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If you’re like most people, you probably wish you could just zap your acne scars away. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible.
But don’t worry – there are plenty of effective acne scar treatment options available in Singapore. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at five of the most popular treatments and discuss how they work. So read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Types of Acne Scars and their Causes
The first step for dealing with acne scars effectively is to understand what type of scars you’re dealing with. This way, you can select the best treatment option for your needs.
There are two main types of acne scars:
1. Atrophic scars
These are scars that appear as indentations in the skin. They’re usually caused by a loss of collagen and can be further classified into three subtypes:
- Ice pick scars: These are small, deep scars that look like they’ve been made with an ice pick.
- Boxcar scars: These are wider than ice-pick scars and have sharp, defined edges.
- Rolling scars: These scars give the skin a rolling or wave-like appearance.
2. Hypertrophic scars
These are scars that appear as raised, thickened areas of skin. They’re caused by an overgrowth of collagen and usually occur on the chest or back. They can be either pink or flesh-toned.
Treatment Options for Acne Scars
There are several effective treatment options available for acne scars. Usually, the specific type of treatment option your plastic surgeon or dermatologist recommends will depend on the type of scars you have. Here are some of the most popular treatment options:
1. Laser resurfacing
There are two types of laser resurfacing that can be used to treat acne scars: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative laser resurfacing removes the top layers of skin, while non-ablative laser resurfacing works by heating up the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen production.
Both techniques can be effective, but ablative laser resurfacing is generally more aggressive and requires more downtime for healing. Non-ablative laser resurfacing is a less invasive option, but it may require multiple treatments to see results. Your dermatologist can help you decide which type of laser resurfacing is right for you.
2. Chemical peels
Chemical peels are a type of cosmetic procedure that may be recommended for you if your focus is to improve the appearance of atrophic scars. As explained before, atrophic scars are characterized by sunken, depressed marks on the skin.
Chemical peels remove the top layers of skin, encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin. The new skin is typically smoother and more even in color than the surrounding skin.
Chemical peels are generally safe and effective but can sometimes cause side effects, such as redness, swelling, and crusting. Peels are usually performed by a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or other trained medical professional.
3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a popular cosmetic treatment that can be used to improve the appearance of the skin. It involves using a special device to deeply exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing the brighter, smoother skin underneath.
Microdermabrasion can be used to treat a variety of concerns, including acne scars. When it comes to acne scar removal, microdermabrasion can be an effective option for some people.
The treatment can help to improve the appearance of scars by making them less noticeable. It can also help stimulate collagen production, further reducing the appearance of scars. If you are considering microdermabrasion for acne scar removal, it is important to talk to a qualified dermatologist or aesthetician to see if the treatment is right for you.
4. Fillers
Injectable fillers are another option that may be recommended to improve the appearance of acne scars. Fillers can help to plump up sunken, depressed scars and make them less noticeable.
There are a variety of different fillers that can be used for this purpose, including hyaluronic acid fillers and collagen-based fillers. Your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can help you decide which type of filler is right for you.
5. Surgical methods
For some people, surgical methods may be the best option for acne scar removal. There are a variety of surgical procedures that can be used to improve the appearance of scars, including:
- Punch excisions: During this procedure, the scars are cut out, and the resulting hole is stitched closed.
- Subsicion: During this minimally-invasive procedure, a needle is inserted under the skin to break up fibrous bands that are pulling down on the scar, which can help to raise it to the surface of the skin.
- Skin grafts: During this procedure, healthy skin is removed from another area of the body and transplanted into the scarred area
Your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can help you decide which type of surgical procedure is right for you.
How to Prepare for your Acne Scar Treatment
Before you undergo any type of treatment for your acne scars, it is important to consult with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They will be able to assess your individual case and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
If you do decide to proceed with treatment, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Again, your plastic surgeon will give you the specific instructions you need to follow, but in general, you should:
- Stop smoking: If you smoke cigarettes, it is important to stop at least four weeks before and after your treatment. Smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Avoid tanning: It is also important to avoid tanning, both before and after your treatment. Tanning can make scars more visible and can interfere with the healing process.
- Arrange for transportation: Depending on the type of treatment you are having, you may need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Though not always necessary—especially with non-invasive treatments, it may help to arrange for transportation in advance.
The Bottom Line
We get it; acne scars can be a major downer. But don’t despair – there are several effective treatment options available to help improve their appearance. Perhaps the only most important thing is to find a skilled plastic surgeon or dermatologist who understands what you’re going through and can help you choose the best treatment for your individual case.
At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we understand the unique challenges that come with acne scarring. We offer a variety of different treatment options to help you achieve the results you desire. To learn more about our approach to acne scar treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call: +65 6904 2218 or visit us at:
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic
304 Orchard Rd,
#05-51 Lucky Plaza,
Singapore 238863
