Acne Scars

WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE CAUSES/ SYMPTOMS AND/OR SIGNS?

Acne scarring typically occurs when a person who suffers from severe symptoms leaves them untreated for a prolonged period of time. Scars can also form if the person constantly picks at or squeezes their acne.

Scarring results from the depth of injury. When inflammation, infection or trauma affects the deeper layers of the skin, scar tissue formation occurs.

Scarring comes in many different shapes, sizes and even colours. There are five different types of acne scars:

• Rolling: Indented, superficial, wave-like scars
• Keloid: Raised scars that extend beyond the original wound
• Boxcar: Deeply indented, round pitted scars
• Ice-pick: Deeply indented, narrow pitted scars
• Pigmentation: Discoloration of a scar is referred to as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation but is not a true scar

It should be noted that not all scarring is the same and are awarded different levels of severity. Scarring may be graded as:

• Grade 1: Slightly visible inconsistencies in the complexion.
• Grade 2: Visible mild rolling scars.
• Grade 3: Visible moderate rolling, boxcar and hypertrophic scars.
• Grade 4: Visible severe icepick or keloid scarring.

TREATMENT SOLUTIONS:

SKIN NEEDLING

Skin Needling is highly recommended for treatment for acne scars. Sublime 571 offers a variety of options that are specifically designed to target particular subgroups and depths of scarring. It produces micro channels that rejuvenate the skin and can break up existing scar tissue of any grade. These channels encourage the generation and distribution of new collagen that will progressively build healthy, thicker and firmer skin around the affected areas. This significantly reduces the depth and appearance of scarring and provides a far smoother and even skin surface.

Side effects of the needling process are typically minimal and can include swelling, peeling and mild bruising. The risk of post-procedure infection is highly unlikely as the micro channels will typically close within minutes.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Retinol A

CHEMICAL PEELS

Sublime 571 offers varying degrees of Chemical Peels, from superficial to medium depth. Chemical Peels can assist in managing mild to medium scarring, with a series of sessions required to achieve optimum results. The appropriate Chemical Peel can soften and smooth scarring whilst stimulating cellular renewal for a refreshed and re-texturised complexion.

SCULPTRA

Sculptra® contains a substance called PLLA (poly-L-latic-acid). It is injected deep under the skin, where the PLLA works with facial tissues to stimulate and revitalise natural collagen production. The treatment typically involves a series of injections, and the results can last for up to two years.