Scarring & Acne Scarring

Scars form as part of the body's natural healing process in response to injury or inflammation. When the skin is injured, the body produces collagen to repair the wound. However, if this process is disrupted or if the body produces too much or too little collagen, a scar can form. Scars can vary in appearance based on the type and extent of the injury, as well as individual factors such as age, genetics, and skin type.

Acne scarring, in particular, is caused by severe acne – typically cystic acne that affects deeper layers of the skin. When a breakout damages the skin and the surrounding tissue, the body responds by producing collagen to repair the area. If the body produces too much collagen, raised scars (known as hypertrophic or keloid scars) can form. Conversely, if the body doesn't produce enough collagen, the healed area can have a pitted or depressed appearance, which is characteristic of atrophic scars. These include boxcar, ice pick, and rolling scars, which are all types of atrophic acne scars.

Acne scars come in several types, each with their unique characteristics. The most common types are atrophic scars, which are pitted or sunken, and hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are raised. Atrophic scars are further divided into boxcar, ice pick, and rolling scars.

Ice pick scars are deep, very narrow scars that extend into the dermis, giving the skin an appearance as though it's been punctured with a sharp object. Boxcar scars are broad, rectangular depressions with steep, defined edges, and can be shallow or deep. Rolling scars are caused by damage under the surface of the skin and give the skin a wave-like appearance due to their wide, shallow depressions.

Hypertrophic scars are raised and firm, typically forming within the boundary of the original acne lesion, while keloid scars extend beyond these boundaries. Both hypertrophic and keloid scars occur when the body produces too much collagen while healing.

The severity of acne scarring can vary significantly from person to person and depends on multiple factors. One key factor is the type and severity of the acne. Inflammatory acne, which includes conditions like cysts and nodules that occur deep within the skin, is more likely to cause scarring because it impacts deeper layers of the skin.

Individual genetics also play a role in determining who scars more severely from acne. Some people may be genetically predisposed to produce more collagen during the healing process, leading to hypertrophic or keloid scars, while others might produce less collagen, leading to atrophic scars.

Other factors include the individual's skin type and colour, their age, and how long the acne persists. Picking, popping, or squeezing acne can also lead to more severe scarring by causing further inflammation and damage to the skin.

While it may not be possible to prevent all acne scars, especially for those with severe acne, there are measures that can be taken to minimise their occurrence and severity. The most effective way to prevent acne scars is by treating acne early and effectively to reduce the likelihood of inflammation and subsequent scarring. A dermatologist can provide guidance on the best treatment approach for individual acne types and severity.

It's also important to avoid picking, popping, or squeezing acne, as this can increase inflammation and damage the skin further, potentially leading to more severe scarring.

Maintaining a consistent skincare routine, including gentle cleansing and moisturising, can help to keep the skin healthy and minimise the risk of scarring. Protecting your skin from the sun is also crucial, as sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable.

If scars do form, early treatment can help to reduce their severity. Various treatments are available that can help to improve the appearance of acne scars, including topical treatments, dermabrasion, laser therapy, microneedling, and others. A professional can advise on the best treatment options based on the type and severity of the scars, as well as individual skin type and health history.

There are many traditional methods for treating scarring and acne scarring, ranging from topical treatments to more invasive surgical procedures. The effectiveness of these methods can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the scars, as well as individual factors such as skin type and overall health.

Topical treatments, such as creams, gels, or lotions, can help to reduce the appearance of scars by smoothing the skin and promoting cell turnover. These treatments often contain ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C, which can help to stimulate collagen production and brighten the skin. However, topical treatments may not be effective for more severe or deep scars.

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are procedures that involve removing the top layers of skin to help reduce the appearance of scars. Dermabrasion is more invasive and can be effective for deeper scars, while microdermabrasion is less invasive and can help to improve the appearance of minor scarring.

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layers and stimulate new skin growth. This can help to reduce the appearance of scars, but may require multiple treatments to achieve significant results.

Laser therapy, including ablative and non-ablative lasers, can be effective for reducing the appearance of both atrophic and hypertrophic scars by stimulating collagen production, reducing redness, and smoothing the skin's texture.

Microneedling, eCO2 Laser, Lutronic Genius, and Lutronic Ultra offer innovative, non-invasive treatments that can provide superior results compared to traditional scar treatments. These treatments work by stimulating the body's natural healing processes, leading to more effective and longer-lasting results.

Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This triggers the body's wound healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production and promoting the regeneration of healthy skin cells. This can help to fill in atrophic scars and smooth the skin's texture.

The eCO2 Laser is an ablative laser that removes layers of skin to trigger the body's healing response. This leads to the production of new skin cells and collagen, which can help to fill in atrophic scars and reduce the appearance of hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Lutronic Genius uses high-intensity focused radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin healing and rejuvenation.

Lutronic Ultra uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to target and heat soft tissue under the skin. This stimulates the body's healing response and the production of new collagen and elastin, leading to a reduction in the appearance of scars over time.

By targeting the deeper layers of the skin and stimulating the body's natural healing processes these methods help to create new, healthier skin from within, leading to more natural-looking results. They can also help to improve the skin's overall texture and tone, leading to a more radiant and youthful appearance.

While these treatments can provide significant results, it's important to remember that multiple sessions may be necessary, depending on the severity and type of scarring. It's also crucial to have these treatments performed by a trained professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The eCO2 Laser and Lutronic Genius are considered particularly effective for scar and acne scar reduction due to their ability to target the deeper layers of the skin and stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

The eCO2 Laser is an ablative laser that removes the outermost layers of the skin. By doing so, it triggers the body's wound healing response, leading to the regeneration of new skin cells and increased production of collagen. This helps to fill in atrophic scars from the bottom up and smooth the skin's texture, reducing the appearance of scars. This laser also has a unique ability to provide fractional treatments, treating only a fraction of the skin at a time, which allows for faster healing and less downtime compared to traditional ablative lasers.

The Lutronic Genius, on the other hand, uses high-intensity focused radiofrequency energy to deliver heat to the deeper layers of the skin. This helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production and promotes the regeneration of healthy skin cells. Over time, this leads to a reduction in the appearance of both atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as improved skin texture and tone. The Genius' precise delivery of energy also allows for individualised treatment plans, tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Both of these treatments are non-invasive and require minimal downtime, making them a popular choice for individuals looking to reduce the appearance of scars without the need for surgery. However, as with all treatments, it's important to have realistic expectations and to remember that multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results. That’s why a consultation with a qualified aesthetic practitioner is crucial, to understand your options and what results you might expect from the treatment.