Those reddish pimples that leave a scar after they’re long gone can sometimes be irritating. You might desire for a clear and spotless skin, but no matter how much you try to get rid of it, the scar stays rigid. Pimples are very common but they are a big headache, and to add more to it, the scars. If you’ve tried home remedies, and still they don’t work for you, you need to see a consultant Plastic and Cosmetic surgeon. The consultant will closely look at the type of skin and scar, and will suggest the treatment accordingly by paying attention to all the details. Let us see the type of acne scars and different treatments to fade scarring.

Types of Acne scars

1. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is not actually a scar, but a result of inflammation before the healing process – that is caused by pimples. The pigmentation is the darker discoloration of the skin. This usually happens to people who produce more melanin and tan.

2. Keloids

Keloids are discolored bumps that are developed at the stage of post-inflammation of the pimple. It occurs when the area tries to heal itself but creates more cells than it usually should.

3. Icepick scars

Ice Pick acne scars are slightly severe than the other scars. These are formed by pimples which leave a hollow mark on the skin. There are depressions on the surface of the skin, almost like a mini puncture. It happens when the skin loses collagen, which causes the overlying skin to collapse and form a hole. It is a result of cystic acne – which are painful and forms on the chin, jawline, and cheek due to hormonal changes.

4. Rolling scars

The Rolling scars develop a wavy texture on the skin. They are typically soft and smooth as compared to Ice pick scars. It is a result of long term inflammatory acne. It gradually becomes more visible and severe as you get older, causing the skin to lose elasticity and natural tightness.

5. Boxcar scars

These scars tend to be shallow but are sharp and edgy. It almost looks like the impression of a fingernail. This depression holds scar tissue that is pulled downward from the rest of the skin.

After consulting the doctor for these kinds of acne scars, he may implement one of the following procedures to resurface the skin.

Fillers

The surgeons use the collagen, the patient’s own fat or substance, to fill the depressed acne scars. It is very effective and mostly gives temporary results.

Skin tightening

This is a treatment for all the skin types and is considered more. The surgeon uses a technology known as radiofrequency to tighten the skin. The scars start to become less visible as the skin tightens. This treatment requires special after-care. This treatment is best for acne scars and also effectively treats boxcar and ice pick scars.

Collagen- induction therapy

It is also known as needling or micro-needling. It is the procedure of puncturing the skin by moving a sterile, handheld needle-studded roller across the depressed acne scars. The skin produces collagen as it heals. The patients mostly require three to six treatments.

Electrodessication

In this treatment, electric probes are used to heat the tissue, which eventually dies. This treatment is the best for boxcar acne scars. It shapes or reduces the acne scars.

Acne scar surgery

This is the mainstay in deep Acne Scar treatment. A Diamond burr is used for Dermabrasion till the deep scars are reduced. These heal with collagen production and lead to great subsidence of these sorts of scars.

Laser therapy

The good way to treat superficial acne scars effectively and safely is laser treatment. Fractional CO2 laser is used to reduce itch and pain, fade color, and treat the depressed scar.

Cryosurgery

Earlier used, not much now. In this treatment, the scar tissues are frozen. The tissue dies and eventually falls off. There is a combination of cryotherapy and corticosteroid sessions for better results.

These were the insights of types of scars and their treatments, the best treatment for your scar will be suggested by our Plastic surgeon. With time and multiple treatments, most of these scars will fade away making them barely visible.

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