Acne Scar FAQs
An Ounce Of Prevention.
Years after outgrowing adolescent acne, the aftermath acne scars - persist. Advances in acne science have made it unnecessary for acne clients, both current and past to endure acne scarring.
Because 95% of acne clients will develop scarring to some degree, the earlier that treatment appropriate for the severity of the outbreak is initiated, the better the odds are that scar formation will be mild. Delaying acne therapy by 3 or more years is likely to increase one's risk of more significant acne scarring.
For the lucky majority, acne scarring is a minor annoyance, difficult for others to visualize. For others, acne scarring can cause devastating long term emotional suffering. Teens may deal with depression, become withdrawn and a loss of self confidence. In fact, acne scarring has been cited as a risk factor for male suicide.
Newer acne therapies make it needless for anyone to suffer from acne or go on to form scars. Early intervention is key to preventing unnecessary scarring.
Mistaken Identity.
We have always had clients returning for their 6 to 8 week follow-up concerned about their new acne scars when in actuality there wasn't a scar. What they were really noticing was color change. This post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not an acne scar. It is the normal remnant of the skin's inflammatory process.
For those with pale skin tones, this aftermath color change is usually pink, red or purple in color. Patients with darker skin tones may notice brown or black spots where their acne once was. The degree of PIH is unique to an individual's Skin Type.
PIH can fade unassisted. Unfortunately, the darker the PIH, the longer it may take to resolve. It may also require some intervention in order to hasten the process, at our facility here, we very often combine a series of either chemical peels, IPL, microdermabrasion and or the AFT.
While PIH is not a true scar, when it lasts past a year, it certainly seems like a permanent problem.
Treatment FAQs
Treatments
Nobody wants to miss out on the "best" treatment. But when it comes to treating acne scars, there is often no single "best" solution that applies to an individual or to every acne scar.
Differences in location, depth, size and number of scars all affect treatment decisions. What is your perception of the scars? Do they cause great anxiety or is this something that you'd simply like to improve if possible?
These questions along with cost, your expectations and the amount of effort you plan to devote to the treatment will also be factored into the decision making that we go through with you.
We use the following solutions, very often in tandem:
Acne scarring is no longer a problem without a solution. All of the techniques we've described have become invaluable treatments for clients seeking to eradicate acne scarring.
But never forget, scarring is preventable. Don't put off acne therapy. The earlier it's dealt with, the less likely acne scars will be in your future. Prevention is the best and most effective form of treatment.
How do I know which treatments or products are suitable for me?
Great question! We show our clients how to save money and time by categorizing them into one of 16 possible Skin Types, with each Skin Type uniquely suitable for certain products and treatments that do not necessarily have to be the most expensive ones available.
Our facility is the only one to offer such a benefit and you also have the option of completing your treatment with Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup, the only makeup that heals skin while giving wonderful coverage. We have a full size testing counter that is always buzzing with clients trying out this alternative to the traditionally heavier liquid and cream based products.
Read our blog for the latest case studies and techniques that we employ to treat this issue.
Before And After Testimonials
