed scars. This technique, albeit controversial, is effective for most types of depressed scars. You can find more about subcision on the website of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
One of the best ways to determine which acne scar treatments are right for you is to get a second opinion from your doctor. A thorough discussion should include all your questions and concerns. You should also educate on the costs of treatment. You should be sure to ask about any side effects or contraindications for a particular method.
The best way to do this is to consult with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. They can help you make the right decisions and help you get the best results possible.
Depressed Acne Scars Treatment options
Luckily, there are many treatments available to remove depressed acne scars. Many dermatologists offer surgery to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Some types of injections and dermal fillers can also use. Dermabrasion and microneedling are also treatments for depressed acne scars.
Dermabrasion removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This procedure works best for people who want to improve the look of their skin without undergoing a full facial procedure. It can use on all skin tones, but it may require more than one session.
Dermabrasion removes the top layers of skin, but it cannot treat deep scars. For people with depressed acne scars, the best treatment is laser skin resurfacing. This procedure removes layers of skin that are causing the scars.
Micro-needling Radiofrequency (MNRF) is a new method of skin treatment. It stimulates collagen production and elastin production. It works by breaking scar tissue, allowing the epidermis to regenerate new collagen and elastin. Microneedling also tightens skin. It is a safe, effective treatment.
Laser therapy may also use to reduce boxcar acne scars. The Sciton laser uses YAG laser technology. Its heat is not as intense as traditional CO2 lasers. This method can use on all types of atrophic scars.
Some patients need a series of treatments. Some of the treatments include injections, collagen induction therapy, and resurfacing. The length of time that the treatment takes will depend on the type of scar and how much collagen needed.
Some people will have a permanent filler procedure. Fillers include hyaluronic acid, which can add volume to depressed scars. These fillers last between six and 18 months. Fillers can also made from a person’s own fat.
If your acne scars are deep, a dermatologist may recommend a filler. Fillers made of hyaluronic acid or collagen. They approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Many fillers are temporary, and they provide results in a matter of months.
Another procedure that may use to reduce the appearance of boxcar scars is electrodesiccation. It uses electric probes to heat the tissue. The procedure kills the tissue, and it may include in your treatment plan. It should note that the procedure has a significant downtime, and patients must apply a moisturizing cream at night.
Complications of Depressed Acne Scars
Unlike other types of acne scars, depressed scars positioned beneath the skin surface and can appear as oval dents, or small holes. They can treat with various cosmetic procedures, including autologous fat transfer, skin grafts, and fillers. Some acne scars can be more difficult to treat than others. Some may need to repair more than once.
Depressed scars, also known as atrophic scars, can treat with subcision, a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The procedure involves a special hypodermic needle that breaks fibrous bands that tack the skin inward. The breakage releases the fibrotic bands, which allows the skin to lift. This procedure generally well tolerated and performed in an outpatient setting. During the procedure, the patient remains awake and relaxed.
The other type of scar, called raised or hypertrophic scars, form when the body produces too much collagen. These scars are most noticeable on the chest and upper back. However, they can appear on any part of the body. They tend to flatten over time. Raised scars are easier to treat than depressed scars, but are more expensive.
Atrophic scars may treat with dermabrasion, a procedure that removes the top layers of skin. This type of treatment works well for acne scars that are nearly flat. It is a safe procedure that is suitable for all skin colors. Dermabrasion removes the top layer of skin, allowing the body to create new skin cells. The procedure requires a few visits to the doctor and involves a burning sensation for a few hours. The procedure also requires repeat appointments, and patients may experience swelling or bruising.
Other methods of treatment include autologous fat transfer, cutting, and sewing. These methods can correct deep contour defects caused by nodulocystic acne. Autologous fat transfer uses fat from another site on the body to raise the depressed scar. This procedure is more affordable than other treatments. Autologous fat transfers require repeated treatments over time, and patients may experience side effects such as swelling or bruising. A board-certified dermatologist can help determine which treatment method is best for you.
