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Acne Scars & Scar Treatment
Scar reduction is one of the most popular and effective uses for state-of-the-art laser therapies. Signs of scarring on the skin can have a significant effect on an individual’s self-esteem. With minimally-invasive laser treatments, our board-certified dermatologists have helped many patients diminish the appearance of scars and achieve a smoother, more even appearance with the surrounding skin. Our dermatologists in Houston offer an array of laser scar reduction treatment plans and can help you determine one that is right for you.
- Scars
- Acne Scars
- Scar Treatments
- Post-Surgical Scarring
- Patient Results
- Effective Acne Scar Treatments
- Acne Scar Patient Results
- Patient Reviews
- Schedule a Consultation
What are Scars, Why Do They Occur?
Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process after injury, illness, or surgery. The more severe the skin damage and the longer the healing period, the more likely it is for a visible scar to develop. Initially, scars often appear red and raised but tend to lighten and flatten over time. Scars that seem prominent at three months may improve as healing continues. Several factors, such as age and location on the body, influence how scars develop. For instance, younger skin often produces more substantial scars, and scars over tight areas like the jawline may be more noticeable. Scars that disrupt natural facial lines or are raised or sunken can create uneven shadows, making them stand out. Dermatologic and cosmetic procedures can help refine these scars for a smoother appearance.
Scar Reduction
For those with noticeable scars, various laser treatments are available to help reduce their visibility. While surgical options may be effective, they can be costly and inconvenient. Laser procedures offer a less invasive alternative for minimizing the appearance of scars caused by acne, injury, or surgery, helping diminish their size and redness.
Post-Surgical Scarring
Our physicians specialize in treating post-surgical scarring, and patients are frequently referred to him by plastic surgeons. An essential step in reducing the appearance of post-surgical scars is prevention and early care. Our physicians also follow up with laser treatments to diminish the prominence of scars after surgery.
Effective Scar Treatments
- Intralesional injections of steroids
- 5-fluorouracil
- Vbeam® Laser
- UltraClear™
- Fraxel® Laser
Scar Treatment Results
What are Acne Scars, Why Do They Occur?
Acne scars develop when breakouts progress to the point of causing tissue damage. This damage results in indentations or depressions as part of the skin’s healing process. These scars typically have lower collagen levels, irregular dermal fibers, and diminished elasticity. Effective scar treatment requires both the removal of damaged skin layers and the promotion of collagen production to enhance texture and tone. Traditional methods, including topical treatments, dermabrasion, surgery, and conventional lasers, have struggled to achieve significant results, often affecting healthy tissue along with the scar. This has left many patients frustrated by lingering acne scars even after their breakouts have subsided.
Effective Acne Scarring Treatments
A major advancement occurred when the FDA approved Fraxel® Laser Treatment for acne scars, offering a safer, more effective solution by targeting the deeper dermis to stimulate collagen production without damaging surrounding healthy skin.
Subcision is another groundbreaking treatment that targets depressed acne scars by breaking up the fibrous bands tethering the skin to deeper tissues. By releasing these bands, the skin can lift and smooth over time. This minimally invasive procedure stimulates new collagen formation, promoting natural healing and improving the skin’s overall texture. Subscision is often paired with Sculptra or hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, or RHA fillers, to help enhance and optimize the results.
Acne Scarring Treatments Include:
Acne Scar Treatment Results
Sources
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Acne Scar Subcision. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2956956/. Accessed October 2, 2024.