Acne scars are more than a skin issue; they represent a personal healing process that differs for each individual. Here at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, serving Rosemont and Chicago, IL, we recognize the unique challenges that come with each case of acne scarring. We will uncover the specific causes of acne scars and showcase our specialized treatment options. By diving deep into the factors contributing to scarring, we aim to give you the knowledge to pursue the most effective acne scar treatment tailored to your skin’s needs.
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are permanent textural changes and indentations on the skin due to severe acne. While acne primarily affects skin health and appearance during breakouts, scars can remain long after the original pimples have cleared up.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars are often unwelcome reminders of severe or improperly managed acne. They manifest when deeply inflamed acne lesions, such as cysts and nodules, rupture beneath the skin’s surface. This rupture can cause significant damage to the small, localized area and the surrounding tissue.
The skin produces collagen fibers as it tries to heal these wounds, but this repair process doesn’t always run smoothly. The type and severity of scarring depend primarily on two competing processes: the extent of the wound and the efficiency of the biological healing response.
Genetics
Genetic predisposition significantly affects how your skin responds to healing after acne. Some individuals’ skin generates excess fibrous tissue, leading to raised scars, while others may experience a deficit in collagen production, resulting in pitted or depressed scars.
Severity of Acne
The depth and intensity of acne lesions are closely tied to scarring risks. Deep, inflammatory forms of acne, such as cystic acne, extend further into the skin layers, potentially causing more significant damage and more pronounced scars.
Picking and Popping
Picking or squeezing acne can exacerbate inflammation, push bacteria deeper into the skin layers, and spread the lesion across adjacent tissue. This delays the healing process and increases the risk of creating more extensive scarring by disrupting the natural healing process and introducing further infection.
What Are the Different Types of Acne Scars?
Ice Pick Scars
These are deep and very narrow and extend into the dermis. The skin looks as if it has been punctured with a sharp tool. Ice pick scars are usually smaller but are also more noticeable because they are deep. Because of their depth, they are particularly challenging to treat.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are wider than ice pick scars, characterized by their broad, angular edges and box-like appearance. They can be shallow or deep and are usually the result of widespread acne, chicken pox, or varicella. The sharp, defined edges of boxcar scars make them more noticeable and easier to treat with certain resurfacing treatments.
Rolling Scars
Due to their wide and shallow depth, these scars create a wave-like appearance on the skin. Rolling scars are caused by damage under the skin’s surface, which pulls the epidermis down. The rolling nature of these scars is due to the fibrous bands that develop between the skin and the subcutaneous tissue. These bands pull the epidermis, causing the rolling texture.
Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars
Unlike the other types, hypertrophic scars are raised above the skin surface. They result from an overly aggressive healing process and extend beyond the initial wound site, potentially becoming larger over time. These scars are more common on the chest, back, shoulders, and where the skin is thicker.
Which Treatments Do We Provide for Acne Scars?
At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, we are committed to providing diverse treatment options tailored to address various types of acne scars. Whether you’re dealing with mild discoloration or deep pitted scars, our specialized treatments are designed to enhance your skin’s appearance and texture.
Neo-Peel
This superficial chemical peel utilizes glycolic acid combined with MELAPLEX® components, effectively targeting uneven skin tone and texture. It’s particularly beneficial for mild acne scars, especially those with pigmentation issues, helping brighten and smooth the skin’s surface.
Minus Ten Peel
The Minus Ten Peel offers a robust formulation that includes retinaldehyde, peptides, antioxidants, and stem cell technology for more intensive care. This peel goes deeper to stimulate collagen production and is excellent for more noticeable acne scars, promoting a smoother and more rejuvenated skin appearance.
Laser Skin Resurfacing With the Sciton Contour TRL Laser
Laser skin resurfacing with the Sciton Contour TRL laser is ideal for those with deep and severe scars. This treatment effectively resurfaces the entire treated skin area, resulting in significant enhancements in skin texture, firmness, and smoothness. It is especially beneficial for addressing pitted and atrophic scars.
Microneedling
Microneedling is another versatile treatment that involves creating micro-injuries to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production. It’s suitable for all types of acne scars and addresses textural and color changes in the skin.
RF Microneedling With Morpheus8
RF microneedling with Morpheus8 combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy to reach deeper skin layers. This enhances natural collagen production and significantly tightens skin, which is particularly beneficial for deeper textural issues and scars.
Take Control of Your Skin With Acne Scar Treatments in Rosemont, IL
Understanding the causes and types of acne scars is the first step toward effective treatment. At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Rosemont, IL, we specialize in tailored acne scar reduction treatments that cater to your unique skin needs. If you have any questions about which treatment might suit your needs, please get in touch with us. Contact us online or call (847) 853-9900 to explore your acne scar treatment options and start your journey to scar-free skin.
