Acne Scarring

Learn more about Acne Scars

• People with moderate to severe acne are more likely to get scarring.

• Types of acne like nodular cystic acne (big, painful bumps) and acne conglobata (large, interconnected bumps) are more likely to cause scarring.

• Picking or squeezing pimples can also worsen scarring.

Acne scarring happens because the inflammation from acne can damage the deeper layers of your skin (the dermis). Sometimes, the skin heals with too much or too little collagen, leading to different types of scars.

• Atrophic Scars:

  • Ice-Pick Scars: Narrow, deep scars that look like small holes.

  • Boxcar Scars: Round or oval depressions with well-defined edges.

  • Rolling Scars: Wide depressions with sloping edges.

• Elevated scars:

• Hypertrophic/Keloid Scars: Raised scars that can be the same size as the acne lesion (hypertrophic) or larger (keloid).

• Papular scars: skin-colored, raised bumps that have a cobblestone-like appearance, commonly found on the back, chin, and nose. 

• Other Skin Changes:

• Pink post-acne marks (erythema): These are red marks caused by inflammation. They usually fade within a few months.  

• Brown post-acne marks (hyperpigmentation): These are brown spots caused by an overproduction of melanin. They are more common in people with darker skin tones.  

• White post-acne marks (hypopigmentation): These are lighter spots caused by a loss of pigment.

While acne scars can fade, they rarely go away completely on their own. Dermatologists help many people with acne scars to see smoother and more even-toned skin.

Acne scarring treatment can take time and may require multiple sessions. Results vary from person to person. It's important to consult with a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment options for your specific type of scarring.

• Medications: Some creams or medications can help reduce redness, dark spots or stimulate pigment.

• Procedures:

• Laser Resurfacing: Including Ablative and non-ablative fractionated laser. Can improve the appearance of scars by stimulating collagen production.

• Chemical Peels including TCA CROSS (trichloroacetic acid): Can help smooth the skin's surface.

• Microneedling: Creates tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production.

• Radiofrequency: Uses heat to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production.

• Vascular or Pigment Specific Lasers: Improve skin tone/ colour changes.

• Dermabrasion: Physical resurfacing of the skin with a use of tools.

• Volume replacement or Biostimulator injections to stimulate collagen.

• Subcision: A minor procedure to release the bands of scar tissue under the skin.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be used to remove or reshape scars. Such as Punch or elliptical excision, Punch grafting or Punch elevation

• Treatment for Raised Scars: Topical steroids, Intralesional anti-inflammatory or neuromodulator injections and Pulsed dye laser (PDL)

The best way to prevent acne scarring is to treat acne early and avoid picking or squeezing lesions. Timely and appropriate acne treatment can reduce the risk of scarring and its psychological impact.

For more information or to discuss treatment options, please contact Shades Dermatology. Our team of specialists is here to help you find the best approach for your skin concerns.

The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. All medical and cosmetic procedures involve some risks. Results achieved for our patients that may be shown in before and after pictures on this website are specific to the individual, and may not be achievable for another patient. For specific advice regarding your skin condition, please book a a consultation with one of our Dermatologists at Shades Dermatology.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.