Pitted or deep-pitted acne scars are indents in the skin left behind after inflammatory acne subsides. These scars are hollow and develop when a sudden loss of collagen occurs during the skin’s healing process. When cell regeneration occurs after inflammation subsides, the collagen produced is insufficient to repair the damage completely. This results in depressions in the skin.
Understanding different types of Acne Scars
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that heals with or without scarring. Not all acne scars. Whether or not your acne will leave scars depends upon several factors. Common types of acne scars include:
When acne clears up, your body produces collagen to repair any damage to the skin. When the skin makes very little collagen to fill the area, a depressed or pitted scar is formed. People who develop depressed acne scars often get more than one type.
Boxcar deep-pitted scars are like chicken pox scars and have wide, well-defined margins.
These scars are broad and have undulating edges that give an uneven-looking appearance to the skin.
These are deeper than they are wide.
This raised scar is firm to touch and develops on the jawline, chest or back. A hypertrophic scar typically appears one to two months after an acne breakout clears.
This type of keloid scar takes time to form and often grows larger than the original acne breakout area. The first sign of this scar is a thickening of the skin. If you notice skin thickening, wearing a pressure garment can restrict or prevent keloid formation.
This type of scar appears as raised bumps on the nose. It is either the same or lighter colour than the individual’s natural skin tone. Papular scars can form on the nose, chin, jawline, or back and are often mistaken for acne.
When acne clears out, you may see a flat, pigmented spot where you had the acne. These spots are not scars but post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The colour of flat spots depends upon your skin tone. The flat spot is usually red or pink in people with lighter skin tones. People with medium or darker skin tones often have a bluish-grey spot.
Top treatments for Deep-Pitted Acne Scars
There are several treatment options available for deep pitted acne scars. Here are the most popular treatments available at Hortman Clinics, Dubai:
Laser resurfacing is effective for mild to moderate acne scarring. Depending on your acne scar, the dermatologist will choose either an ablative or a non-ablative laser. the most suitable laser.
In this procedure, the dermatologist uses tiny needles to puncture the skin with acne scars. This technique stimulates the body to produce more collagen and elastin, which help diminish the scars.
Though they sound scary, chemical peels are a minimally invasive technique for getting rid of deep pitted scars. They must always be administered by a dermatologist and work by removing the upper damaged layers of the skin to make way for a healthy, fresher surface. The chemicals and concentration used depend upon the level of scarring.
These are commonly used for treating pitted acne scars. When injected, these fillers add volume to depressed scars and stimulate the body to produce more collagen and elastin to fill the hollow craters left by the acne. Dermatologists use different types of fillers depending on the characteristics of the scar. Dermal fillers are temporary fixes, but some can also be permanent. Ask your dermatologist for the number of visits you require for treatment.
This is a surgical treatment in which the dermatologist cuts the collagen bands under the skin’s surface that hold back or tie down atrophic scars. This allows the skin to bounce back up, reducing the pitted scars.
How to choose the best treatment for your skin type?
If you have acne scars, the first step is to consult a board-certified dermatologist. Treatment for acne scars is not for everyone, as some people do not need to get the scars treated. To determine which treatment is the best for you, the dermatologist will evaluate your skin and understand your concerns and treatment goals.
Our expert dermatologists often use more than one treatment to lessen the appearance of acne scars, ensuring the best results.
Non-Surgical vs Surgical options: What’s right for you?
Getting rid of deep pitted scars is challenging and most often requires the help of a dermatologist. When considering treatments for deep-pitted scars, choosing between non-surgical and surgical options depends on factors like the severity of the scarring, skin type, downtime tolerance, and desired outcomes.
Each approach offers different advantages, so understanding the key differences will help you determine what’s right for you.
If you are unsure about surgical options, discuss your concern with your dermatologist. Not all cases of pitted scars require treatment or surgery. Our skin experts at Hortman Clinics evaluate your skin concerns and desired results to recommend the best treatment plan for you!
How to choose the right Doctor for Acne Scar Treatment?
Choosing the right doctor for your acne scar treatment is vital to ensure safe, effective and long-lasting results. Here is a quick guide you can use!
Research if the doctor has experience using multiple treatments, such as chemical peels, lasers, or fillers.
Always check if the doctor is a board-certified dermatologist with adequate experience treating acne scars. Feel free to ask for a before-and-after portfolio to see how they have treated people with acne scars.
During your consultation appointment, ask questions to assess if the doctor can meet your specific needs. A good doctor will explain the procedure thoroughly and offer realistic expectations.
Check reviews on trusted platforms like Google Reviews to gauge patient satisfaction. Look for reviews that mention acne scar treatments to ensure the doctor has a track record.
The doctor should provide a range of treatments based on your scar and skin type. Ensure they are updated with the latest technologies like fractional lasers, PRP, or radiofrequency microneedling.
Customized treatment plans by Hortman Clinics
At Hortman Clinics, our experts evaluate your condition and understand your goals to determine a customized treatment plan. We know that acne scars can differ, so our treatments are always patient-centered to ensure effective results. Our experts also continuously refine treatment plans based on progress, ensuring patients receive the most effective, personalized care.
What to expect during and after treatment?
The experience will vary depending on your treatment, but here’s a general idea!
During treatment:
To prevent complications, your doctor may recommend avoiding sun exposure, applying retinoids, and using certain skincare products before treatment.
Some treatments, like laser resurfacing or microneedling, may cause mild discomfort, so the dermatologist will apply a numbing cream beforehand to minimise pain. Local anaesthesia is used for more invasive procedures.
Most treatments can be done in a clinic or office. Depending on the complexity of the treatment, the duration ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Deep-pitted scars often require multiple sessions for optimal results. For example, laser treatments or microneedling may need 3-6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
After treatment:
Right after treatment, it's normal to experience slight redness, swelling, and mild discomfort, which can last from a few days to a week, depending on the type of procedure performed. For instance, treatments such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels may lead to more intense redness and peeling. As the skin heals, you can also expect the formation of scabs or additional skin peeling. Tenderness around the treated area is common, particularly with more invasive procedures like subcision, as your body begins the healing process.
Key Takeaway!
Treating deep-pitted acne scars requires a customised approach, as no single treatment works for everyone. Whether you opt for non-surgical options like laser resurfacing, microneedling, or chemical peels or choose a surgical solution like punch excision, each method offers unique benefits depending on the type and severity of scarring. Consulting with a qualified dermatologist helps them tailor a plan that addresses your skin concerns and delivers the best results. Unhappy with deep pitted acne scars on your face? We at Hortman Clinics, Dubai are here to help you.
Book your appointment with our dermatologist to get rid of your acne scars today!
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