Acne Scarring
Causes and treatments
Acne scarring is the aftermath of severe or prolonged acne outbreaks, characterised by persistent blemishes, pitting, or pigmentation irregularities on the skin’s surface. At Thames, Dr Bravis offers advanced skin treatments designed to reduce the appearance of acne scars effectively.
Symptoms and causes
Acne scarring is primarily caused by the inflammation and damage caused by cystic acne or inflamed blemishes. These scars can manifest in various forms, including pitted scars and pigmentation irregularities. Factors contributing to acne scarring include the severity of acne outbreaks, skin picking or squeezing, and genetic predisposition.
Types of Acne Scarring:
- Pitted Acne Scarring: Resulting from deep-seated cystic acne, pitted scars create uneven skin texture and dimpling. Types include box scars, rolling scars, and ice pick scars.
- Pigmented Acne Scarring: Dark or light patches of skin left behind after acne lesions heal, caused by melanin buildup. Individuals with darker skin tones may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How we treat Acne Scarring in Thames Ditton
Treatment options depend on acne scarring type and severity:
- Celluma Pro LED Therapy: Stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of acne scars and improving skin texture.
- Chemical Peels: Exfoliates damaged skin layers, revealing smoother skin and reducing the visibility of acne scars.
- Plex-R Plasma Therapy: Resurfaces skin, tightens tissue, and minimises the appearance of acne scars effectively.
- Microneedling with Radiofrequency: Stimulates collagen production and remodels scar tissue, reducing the appearance of acne scars for smoother skin texture.
- Polynucleotides: Promotes tissue regeneration and collagen production, helping to improve the texture and appearance of acne scars over time.
When to seek treatment?
If you’re struggling with persistent acne scarring that affects your confidence and self-esteem, schedule a consultation with Dr Bravis, our skin expert at Thames to explore personalised treatment options suited to your skin’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent acne scarring?
While acne scarring cannot always be entirely prevented, certain measures can minimise their occurrence. Protecting your skin from sun exposure, avoiding picking or squeezing acne lesions, and seeking professional advice and treatments during active acne outbreaks can help reduce the risk of scarring.
Are acne scars permanent?
While some acne scars may fade over time, particularly those resulting from superficial inflammation, deeper scars may be permanent without intervention. Early treatment and skin care interventions can prevent permanent scarring and promote skin healing.
How can I remove my acne scars?
Acne scars can be effectively treated with a range of professional skin treatments offered at Thames, including skin peels, microneedling, and Celluma Blue Light Therapy, among others. During your consultation, Dr Bravis will assess your specific type of scarring and recommend the most suitable treatment for optimal results.