Acne and Scars

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What are Acne Scar Treatments?

It is more than likely that when a pimple heals it leaves a mark on the face that lasts for a much longer time. Acne scars come in all shapes, size, and severity, where no two scars are exactly the same. Some acne scars are sharp and deep as if it was created by an icepick while others are broad and wide resembling a boxcar train. In fact, some acne scars are even larger than the original pimple itself. Some scars may even be associated with a background of red to brown pigmentation.‍

Is Acne Scar Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Yes and No, some acne scar treatments are considered medical while most procedures are considered cosmetics and thus will not be covered most medical insurances. True dermatology will work with you to find an affordable and clinically effective treatment plan for you.

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True Dermatology's Comprehensive Approach to Acne and Acne Scar Treatment

True Dermatology stands at the forefront of tackling the complex issue of acne and its subsequent scarring through a meticulously structured, two-phase treatment approach. The journey begins with the crucial step of managing and controlling active acne. True Dermatology emphasizes the importance of this phase, utilizing a combination of advanced therapies including topical treatments, oral medications, and potentially hormonal therapies. These are carefully selected and personalized to effectively reduce inflammation, clear existing breakouts, and prevent new acne formation. This phase is foundational, as it prepares the skin for the next crucial steps in treatment, and requires patience and consistency for optimal results.

Once active acne is under control, True Dermatology’s expertise shifts to the second critical phase: treating acne scars. Acknowledging that acne scars vary in type and severity, True Dermatology offers a diverse range of treatments. Techniques like subcision are used for treating depressed scars, employing specialized methods to release fibrotic strands beneath the skin. For atrophic scars, dermal fillers might be suggested, providing a temporary, yet immediate improvement in the skin’s appearance.

Microneedling, a popular and effective treatment for various types of scars, is another key offering. It stimulates the body's natural healing processes, leading to new collagen and elastin formation, thereby improving skin texture. Chemical peels, from superficial to medium depth, are also part of True Dermatology's treatment arsenal, helping in skin regeneration and reducing the visibility of scars.

True Dermatology understands that a personalized combination of these treatments often leads to the best outcomes. The treatment plan is tailored to each individual’s specific needs, considering their unique skin condition and overall health. A series of treatment sessions, coupled with consistent follow-up, ensures that the treatment plan is effective and adjusts to the patient’s evolving needs.

In addition to these treatments, True Dermatology emphasizes the importance of overall skin health. A consistent skincare routine and rigorous sun protection are vital in supporting the treatment process and maintaining long-term skin health. Setting realistic expectations is also key; while significant improvements can be expected, completely eradicating scars may not always be possible.

True Dermatology’s comprehensive, two-phase approach to acne and acne scar treatment offers a path to not only improved skin appearance but also enhanced self-confidence and quality of life for patients struggling with these common skin concerns.

Treatment Modalities

Subcision - minor procedure for treatment of deep scars using a hypodermic needle to break up the scar tissue tethering the underside of individual scars.

Injections - raised thicker scars will be great candidates for injections that will not only soften the texture but also flatten the scar.

Dermal fillers - Large pimples often over stretch and cause permanent loss of collagen that result in depressed scars that can be treated with dermal fillers to stimulate collagen where it is lost.

Micro-needling - After numbing the skin with topical anesthetics, areas of scarring are punctured by hundreds of very fine and short needles that will stimulate new collagen growth to smoothen the overall complexion of the skin. Micro-needling devices may also be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to further facilitate improvement.

Chemical Peels - Chemical peels will physically exfoliate the top layer of the skin and will allow new healthy skin to replace the old damaged one. It is of utmost importance that the type of peel used is correct based on your individual skin type. A test spot may be used initially to better understand how your skin will react.

Microdermabrasion - Minimally invasive procedure aiming to renew the overall skin tone and texture. The exfoliation mechanism of the treatment will aim to not only reduce minor scarring and texture unevenness but also to help improve discoloration.

TCA Cross - Targeted chemical reconstruction of individual depressed skin scars using highly concentrated trichloroacetic acid. This is particularly effective for “ice-pick” scars.

Excision - Deeper scars that are not amenable will be best treated by numbing the scar and a few millimeters are excised or cut out. As a result a round scar is traded for a flat line scar that can be more easily treated. These tiny sutures are then removed in 7 days.

Topicals - combination of the highest clinical grade topical whitening agents from compounding pharmacies (Skin Medicinals), vitamin A derivatives, and silicone-based scar gels may be used simultaneously with all treatments.

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