Get an Instant Glow-Up Before the Holidays With Botox® and Fillers
Those upcoming holiday pictures can make you worry about your appearance. Never fear: Botox® and fillers are here to make you look and feel incredible.
I'm Embarrassed About My Acne Scars
Teenagers aren’t the only ones who struggle with acne; 25% of women experience acne well into their adult years. To make matters worse, acne scars can linger long after a pimple has popped, making it difficult for your skin to fully recover.
At New Image Medical Spa in Fremont, California, Dr. Surinder Sandhu treats a variety of skin conditions including acne scarring with minimally invasive therapies that promote healing.
Types of acne scars
Just as there are different types of acne, there are also different types of acne scars. Likewise, each type responds differently to treatment, which is why it’s important to consult a specialist to create an effective treatment plan.
Generally speaking, there are three types of acne scarring: atrophic, which causes depressions in the skin; hypertrophic, which causes raised scars; and hyperpigmentation, which causes discoloration.
Atrophic scars
When most people think of acne scarring, they usually imagine some form of atrophic scars. These marks are very common, and can vary in depth and appearance. Examples of atrophic scars include:
- Boxcar scars, which have a box-like shape and defined edges
- Icepick scars, which appear as deep punctures
- Rolling scars, which cause the skin to appear rippled or wavy
Hypertrophic scars
Raised scars can be some of the most frustrating and noticeable. A hypertrophic scar occurs in the same place as the acne that caused it, while keloid scars grow to create a scar even larger than the previous mark. This type of scarring is more common among people with dark skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one of the most common types of acne scarring. It refers to the dark pink, red, and purple scars left behind after acne has healed. As long as you wear sunscreen, these marks should go away naturally.
You’re more likely to experience discoloration if you pop or pinch at your pimples, so avoid further inflaming your skin whenever you have a breakout.
How we can help
There are many solutions to acne scars, but depending on the type and severity of your scarring, you might receive mixed results. Deep marks like boxcar or icepick scars might require persistent and aggressive treatment, while most instances of hyperpigmentation heal with time and conservative treatments.
At New Image Med Spa, we offer a number of services to improve the texture and appearance of your skin, including:
PicoSure® aesthetic laser treatment
Pulses of light at a specific wavelength can help remodel the deeper layers of your skin, and promote the creation of new collagen proteins, which plump out and fill in deep marks caused by acne scars. The PicoSure laser also addresses skin hyperpigmentation, restoring evenness to your skin tone.
Microneedling and PRF
Microneedling combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is another effective way to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of acne scars. We apply a topical numbing ointment, then gently move a handheld device covered with very fine, short needles over the surface of your skin.
You’ll feel a light prickling sensation as the needles make “micro-injuries.” Then we apply PRF, created by centrifuging a small sample of your blood to concentrate powerful growth factors, to your skin. The combination of the micro-injuries and the growth factors call other healing agents to the upper layers of your skin and kickstart healing processes.
Both procedures can be repeated several times over a time period of up to a year or more until your skin is smooth and the pigment is even. You may even be able to combine these procedures by alternating them.
You don’t have to live with acne scarring. Just schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandhu and her team by calling 510-269-2324, or visit our contact page for more information.
You Might Also Enjoy...
The Many Benefits of IPL Photofacials
Hate those spots, wrinkles, pores, and scars marking up your skin? The problem lies within. When creams and lotions don’t work, turn to the IPL photofacial and treat the source of your complexion problems from the inside out.
3 Things You Should Know Before You Get a Deep Peel
Chemical peels are an excellent way to control the shed of your skin and get a fresher, more toned complexion. Here’s what you need to know about deep peels.
The Benefits of Adding RF Energy to Microneedling Treatments
Certain skin treatments are better together, like radiofrequency (RF) energy and microneedling. Rejuvenate your face with a two-in-one treatment that could give you a brand new look.
FAQs About PDO Thread Lifts
Are you unhappy with the wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging your face is experiencing due to aging? PDO thread lifts can restore your face to youthfulness without the extreme measures of a face-lift.
Why Are My Pores So Big?
Nothing’s worse than looking in the mirror and feeling like you’re viewing the surface of the moon. What makes pores big, and how can you shrink them back to a manageable size?