Acne Scars: Understanding Treatment Options for a Smooth, Confident You
Acne scars is a skin condition currently affecting by millions of people all over the world. For so many people, the fight is not over even after the acne has cleared.
Acne causes skin marks on the face after healing which are usually permanent and may take a long time to heal when interfered with.
Fortunately, the modern dermatology still has numerous ways to remove the scars of acne and give a client back the smooth skin.
Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan the best skin dermatologist in Islamabad offers best dermatological treatments. Patients can get quality treatment for the removal of acne and acne scars.
This guide will provide information on the types of acne scars; the various treatment methods; home remedies and the significance of seeing a dermatologist in time.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars occur when the skin inflammation occurs in the skin. When the acne lesions go deeper into the skin, they destroy the skin tissue. This leads to formation of excess or less collagen as the body heals itself. Based on how the skin heals, it results in formation of different types of scars.
Not all acne sufferers get scars but the chances of getting scars are higher with severe or cystic acne.
Several factors which cause scar formation include inadequate or late treatment of acne, excessive scratching of pimples or lesions, and family history.
Types of Acne Scars
The type of scar that results from acne classifies it to either raised or depressed depending on the treatment method that best suits it. Acne scars can be broadly classified into two categories:
- Keloidal or atrophic (depressed)
- Hypertrophic(raised)
1. Atrophic Acne Scars (Depressed Scars)
Atrophic scars develop when there is tissue deficiency leading to concavity or pitting of the skin.
They are the most common type of acne scars and have further three subtypes:
Ice Pick Acne Scars:
These are deep narrow injuries that penetration the skin resulting to small traces that are comparable to holes. Icy white scars by ice pick are commonly the end product of cystic acne.
Boxcar Acne Scars:
These are wide coarsely marginated scars which have a box type appearance. These scars are typically flat more often due to scattering of many papules and can be of different severity.
Rolling Acne Scars:
Rolling scars are defined by the fact that they are wavy in dimension. They happen because there is damage below the skin and the skin appears rough and as if it has hills which are actually lumps.
2. Keloïd or Raised Acne Scars (Hypertrophic Scars)
Hypertrophic scars are marked by an increased deposition of collagen when the wound is healing. Therefore, it ends up forming raised and firm scars that stand above the skin plane.
It is perhaps important to note that these types of scars are more frequently found in the back, chest, and shoulder area although they could also develop in the face area as well.
3. Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmention (PIH)
Post Inflammatory Hyper pigmentation or PIH, is not a true scar but discoloration of the skin that occurs after the acne has healed.
These can take months or even years to disappear without medical intervention. They affect people with darker skin tones most of the time.
Home Remedies for Acne Scars
There is no home treatment that aggressively heals acne scars like professional treatments which are the most effective. But there are some remedies that might help fade mild acne scars or promote skin healing between appointments.
Here are a few remedies you can try at home:
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel has many qualities that make it an ideal skin treatment and helps soothe the skin.
When applied regularly, fresh aloe vera gel prepares for a positive healing effect to acne scars. Eventually, alleviating inflammation while increasing skin tone.
This plant has vitamin and antioxidant properties that promote the healing of skin cells in the body and production of collagen.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can well be used because it contains natural bleaching properties that can help deal with PIH.
But direct application should be avoided as it contains a harsh element, it is good to mix it with water before applying it on the skin.
Rub diluted lemon juice on the affected significant area with a cotton pad and let it stay for approximately 10-15 minutes and then wash away.
3. Honey
It has moistening properties which help in the healing process and is an acclaimed natural antibiotic.
Possessing antimicrobial properties makes it easy to reduce inflammation and also discourage formation of acne.
Apply raw honey on the affected area because it helps the skin to become softer and, in time, the scarring reduces.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil also contains antioxidants and vitamin E and is, therefore, ideal for repairing damaged skin.
Rub a little coconut oil on acne scars to increase skin firmness and stimulate new collagen production.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV can assist to reduce the color of acne scars, and also fade hyperpigmentation of the skin. These properties also work on skin cells to help in the removal of skins scars.
Mix apple cider vinegar with water and then soaked a piece of cotton pad in the solution before applying it to the scars. Let it on for a few minutes then wash it off.
6. Rosehip Seed Oil
It contains linoleic acids and vitamins A and C, the former best for the skin, and the latter for regeneration of the skin cell. It can whiten skin and work on the removal of dark spots and fine lines due to the stimulation of collagen.
Apply a few drops of rosehip seed oil to acne scars daily for smoother, more even-toned skin.
Treatment Options for Acne Scars
Each acne scar require. At Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan’s clinic there are many techniques that the best skin doctor in Islamabad provides for improving the skins texture as well as for acne scar treatment.
Here are the most effective treatment options:
1. Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser treatments are considered to be among the greatest solutions for diminishing acne scars.
Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan who is famed as one of the premier dermatologists in Islamabad provides various laser treatments based on various types of to treat the scarred skin.
Fractional CO2 Laser:
This potent laser therapy is carried out with an objective of making small puncture like holes on the surface of skin so as to have an enhanced generation of collagen and skin regeneration.
Mixing and applying this with TCA results in a very effective treatment for atrophic scars particularly the ice pick and boxcar types.
A new type of collagen fills in the skin, reducing the imprint of a scar and the pain over time.
Erbium Laser Resurfacing:
This laser also works on the outer skin layer to eliminate the affected layer and stimulate fresh skin production. It is best for superficial acne scars and general skin tone and texture of the skin.
Laser treatments are very selective, and sometimes, several sessions have to be organized in order to achieve the best outcome.
2. Microneedle with PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma
Microneedling also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy is a relatively simple procedure.
It involves using a device with numerous micro-needles to create micro injuries on the skin layer. Along with that it stimulates the creation of new stronger fibers of collagen.
Activating the growth factors microneedling improves the healing process of the skin.
When done in conjunction with the platelet rich plasma, which is plasma separated from the patient’s blood and is loaded with growth factors, the changes on the skin scar are much faster and more evident.
Topical micro needling with PRP is particularly useful for rolling type of scars and for general skin conditioning.
This one has been used frequently by patients in search of scar compensation, which does not require surgery.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layers and encourages new, smoother skin to replace the damaged layers.
The peels can be as mild as those that deal with the damage on the outer layer of the skin or as advanced as those that address deeper scarring.
Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan recommends the chemical peel according to the kind of skin and gravity of the scar present on the client.
It is most useful in treating post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and non-hypertrophic, shallow atrophic scars.
4. Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
For the deeper atrophic scars like boxcar and rolling scars, the dermal fillers which work like hammered boards when placed in the depressions they fill it hence leveling the skin.
Dermal fillers which are mostly infused from hyaluronic acid are administered directly onto the skin lesions thus ensuring instant enhancements.
Although dermal fillers are temporary and typically last up to a year, they can also erase depressed scars and improve skin surface dramatically.
5. Subcision
Subcision is a surgical procedure whereby a small needle is subcutaneously passed under the skin to cut the tethering fibro areolar bands and lift the depressed skin.
It relieves constriction of these bands to facilitate the flattening out of the skin surface and shortening of heights of the scars.
Like most subcision procedures, it can also be done in conjunction with other procedures such as microneedling or lasers.
6. TCA Cross ( Trichloroacetic acid )
The TCA Cross is a procedure that is best option to manage the ice pick scars.
It involves putting a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid onto the scar; this causes grants an increased production of collagen and the scar gradually fills in.
This treatment is particularly suitable for atrophic, wide, and helical plaques which are untreatable by other treatments.
TCA Cross has the tendency to need more than one session before it can get to its best result, and it works best if it is accompanied by others.
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan for Acne Scars Treatment?
Selecting the right dermatologist is very important when it comes to managing or treating acne scar.
Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan who is one of the best skin specialists of Islamabad specializes in scar improvement and treatment. He provides treatments as per the need of the patient.
Here’s why you should trust Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan with your skincare journey:
1. Comprehensive Expertise
From many years of practice and thorough knowledge of skin disorders, Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan is fully capable of treating all kinds of scars specifically the acne scars.
He utilizes the most recently developed techniques and technologies.
Deep knowledge combined with the latest advances in laser technologies, microneedling, and other treatments guarantees the highest quality of services.
2. Customized Treatment Plans
It is worthy to understand that each patient has his/her skin type and every scar will be different.
Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan explained that he examines the patient’s skin type, the nature of the scars, and the objectives of the procedure before proceeding with the treatment.
This makes it easy for the patients to get the best results since the treatment given to them is developed according to their needs.
3. Cutting-Edge Technology
A top skin specialist of Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan practices innovative techniques to provide high standard treatment.
From the most sophisticated tools such as laser surgeries to minor operations such as microneedling, he offers the best in dermatology.
4. Patient-Centered Care
Many patients are needs proper consultation on issues for their satisfaction and it is a priority for Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan’s clinic.
His goal is to serve his patients sensitively and professionally. Also, to make every patient relaxed and assured during the course of the treatment.
Conclusion: Get Your Skin Back on Track with Amazing Acne Scars Treatment
It becomes funny how acne scars are not necessarily a lifetime testimony of the one dreadful experience of breakouts.
Whether it is acne, pigmentation or any other skin condition, with a proper treatment plan suggested by one of the top dermatologists near me Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan, you can set on the journey to get a better-looking skin and get back you confidence.
Whether you’re dealing with deep ice pick scars, rolling scars, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, there’s a solution for you.
Schedule a consultation with Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan, the best dermatologist in Islamabad, and take the first step toward transforming your skin and restoring your natural beauty. To learn more do not forget to visit our YouTube Channel.