Worried about Acne Scarring?

Acne can be distressing enough, but also leaves a cruel legacy in the form of scarring and pitting that can continue to take a toll on your confidence even after the acne itself has cleared up.

In recent years, treatment for acne scarring has progressed significantly, and there are now a number of treatment options available at Cosmetic Doctor in Dublin to help minimise the appearance of scars.

Dr. Lisa Fay will assess and evaluate each patient to discuss realistic expectations about what to expect for your particular scarring and how best to address it. It is possible to achieve a marked level of improvement with the right treatment or combination of therapies.

Some of the treatments for acne scarring and pitting available at Cosmetic Doctor include:

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments come in two forms: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by removing outer layers and non-ablative lasers create changes in the dermis without causing damage to the skin’s surface. Non-ablative lasers have little to no downtime, whereas an ablative treatment will take a while to heal.

Ablative lasers can treat tissue to a controlled depth. They reduce atrophic (or depressed) scars and soften the look of the scar itself. Skin may be red for a period of time but the redness fades after a couple of weeks.

Non-ablative lasers tighten the skin and stimulate new collagen formation. These lasers are most beneficial for mild acne scarring and pigmentation problems, rather than deep, pitted scars.

Microdermabrasion

Not to be confused with Dermabrasion which is no longer in favour as it is quite harsh on skin, microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure.

During a microdermabrasion treatment, a machine is used to discharge ultra-fine aluminium oxide crystals through a tube and onto the skin. The crystals are simultaneously vacuumed away, and you’ll need a series of treatment to show results.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler can be injected into the area of a depressed scar to elevate the base, making it even with the surface of the rest of the skin and therefore less noticeable.

Results are not permanent, so treatment will need to be repeated after several months.

Steroid Treatments

Steroid treatments are often used for raised hypertrophic and keloid scars. Steroids may be injected directly into the scar tissue, causing the tissue to shrink or flatten, softening the scar tissue and improving the overall appearance. Corticosteroid creams may also be recommended, but hypertrophic (or raised) scars need quite specific treatments.

Microneedling

Dr. Fay uses a Dermapen, which is a precision controlled micro needling device that allows a ‘controlled wounding’ to the skin with encourages collagen production and can help reduce the appearance of scars.

To find out more about how to minimise the legacy of acne and reduce the appearance of scarring, call Cosmetic Doctor on 01 685 3100.