What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are a common complication of acne and have various types and severity. Not only are they a physical issue, but they can also cause a variety of emotional, psychological, and social implications. This is why acne scar removal in Singapore is often approached as a medically guided process rather than a purely cosmetic concern.
Acne scars are a response to inflammation and tissue damage during the acne lesion healing process. The severity and type can depend on various factors, including genetics, the depth and duration of the acne lesions, and the individual’s skin type and healing process.
In some cases, the body’s response to the inflammation caused by acne lesions can lead to an overproduction or reduction of collagen. Too much collagen can result in raised scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloid scars, while too little collagen can result in depressed scars. Treatment planning, including options such as laser treatment for people with acne scars in Singapore, depends on understanding these differences rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Certain injectable approaches may also be considered as part of acne scar management. Using a salmon DNA injection or polynucleotide (PN) treatment, the solution works within the skin to support repair processes and collagen activity, which may help improve the overall appearance of scars with consistent sessions.
Applying pressure on an inflamed acne lesion can cause pus to spread into the surrounding skin, leading to further tissue damage. While there are several approaches used to address acne scars, treating active acne first is an important step before considering scar management. Consultation with a qualified doctor allows for appropriate assessment of scarring type, skin condition, and suitable treatment options.
Types of Acne Scars
Discoloured Acne Scars
Red/Purple
Commonly the first stage after an inflammatory acne lesion has healed. Also known as Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
Brown
Some PIE lesions may develop into brown-coloured lesions due to the formation of melanin. Also known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Depressed (sunken) Acne Scars
Ice-pick Scars
Deep, narrow scars that resemble small puncture wounds.
Boxcar Scars
Broader than ice-pick scars, flat with sharp, angled edges.
Rolling Scars
Wider scars with sloping edges
Atrophic Scars
Deeper scars with sloping edges, usually larger than other depressed scars
Elevated (raised) Acne Scars
Hypertrophic Scars
Caused by the excess production of collagen during the healing process.
Keloid Scars
Thick and extend beyond the boundaries of the acne lesion.
Treatment Options For Acne Scars
Acne scars are the result of acne, therefore the first step on how to remove them starts with the treatment and management of acne. Once acne maintenance is achieved, treatments on how to get rid of them can be taken into consideration. Treatment options for acne scars depend on the type and severity of scarring, as well as the patient’s skin type and medical history. The treatment modalities differ according to the different kinds of acne scars. If there is a combination of scar types, multiple types of targeted acne scar treatments may be required. Multiple sessions are commonly required for improvement, and a complete “cure(resolution)” of depressed/elevated scars is very rare.
Discoloured scars
- PIE: certain lasers with specific wavelengths to target the blood and blood vessels contributing to the red colour of the lesion
- PIH: similar to hyperpigmentation treatments
Depressed scars
- Laser resurfacing: fractional type lasers to stimulate collagen.
- Microneedle Radiofrequency (RF) to stimulate collagen.
- These treatments commonly require topical anaesthesia and involve downtime in the recovery process.
Rolling/Atrophic Scars
- Same as other depressed scars (see 2.)
- Dermal fillers: can be injected under certain rolling/atrophic scars to raise the lesion closer to the surrounding skin level. The results may be temporary. These include hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides.
Hypertrophic Scars
- Topical steroids
- Steroid injections
- Silicone sheets/gel
- Laser
- Surgery
Keloid Scars
- Same as for hypertrophic scars (see 4.)
- Other: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Imiquimod, Verapamil injections
Minor Surgery
In some severe cases, a surgical procedure such as a punch excision may be necessary for deep acne scar removal. For rolling/atrophic scars which have tethered bands, subcision using a special needle may help raise the level of the scar.
Since acne scars are difficult to treat and can cause detrimental effects on the patient, early and proper treatment of acne, in addition to avoiding recurrence to prevent scars, is of critical importance. If they develop, their appearance can be improved with proper treatment, including options such as laser treatment for people with acne scars in Singapore, where suitability is assessed on an individual basis.
Certain injectable approaches may also be considered as part of scar management. Using a salmon DNA injection or polynucleotide (PN) treatment, the solution works within the skin to support repair processes and collagen activity, which may help improve the overall appearance of scars with consistent sessions.
However, as mentioned above, most acne scars cannot be completely eliminated (unless surgically removed in cases of certain depressed scars).Therefore it is important to have realistic expectations and an understanding of treatment benefits and risks involved. You might also consider acne treatment if you are experiencing breakouts for a better skin condition and to prevent them.
Find the Right Doctor For Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore
Choosing a doctor for acne scar treatment involves understanding your skin condition and the different options available. An assessment helps identify the type and severity of scarring, allowing a treatment plan to be considered based on your individual needs.
Treatment approaches may vary and can include different methods depending on skin type, scar characteristics, and overall skin goals. The aim is to support the skin’s natural repair processes while addressing areas of concern in a structured and considered way.
If you are exploring options for acne scar management, scheduling a consultation can help you better understand what may be suitable for your skin.
FAQs about Acne Marks Removal in Singapore
There are several types of acne scar treatments available, depending on scar type, depth, and skin condition. Options may include:
- Topical treatments such as retinoids or exfoliating acids, which are used to support skin renewal over time
- Procedures like chemical peels, microneedling, polynucleotide (PN) treatments, or radiofrequency microneedling, which work at different skin depths
- Dermal fillers or subcision, which may be considered for certain types of depressed scars
- Laser-based treatments or surgical options for more defined or isolated scars
Certain PN-based injectable treatments use salmon DNA-derived polynucleotides to support repair processes and collagen activity in the skin, and may be included in acne scar management depending on individual skin needs.
The suitability of each option is usually determined after an assessment at an aesthetic clinic in Singapore, where individual skin needs are taken into account.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is, in no way, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We make no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, availability, adequacy, or validity of the information or procedures outlined on the website. Always consult professional medical and aesthetic advice for your skincare and medical concerns.
References:
- "Scars", National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/scars.html
- Maya Valeska Gozali, MD and Bingrong Zhou, MD, PhD; DAN LUO, MD, PhD, "Effective Treatments of Atrophic Acne Scars", National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445894/
- Deirdre Connolly, Ha Linh Vu, Kavita Mariwalla, and Nazanin Saedi, "Acne Scarring—Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options", National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749614/
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