Acne scars are the end result of acne outbreaks.

When acne heals they can result in post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentations (brownish discoloration)  or erythema (reddish marks).

These can be treated and lightened by:

1. Q-switched ND Yag laser or
2. IPL

Acne scars also take the form of pitting or skin indentations eg.

• Rolling scars: Broad depressions with rounded , sloping edges
• Boxcar scars : Broad rectangular depressions with steep defined edge
• Ice-pick scars : Deep and narrow ( usually less than 2 mm across)
• Hypertrophic scars : These are raised scars due to excessive deposition of collagen. Not to be confused with keloidal scars
• Keloid scars :  These scars appear as raised heaped- up scar that rises abruptly above the rest of the skin.They are irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively.

How do we treat acne scars?

We have a variety of treatments to treat acne scars. The different types of acne scars will require different methods or a combination of methods to achieve the best possible results.

1. Fractional CO2 laser can treat

• Depressed, rolling, pitted scars
• Reduced pigmentation
• Large pores
• Fine wrinkles/ lines
• Skin laxity

2. Chemical peel like TCA Cross (Trichloroacetic acid)

3. PDRN Baby Skin Boosters

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) derived from salmon DNA, has been proven to regenerate, heal and rejuvenate skin cells and tissues from within.

4. Inno Plus Scar Subcision

For deep box scars, Inno Plus RF subcision with a special blunt cannula is used to break up the scar tissue that is pulling the base of the scar down. This will reduce the depth of the scar and stimulate new collagen formation.

5. Fillers

Fillers can be used to fill up the depressed scar to soften and plump up the skin to achieve a smoother radiant skin.

6. Triamcinolone Injection

Keloid scars can be injected with intra-lesional triamcinolone to shrink the scar.

These may require several sessions.