Treating acne scars has remained a challenge for a long time. Well, this is not a huge concern nowadays. With the introduction of advanced skin treatment, acne scar healing has been redefined.
Acne scars are the skin marks that are seen after you heal a severe acne breakout. Building up bacteria and dead cells refers to acne. This results in the inflammation of pores.
Over the years, acne scars have been treated by lemon juice, aloe vera, etc. They possess properties, like exfoliation, regeneration, etc, which help in treating this skin condition. Well, such processes might not provide the expected outcomes. Also, they are slow.
New technologies have brought a revolution in acne treatment while offering significant results. Like, natural therapies are not used to treat atrophic scars, but a hyaluronic acid injection (injection acide hyaluronique) can be effective. This article assesses how acne scar healing is redefined by advanced skin treatments.
What are the Different Types of Acne Scars?
Acne scars are either atrophic or hypertrophic. There are three forms of atrophic scars.
- Boxcar scars: These are box-like depressions that are broad with sharp edges. Boxcar scars are caused because of extended acne. Such scars are mainly seen on the jaw and the lower cheeks.
- Ice pick scars: Such scars are smaller in size with narrower indentations and are pointed downwards. Ice pick scars are caused by cystic acne and are usually found on the cheeks.
- Rolling scars: Rolling scars possess sloping edges and varying depths. These mainly appear on the jawline and lower cheeks.
The different forms of hypertrophic scars are:
- Linear scars: Such scars are seen within the border of a wound and are caused by any surgery. They appear red and itchy.
- Widespread scars: These are extended scars that cover a wide area. Widespread scars are mainly caused by burn injuries. They are raised and itchy.
Here is a comparative evaluation of different scar types.
| Scar Type | Appearance | Depth & Shape | Common Causes | Treatment Options | Treatment Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Boxcar Scars |
Broad, box-like depressions with well-defined edges | Shallow to medium depth | Severe acne, chickenpox | Laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, microneedling, chemical peels | Moderate |
| Ice Pick Scars | Narrow, deep, pitted scars (like punctures) | Extend deep into skin | Severe cystic acne | Punch excision, TCA CROSS, laser therapy |
High (most difficult to treat) |
|
Rolling Scars |
Wave-like, uneven skin texture | Shallow with sloping edges | Long-term inflammatory acne | Subcision, microneedling, dermal fillers | Moderate |
|
Linear Scars |
Straight, thin, or thick lines (raised or flat) | Can vary in depth | Cuts, surgical incisions, trauma | Silicone gels, steroid injections, surgical revision, laser |
Low to Moderate |
| Widespread Scars | Large, flat areas of discolored or textured skin | Superficial and spread over large areas | Burns, widespread acne, skin conditions | Laser resurfacing, chemical peels, topical treatments | Moderate to High (due to size) |
Table 1: Comparison of Different Acne Scar Types
Difficulty in Treating Acne Scars and the Rise of Advanced Skin Treatments
Your own DNA contributes to your scars. Isn’t that interesting? Treating acne scars is challenging because the dysregulated collagen production in the natural healing process of skin results in forming various types of scars. Also, scars form at various depths, and different types have different appearances.
New treatments acknowledge acne scars by resurfacing skin and stimulating new tissue growth. A lasting acne scar can be treated if you opt for platelet-rich plasma therapy in Montreal. The treatment procedure for acne scarring has been redefined by the newer treatment methods by combining two techniques.
Top Advanced Skin Treatments for Acne Scar Healing
Acne is present in 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30. Hence, adequate treatment options are needed. Here are some of the treatment techniques that are effective in acne scar healing.
Figure: Top Advanced Skin Treatments
Laser Resurfacing
The appearance of scars is lowered by using lasers. This evens out skin tone while tightening one and removing lesions.
Laser resurfacing accounts for a precise removal of skin. This accounts for growing new collagen fibres. Hence, your skin gets smoother.
Microneedling
This treatment process is responsible for creating micro-injuries in the skin for the natural production of collagen. Microneedling repairs scar tissue while improving the texture of your skin.
Fine needles are used in this treatment procedure. This improves skin appearance, thereby filling wrinkles and scars.
Dermal Filler Therapy
This therapy works by using substances for lifting and filling depressed acne scars. Like, hyaluronic acid injection (injection acide hyaluronique) is commonly considered in this treatment process.
The goal of dermal filler therapy is to stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production. This helps in the improvement of your skin texture. Hence, acne scars are removed.
Chemical Peels
In this treatment process, a chemical solution is used for exfoliating and removing the outer layer of the old skin. This is replaced by a new skin, which is smoother with fewer scars.
This treatment condition results in the production of elastic fibre, thereby smoothing the skin texture. This accounts for the lowering of scar appearance.
PRP therapy
PRP therapy refers to the treatment method where platelet-rich plasma is drawn, concentrated, and reinjected. Along with increasing the natural repair mechanism of the body, this lightens pigmentation.
Doctors might prefer a combination if you opt for platelet-rich plasma therapy in Montreal. Like, laser resurfacing and PRP therapy combine to lower inflammation while ensuring an accurate recovery.
Here is a comparative evaluation of different advanced skin treatments.
| Treatment | How It Works | Best For | Downtime | Longevity of Results | Treatment Difficulty/Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Laser Resurfacing |
Uses laser beams to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production | Deep acne scars, wrinkles, pigmentation | Moderate (1–2 weeks of redness/peeling) | Long-lasting, especially with maintenance |
High cost, requires skilled practitioner |
|
Microneedling |
Tiny needles puncture skin to trigger healing and collagen formation | Mild to moderate acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores | Minimal (1–3 days of redness) | Results improve over multiple sessions | Moderate cost, less invasive |
| Dermal Filler Therapy | Injectables (e.g., hyaluronic acid) fill in depressions and smooth skin | Boxcar or rolling scars, volume loss | Minimal (some swelling/bruising) | Temporary (6–18 months depending on filler) |
Moderate to high cost, immediate results |
|
Chemical Peels |
Acidic solution removes outer skin layers to reveal smoother skin underneath | Superficial scars, uneven tone, sun damage | Light peels: minimal; Deep peels: up to 2 weeks | Results vary; maintenance peels needed | Varies (low for mild peels, high for deep peels) |
| PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Uses patient’s own plasma growth factors to stimulate healing and collagen | Acne scars, texture improvement, rejuvenation | Minimal (mild redness/swelling) | Gradual results over months, can last 1–2 years |
Moderate to high cost, multiple sessions needed |
Table 2: Comparing different treatments of acne scars
Before you choose any treatment, get detailed knowledge of all the treatment techniques.
Combination Methods
There are different ways to treat different types of acne scars. Hence, multimodal treatment is effective. Issues like volume loss, surface irregularities, skin texture, etc. are treated with a multi-pronged approach.
- Laser resurfacing + Dermal filler therapy: This treatment is used to treat boxcar scars. The former restores lost volume, whereas the latter stimulates collagen production.
- PRP Therapy + Microneedling: The treatment of atrophic scars is done by this treatment combination. Skin’s texture is improved by microneedling, whereas inflammation is lowered by the PRP therapy.
Wrapping Up
Acne scar treatment has been difficult because different types of scars have different appearances and vary in depth. Some of the advanced skin treatments are PRP therapy, laser resurfacing, microneedling, etc. The side effects are to be considered before availing of any treatment.
Scheduling a Skin Assessment
Acne scar is a common skin condition worldwide. Ignoring it can result in serious dermatological issues in the future. Consult a professional if you are facing it. Get a skin assessment done to find the best possible treatment for you.